Effingham, IL -(Effingham Radio)- The C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation Board of Directors held their 53rd annual board meeting in Effingham on Thursday, August 2nd with nearly 200 people in attendance. C.E.F.S. showcased their annual accomplishments in helping people and changing lives and in achieving their mission of providing opportunities for people through education and support to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency.
During the annual meeting, the agency recognized and thanked board members for volunteering their time to guide and direct the agency. The agency also recognized the 2018 Family of Distinction, the Tawdros Family of Effingham, for their achievements towards economic stability which exemplified the agency’s efforts in helping people and changing lives. In addition, sixteen individuals were recognized who had made a tremendous level of personal growth towards achieving self sufficiency. Further, the agency recognized six organizations that provided an outstanding level of community service to the agency during the past year. Eleven outstanding volunteer awards were presented to persons for their volunteer service to improve people’s lives. The Paul D. White Lifetime Achievement award recipient, Marlys Hayner, was also honored and recognized for her efforts to help people and change lives in her community for more than 25 years. C.E.F.S. also awarded a total of $11,500 in educational scholarships to three individuals to attend post secondary educational opportunities. The educational scholarship funding was provided by the Community Services Block Grant Program from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
C.E.F.S. Chief Executive Officer Kevin Bushur presented the 2018 annual report that highlighted the agency accomplishments achieved during the past fiscal year. According to CEO Bushur, “This past year we provided services to almost 20,000 individuals and families. We will remain focused on planting seeds for a stronger future. We know that with guidance, education, training, and empowerment, we can improve the lives of individuals and families and help them reach the goal of achieving economic self-sufficiency and stability.” Board Chairperson Jean Finley in her annual report remarks added, “I want to offer my gratitude to everyone who has helped people and changed lives and who has supported the mission of C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation in providing opportunities for people through education and support to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency.”
C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation is a not-for-profit Community Action Agency that has provided comprehensive human service programs for people in the service delivery area for the past 53 years. C.E.F.S. provides direct services, referrals, and linkages to address issues facing low-income residents and provides local community solutions to meet those needs. If you would like more information about C.E.F.S. and its programs, please call the central office at 217/342-2193, your local county C.E.F.S. outreach office, or visit the agency website at www.cefseoc.org.