Chautauqua Lake home donated to Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois

[June 23, 2018]  The residence of former Lieutenant Colonel Clifford C. Chrisman has been given in memorial, by his family, to CAPCIL.

Chrisman worked for 45 years, having served 22 years in the United States Air Force, 20 years with Lockheed Martin and 3 years teaching at Ohio State University, retired back to his home state in 2002. Chrisman grew up in Creve Coeur, Illinois which led his decision to retire to his childhood fishing spot on Chautauqua Lake. The 1+ acre property is located at 19830 Baldwin Beach Rd. in Havana.

Phil Chrisman, son of Clifford Chrisman and family spokesperson, spoke openly on the benevolent nature of his Father. Clifford Chrisman came from very humble beginnings, attending school in a one room school house and frequently dining on squirrel for dinner with his wife’s family from Pickneyville, IL. Clifford always believed that there is opportunity for success no matter where you come from, that even in the worst-case scenarios you can still achieve and contribute in some way.

These values that Clifford held are what drew Phil Chrisman and his family to CAPCIL. “It was a blessing to know that CAPCIL supported Mason County, especially Goofy Ridge,” stated Phil. “Dad would want everyone to know that you don’t have to be born with a silver spoon in your mouth to be successful, and that you should never let your circumstances hold you back.”

CAPCIL serves 6 Illinois Counites including Mason, Logan, Fulton, Menard, DeWitt, and Piatt with poverty-fighting and life-enriching programs. CAPCIL’s mission is to not only help alleviate the symptoms of poverty with their customers, but to help them fully eradicate it to live a life not dependent on welfare aides. Programs such as the Hand Up Project, Head Start, Strengthening Working Families Initiative, Meals on Wheels, and Volunteer Services help to accomplish this mission.

Alison Rumler-Gomez, Executive Director of CAPCIL stated, “We could not be more thankful for this generous donation from the Chrisman family. We intend to honor Clifford Chrisman’s life and legacy with this donation and use it to further the success of our customers.” In 2017, 13% of CAPCIL’s customers participating in the self-sufficiency programming, reduced or eliminated their dependency on welfare. Donations such as these, give CAPCIL the resources to help more people, and change more lives.

The CAPCIL Board has not yet convened since receiving the gift, and decisions about the use of the property will be forthcoming.

If you or someone you know is interested in supporting CAPCIL’s mission, please contact Agency Development Director Katie Dalpoas at 217-732-2159 ext. 243.

For additional information please visit CAPCIL’s website at www.capcil.info, or by calling the Corporate Office at 217-732-2159.

[Katie (Alexander) Dalpoas
Director of Agency Development
Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois]