Our Story

Mission Statement

To help low income and senior citizens enhance their dignity and quality of life by providing skills, knowledge, and the power of work through community-based coordinated services.

2018 Annual Report
2017 Annual Report
2016 Strategic Plan

Vision Statement

As a multipurpose agency offering diverse services throughout Decatur and Macon County, DMCOC is committed to providing assistance; support and training that will lead individuals and families to self-sufficiency. We provide a collaborative partnership with organizations that provide support or services, including governmental entities, public and private sources that are willing to reinvest in the people and the community. The goal is to foster self-sufficiency and pride so all persons can share in the social and economic prosperity of our community. DMCOC will continue to grow and develop new strategies to accomplish the goal of self-sufficient community.

Poverty Statement

The population of Macon County has continued to decline since 1970. The 2010 Census shows the Macon County population at 110,768 and the 2000 Census shows the population as 114,706, which is a reduction in population of 3,938 or 3.4% over the last 10-year period. The persons living below poverty in Macon County according to the 2010 Census is 15.7% and is considerably higher than the State poverty rate of 12.6%. Of those 22.3% had children under 18, 26% had children under 5, 3.8% were married couples, 43.6% were single parent households. Macon County’s unemployment rate for May 2014 was 9.1%, which is significantly higher than the State unemployment rate of 7.2%.

Our History

  • August 20, 1964

    The Economic Opportunity Act is signed into law.

  • February 11, 1965

    The Decatur-Macon County Opportunities Corporation is formed.

  • 1965

    DMCOC begins the first Outreach program in Macon County.

    This program continues to provide information, make referrals and provides limited counseling.

  • 1965

    DMCOC is instrumental in bringing the Head Start program to Decatur.

  • 1969

    DMCOC begins providing Housing Assistance.

    This program presently includes emergency shelter for families in need, including two Emergency Houses given to DMCOC by the City of Decatur in 1992.

  • 1970

    DMCOC begins providing services to area senior citizens.

  • 1970

    The Community Health Improvement Center is established.

    DMCOC, interested citizens and other area organizations established CHIC (now Crossing Healthcare), which was created to improve health care services for low-income persons. $20,000 of initial start-up funds was provided by DMCOC.

  • 1974

    DMCOC begins operation of the Senior Citizens Nutrition Program.

    This program provides noon meals at ten sites throughout Decatur and rural Macon County.

  • 1975

    DMCOC introduces the Illinois Home Weatherization Program.

    This program assists low-income families in weatherizing their homes.

  • 1977

    DMCOC opens the doors of the first senior center in the Decatur area.

    This center, known as the Martin Luther King Jr. Senior Center, was opened with the support of the City of Decatur. DMCOC was also instrumental in the development of the Johns Hill Senior Center and the Decatur Macon County Senior Center.

  • November 1995

    US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announces three-year funding approval for a Long-Term Transitional Shelter Program.

    This program, sponsored by the Decatur Area Coordinating Council for the Homeless, later becomes Homeward Bound.

Expenditures

This information is from the Fiscal Year 2017 (March 1, 2016 – February 28, 2017) audit report as presented by Sikich.

Plans for the Future

DMCOC plans to build a permanent home for the Senior Services (Nutrition and Transportation).

In the News

Board of Directors

Tara Murray – Executive Director

  • Andrew Weatherford, President
  • Antonio Brown, Vice President
  • Dorothy McFadden-Parker, Treasurer
  • Carol Jontry, Assistant Treasurer
  • Brittany Dent, Secretary
  • Michael Diggs
  • Richelle Irons
  • Georgette Page
  • Brandy Brown
  • Carmen Ross
  • Marty Watkins
  • Debra Kraft
  • Abbey Bradford
  • Marquitta Pipes
  • Laquitta Ford

Our Partnerships

Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies
Community Action Partnership

Contact Us

  • Admin Office
  • 1122 E Marietta St
    Decatur, IL 62521
  • Ph: 217-428-0155
  • Head Start
  • 1166 E Marietta St
    Decatur, IL 62521

Office Hours

Admin Office: Mon-Fri 8:30-5:00
Head Start: Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30