Darien Area 'Middleman' Links Poor To Resources

DARIEN, IL – Downers Grove Township officials this week detailed how much of the township's money earmarked for the poor is going to overhead.

Late last year, Patch reported that the township spent 40 percent of its "general assistance" budget on overhead, made up of salary and benefit costs. That was lower than nearby townships, but higher than what charity watchdogs recommend.

The number was based on financial information that the township gave in response to Patch's public records request.

In an interview this week, Dorothy Tapert, the township's general assistance director, said the salary and benefit costs result in aid going to the poor outside of general assistance.

Last budget year, which ended Feb. 28, the township's work led to $97,526 in aid, including $38,571 for general assistance, according to township records.

With expenses of around $82,000, overhead amounts to 45 percent.

Under state law, townships have three mandated jobs – maintenance of roads in unincorporated areas, assessment of property values and distribution of "general assistance."

The assistance function may be the least known. General assistance money, which comes from property taxes, is for those with absolutely no income; many recipients have pending applications for governmental help, such as Social Security's supplemental income.

A big component of the $97,526 in overall aid is emergency assistance, totaling $35,684. This is where the township gives people money in one-time cases for utility bills or rent.

The township also helps residents get assistance from programs such as the Salvation Army.

"We impact people's lives every day," the township's supervisor, Kim Savage, who was elected in April, said in an interview. "Everyone here is passionate about serving people."

Tapert said her job is to connect people with resources.

"I have never turned a single person away who is qualified," she said. "If I can't serve them, I send them to where resources are. We're a very valuable middleman to a lot of people who are having a bad day."

The township includes all or parts of Darien, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Burr Ridge and Downers Grove, among other towns.