Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. Closes Offices to the Public

• Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. Closes Offices to the Public In light of the CoVid 19 health crisis, beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, all Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. offices will be closed to the public. Our commitment to our staff and customers’ wellbeing is our top priority and we will continue to provide services remotely. Anyone that is in need of contacting staff is encouraged to email their request or concern to info@best-inc.org and a staff member will be in touch with you. Information for services can also be found on our Resource Guide that is linked to this Press Release. If you are in need of Please understand that response time to any inquiry may vary but staff will respond. For updates on office status, and to follow other important announcements, please check our Facebook page (BEST, Inc.) regularly.

Illinois Department of Employment Security

• Effective at 5pm March 16, 2020 the Ottawa and Sterling offices of the Illinois Department of Employment Security will be closed to the public. In Ottawa this will also pertain to BEST, Inc. which is co-housed with the Dept. of Employment Security.  If you have an appointment already scheduled with a BEST staff member please call them to discuss how that appointment may be serviced via alternate means including email.

DHS Closure Notice  

• While there are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus among IDHS employees, out of an abundance of caution, starting today, IDHS is taking action regarding two types of local offices across the state: · 75 Family and Community Resource Centers (FCRCs) will be closed temporarily. · 45 Division of Rehabilitation Services’ (DRS) local offices will close, starting tomorrow. All emergency food relief (SNAP), cash assistance (TANF) and medical (Medicaid eligibility) applications will continue to be available online or by phone. Home Services and Vocational Rehab resources will remain available through DRS’ statewide network of counselors who will continue working remotely. IDHS anticipates a number of the FCRC local offices reopening on Thursday, March 19, but will be assessing staffing and openings on a daily basis. DRS local offices currently plan to re-open in early April.

Tri-County Opportunity Council

• Tri-County Opportunities Council is currently providing in person services by appointment only for many of our programs. Individuals may contact Tri-County local offices listed on our website: www.tcochelps.org or contact our main office at 1-800-323-5434 to request assistance and to schedule an appointment.