Fulton County CIEDC office
destroyed in fire         

Services transferred to Mason County

[APRIL 21, 2006]  During the past year, the Central Illinois Economic Development Corp. has been going through many changes, including new administration, but now they have a new challenge to overcome. On April 6, the Community Action Agency lost one of its outreach offices in a fire.

The Fulton County CIEDC office, located in Lewistown with a NAPA Auto Parts business, was completely destroyed by a fire on April 6. All food pantry items and other resources were lost in the fire. Fortunately, CIEDC staff member Chris Alderson, who worked in the Fulton County office, was not in the office at the time of the fire, and no one was hurt.

The CIEDC Fulton County office provides families with a variety of services, including food pantry, school supply and coat drive coordination, All Kids applications, scholarships, loan programs for small businesses, food stamp outreach project, and the distribution of funds to help people stay employed.

"The fire was very upsetting to us, but we are a Community Action Agency that helps other people and we are capable of helping ourselves and moving on," said Kathy Shepherd. Shepherd is the program director for the community service programs that were provided through the Fulton County outreach office.

Any individuals in Fulton County who need to receive services from CIEDC should contact Chris Alderson at the Mason County CIEDC office in Havana by calling [phone].

The CIEDC board meets on April 27 at its corporate headquarters. Relocation plans will be discussed.

CIEDC serves children, low-income, disabled and elderly people in central Illinois.

[Central Illinois Economic Development Corp. news release]