ICAAPS, founded in 2018 by Tarran Williams, is an emergency management agency providing comprehensive training and societal reintegration for people who are in transition.
Chicago, Illinois, May 31, 2024 – In a world where people’s judgment is clouded so easily, organizations devoted to helping individuals going through disastrous times are crucial in fostering a thriving community where everyone has a chance to be productive citizens. Integrating people who are experiencing emergencies and need support to transition back into communities is the nucleus of Illinois Community Action Agency: Programs & Services (ICAAPS).
Founded by Tarran Williams in 2018, the organization is committed to providing emergency services to those in need, preparing them for re-entering the community through developing comprehension skills, providing housing, education, and a tangible chance for employment. The core mission of ICAAPS is to improve the quality of life for residents and communities affected by emergencies, natural disasters, and unexpected situations.
“We believe that every community is unique, and deserves a customized, attentive solution that tackles their personal challenges,” added Tarran. “By working closely with affected areas, we understand their current obstacles and disaster vulnerabilities, and develop a comprehensive plan to ensure their safety and well-being.”
ICAAPS is a referral-based institution that runs an emergency management agency that provides mandatory humanitarian support to residents in transition. The referral system operates through ICAAPS partnering with their first responders, who are qualified community service providers. First responders seek people with any type of disruptions to normal life patterns, that often cause death or health problems, and refer them to ICAAPS.
As stressed by Tarran, the reason why ICAAPS only accepts people through referrals is to ensure that the individuals are having a serious, life-threatening incident, and are coming from active disastrous sites, to ensure the resources are being used most appropriately.
One of the main focuses of ICAAPS is their all-embracing, all-faceted 12-month reintegration and restoration management program, that provides sustainable resources for homeless students, impoverished people, and other individuals affected by various events. Tarran emphasizes that it’s not as simple as providing housing and resources—to receive help, participants must attend training sessions every month, showcasing their commitment. Additionally, there’s a mandatory school enrollment component, requiring individuals to seek apprenticeship programs or other education systems that are essential in finding job opportunities. Although the program usually lasts 12 months, Tarran conveys that there are cases that take longer, and ICAAPS supports each individual until they’re able to safely transition back into the community.
Tarran brings ICAAPS’ CHES model as the reason behind her work. As explained by the founder, there are four basic quality-of-life necessities. These include Community Integration, Housing, Employment, and School. ICAAPS assists people in excelling in each component, enabling them to smoothly and stably reintegrate into society.
What differentiates ICAAPS from other organizations is its comprehensive approach. Tarran emphasizes sustainability and independence, teaching individuals not only how to reintegrate into communities, but also sustain a productive and happy life. One of ICAAPS’ ways of ensuring that is working with community projects, and integrating their participants into the work. Whether it’s a business, a playground, or a gardening job, ICAAPS stipends $4,000 to get people off the ground, and then help them galvanize community support in building projects.
It takes a special person to unwaveringly, and selflessly help others. Tarran’s venture is no coincidence and is rooted in her unique background. After being let go from a job in the pharmaceutical field, Tarran found herself temporarily living in a shelter. The stories she heard tug her heartstrings, illuminating the systematic issues present in reintegration services.
Very often, the transition process harms one’s physical and mental health, sometimes resulting in death. That’s what happened to a friend of Tarran, who passed away during a 3-year-long reintegration process. “I think you need to understand the issue to make a difference and commit to seeking better solutions,” expressed Tarran. “The reason why I created ICAAPS is because of what I went through and what I’ve seen. Until the day I got to experience it, I didn’t realize I was rejecting some people in such a harmful way, and it’s important to spread awareness and offer 2nd chances. ”
