COMMUNITY SERVICE

Cra-Wa-La Community Service is a community mobilization program funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Under the leadership of Judge Phillip Benifield, a committee initiated a Volunteers In Probation program in Lawrence County in 1971. In 1973 Wabash and Crawford counties joined the organization - hence the name Cra-Wa-La. In 1997 Cra-Wa-La was granted a contract with the Illinois Department of Human Services to provide community service to thirteen Southern Illinois Counties.

Vision

The purpose of Cra-Wa-La Community Services is to assist and support community representatives in organizing their community, to better meet the needs of their youth and families.

Beliefs

Cra-Wa-La believes in motivating community residents to unite and labor together in meeting the needs of their youth and families. It is also believed that active involvements from a community's own residents will make a remarkable difference.

Services and Assistance Provided

Assistance in developing community committees.

• Guidance as to how meetings are conducted; how to recognize, recruit and retain volunteers; how to develop a Board of Directors and other structural information.
• Fund-raising support, helpful hints and assistance.
• Grant Application Assistance.
• Referrals to existing services and programs.
• Aid in program developments and assessments.
• Support in planning long and short-range goals.
• Experience in developing and tabulating Needs Assessment Surveys.
• Resource Information.
• Technical Assistance, such as filing for tax exemption, not-for profit (501(c)3) status, program plan and budget preparation.
• Summer Food Service Program.
• Parent/Community Advocacy.

Programs Developed with the Aid of Cra-Wa-La

• After School Programs
• Summer Food & Activity Programs
• Community Youth Centers
• Fund-raisers
• Youth Advocates

Staff

The Cra-Wa-La Community Service Staff is attentive, supportive and experienced in serving your community needs.
Representatives: Tammy Boose

Geographic Boundaries

Cra-Wa-La Community Services serves Clay, Crawford, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Hamilton, Jasper, Lawrence, Marion, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White Counties.