Please call Shields Township at 847-234-0802 for any further details or to see if you qualify!

Lake Bluff, Illinois -- Concrete Rose Learning Center (CRL Center) is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the growth and development of children through education, advocacy, and community partnerships.

One of those partnerships, with the Illinois State Board of Education, helped launch Preschool for All —a high-quality educational program for children aged 3 to 5— as Lake Bluff was identified as an area with limited free childcare options available for families in the area.

​Since August of 2019, Sharonda Brown-Kern has served as the Executive Director of the CRL Center. "I am passionate about providing the best quality care and education to young children," says Brown-Kern, "My vision for the future is to equip children with the skills they need to grow into successful adults and to become a sought-after resource for children and families."

See the flyer below to learn more about these free preschool services, not affiliated with any church or religious organization, offered to meet youth education needs in the community. Currently serving families primarily in Lake Bluff and Great Lakes, Brown-Kern is excited to expand coverage to even more young people. "We want to extend our welcoming arms to even more families throughout the Shields [Township] community. Join us on this incredible journey of growth and exploration," she explains, "Together, we can create a brighter future for our children and our community!"

Shields Township will be holding a Shred Fest on June 29th, 2024, from 10am-1pm in the Foster Avenue Parking lot south side of the Township Building.

Lake County's Waukegan Salvation Army has announced a continuation of their Paper Pantry program for residents in need. This year, up to 70 local families will be provided with ​toiletries, hygiene products and other paper items not found in other local food pantries on a 'first come first served' basis.

For more information, view or download this flier:

In association with local communities and Catholic Charities, various weekly and monthly dining events are offered exclusively to area seniors. The newest partnership, with Waukegan Township's Patricia A. Jones Center (formerly "Park Place"), will be holding senior lunches starting April 26, 2024.

Please share with your communities, senior groups, social media platforms and anyone who may benefit from gathering with friends and new acquaintances.

Through April 13, 2024, IRS-Trained volunteers offer free and confidential tax preparation assistance to local taxpayers of households making under $64,000. Call 847-780-6644.