To keep our clients, staff, and volunteers safe, and in accordance with local and state guidelines, programs and services at The Salvation Army Crystal Lake Corps Community Center are modified until further notice.
For the most up-to-date information, please contact us at 815-455-2769.

Click here to learn more about local and national Coronavirus (COVID-19) relief efforts.

The Salvation Army Meets the Greatest Need in Our Community by Helping Vulnerable Neighbors.

The Salvation Army stands ready to help individuals and families in every zip code in America. We’re here in your community to help families overcome barriers to self-sufficiency including job training and referrals, combat hunger, and more. We’re in your neighborhood, ready to help invest in our kids, care for seniors, love all of our neighbors, and provide hope for communities of color. Because this is our neighborhood, too.

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Response
In these times of uncertainty, we stand strong, providing hope and help to those who need it. From emergency assistance to free food and home goods pantries, to providing shelter and meals, to lending an ear through our emotional and spiritual support hotline, to supporting local government and first responders, we remain here to serve. We continue to protect our volunteers, donors, clients, staff and other supporters by following CDC and local government requirements. Learn more about our "new normal".

Emergency Assistance & Homelessness Prevention Programs
The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance to help with mortgage/rent, utility bills, clothing, medication bills, and other needs in order to keep families in their homes. For more information or support: contact our Corps Community Center at 815-455-2769, find a location near you, or learn more online.

Pathway of Hope
A comprehensive case management system to help families identify barriers to self-sufficiency (unemployment, insecure housing, lack of job skills, lack of childcare, etc), Pathway of Hope also provides guidance on how to address these barriers, and connects families with community support organizations, and more.

Food Pantry & Meals
59% of people seeking food assistance choose between buying food and paying rent or mortgage. With CDC guidelines and best practices in mind, our food pantry remains open and has bread and pastries available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Our emergency food pantry is open the 1st & 3rd Friday of each month from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. 

Shelters & Residential Treatment Facilities
About 15 percent of the homeless population is comprised of "chronically homeless" individuals. And last year, more than 8 million Americans slid into poverty due to COVID-19. With a presence in nearly every zip code, we're helping neighbors who are most in need to regain their footing and find hope again. Our homeless diversion programs and shelters provide safe housing, food, spiritual support, substance use treatment, medical care, and other practical assistance needed.

Job Training
The Salvation Army offers job skills training and employment referrals for adults. Despite progress toward hiring equality, marginalized groups often lack access to educational resources, counseling services, and vocational training to help them obtain well-paying jobs.

Head Start, After-School Care, Character-Building, & Mentoring Programs
Early Childhood Education programs provide young children and their families a chance to learn in an educational and creative environment. Programs also meet the needs of teen mothers and homeless families. We provide after-school programming to give youth and teens a safe place to complete homework, learn new skills and relax with their friends. Weekly scout-style and mentoring programs are designed to support youth and teens as they navigate their world and grow into adulthood. Topics addressed can include bullying, peer pressure, making a positive impact on the community, family life, and more.

Recreational, Sports & Fitness Programs
Sports, recreation and fitness programs help people of all ages and backgrounds learn the value of health, physical activity and teamwork.

Music, Visual, & Dramatic Arts Education
The Salvation Army is the largest music educator in the world, with offerings in brass, vocal, guitar, drums and more. It is important to provide additional creative outlets for youth, teens and adults to share their experiences, hopes, dreams and fears.

Talking About Poverty
Homelessness and poverty are plaguing cities and neighborhoods across the country more than ever. Here are some ideas for how to talk with your children about homelessness, how you can help fight poverty, and what you can do to make an impact in your community.

I want to help     I need help