
Regardless of the circumstances, being suddenly unemployed can be a life changing event.
Our goal is to help you navigate through an event and period that can be emotionally, mentally and financially stressful for you and your loved ones.
The information below is designed to provide advice and resources that can help you handle being suddenly laid off or fired from a job.
If you are an organization that provides assistance and would like to be listed, please contact us HERE.
RESOURCES
ADM EMPLOYEES
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois Department of Employment Security, and Workforce Investment Solutions will provide a Rapid Response service for those who were recently laid off by Archer Daniels Midland Company. Additionally, you can access important information on the layoff assistance page created specifically for you HERE.
Rapid Response workshops will be held at the Workforce Investment Solutions office, located at 757 W. Pershing Road, Decatur, Illinois. Workshop schedule:
- February 13, 2025 – 10:00am – 12:00pm
- February 13, 2025 – 1:00pm – 3:00pm
- February 14, 2025 – 10:00am – 12:00pm
- February 14, 2025 – 1:00pm – 3:00pm
UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
- You can also call and schedule a call back from an expert at 1-800-244-5631
- Schedule an in-person appointment for identity verification help, employment services and to use the resource room. 217-558-0401
EDUCATION AND RETRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Workforce Investment Solutions
- Apply for services through Workforce Investment Solutions HERE. You can also fill out a hard copy application for print HERE.
- Also available at 217 875 8721
- 757 W. Pershing Rd
- Available computer lab for resumes, job search and on-line applications
- Job readiness workshops
- Resume Building Assistance
- Job re-training and career services
- Access to financial assistance and grant funding
Empowerment Opportunity Center
- Employment Training and Supports www.empowerdecatur.org/employment-services/
Richland Community College Workforce Development
- EnRich Program – Prepares individuals for new careers by teaching them Essential Skills
- Summer and Fall Registration opens for everyone on April 7th. Click HERE to learn more about all pathways available.
- Schedule a registration appointment by calling 217.875.7211 ext. 6267 or e-mailing registration@richland.edu.
- Financial aid is available. Email financialaid@richland.edu and scholarships@richland.edu to see what options are available to you.
EMPLOYERS HIRING NOW
JOB RESOURCES
The IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has created a resource directly for former Akorn employees. A link can be found HERE.
Illinois Department of Employment Security – Jobs and workforce assistance
EDC of Macon County – CareersDecatur.com
- spreadsheet of job openings right now in Macon County.
- The list can be long so use the “find” feature within the spreadsheet to search for keywords, job titles, or companies.
- Take the Interest Profiler from My Next Move assessment to get an idea on what careers may align with your interests. This tool will also provide the most current local data on wages, employment, job postings, and associated education and training.
HEALTH INSURANCE
- Medicaid and All Kids Coverage for healthcare
- caryh@dansig.com (217) 451-9040
- traviss@dansig.com (217) 451-9039
- lauram@dansig.com (217) 451-9009
- (217) 876-8800 to set up an appointment for help signing up for the exchange
- 3350 N Water St, Ste B. Decatur, IL 62526
- If you do not have health insurance, you may qualify for the Sliding Fee Program. This program allows patients to receive medical care at a rate that is determined by the patient’s family size and household income.
- Offering medication assistance
SOCIAL SERVICES
United Way of Decatur and Mid Illinois
- 2-1-1: : 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects callers with free information and referrals for community services in Macon, DeWitt, Moultrie, Piatt & Shelby counties. The service is staffed 24/7 by trained volunteers and staff who will listen to your situation and refer you to the most appropriate source of assistance. Just dial 2-1-1 for service referrals for:
- Rent and utility assistance
- Food Pantries
- Shelter
- Support Groups
- Mental Health
- Financial assistance
- Education
- Health Care
- Help with Food through SNAP
- Medicaid and All Kids Coverage for healthcare
- Utility Assistance (Power and Water) www.empowerdecatur.org/energy-services/
- Empower Pantry (Personal Care and Household Products) www.empowerdecatur.org/empower-pantry/
- Senior Center (Lunch M-F for age 55+) www.empowerdecatur.org/senior-services/
- Dove Financial Assistance is a joint effort of area religious organizations to give monetary support to persons who have emergency financial needs.
- Financial assistance for water, power, eye prescription, dental through MCHD and some prescription meds.
- To inquire about assistance:
- Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin, Decatur – Mondays, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
- Homeward Bound Offices, 788 E. Clay, Decatur – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
- DFA@doveinc.org or 217.619.9108
- If you do not have health insurance, you may qualify for the Sliding Fee Program. This program allows patients to receive medical care at a rate that is determined by the patient’s family size and household income.
- Offering medication assistance
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Mental Health Helpline (call or text): 988
- 988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number. It is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, including family, friends, and/or caregivers.If you are in crisis, please call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.org/chat to access live chat. You will be connected with a trained crisis counselor who will listen to you, provide support and get you the help you need.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
- (SAMHSA) Helpline: 800-622-4357
For those with public or private health insurance:
- Lifestance (888) 428-7890: They have a local office in Decatur, but patients will call to get established. They see children through adults and have a telehealth option. Find more information HERE.
- Piatt County Mental Health Center (217) 762-5371: Adults and children, located in Monticello or by telehealth.
- Heritage Behavioral Health Center (217) 362-6262: Counseling available for anyone from children though adults. They do not set appointments for the first appointment, rather you should walk in at their office at 151 N. Main Street, Decatur, IL 62523. Walk-in first appointment hours are from 8:00am-10:45am and 1:00pm-3:45pm Monday through Friday. You can walk in and ask to be established with mental health counseling. They also offer crisis services and substance use services. Please call for more information.
For those with private health insurance or who can pay self-pay rates:
- Renewed Hope Counseling (217) 330-6282: kids through adults. EMDR trauma therapy available
- Cole Counseling (217) 872-9693: kids through adults.
- Adrian Byrd Counseling (217) 358-4548: adolescents through adults. EMDR trauma therapy available.
- Pleasant Counseling. (217) 422-6908: kids through adults.