Ryan: $1.1 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago North

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.115 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago North, including $200,000 to Logan Square Neighborhood Association to continue existing after school programs.

There are four schools, which participate in the program, which creates opportunities for success for at-risk students, extra help with homework and adult education for healthier families.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Miguel del Valle, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $175,000 to Jobs For Youth-Chicago, Inc. to provide job training services to low-income young adults.
  This project was sponsored by State Rep. Louis I. Lang, D-Skokie.

• $75,000 to Von Humboldt Community Center to provide parent training/support.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Edgar Lopez, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago to expand services covering Early Intervention Services, Welfare to Work support services, and translation services for families.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Tony Munoz, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to Nobel School for Students with a Purpose (SWAP) program. SWAP is a multi-faceted program aimed at increasing potential for youth to aquire skills to lead productive lives.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $50,000 to Jose De Diego School to implement a one on one tutoring program.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $50,000 to Monroe School to implement a one on one tutoring program.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $50,000 to Misericordia Home for building renovations.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Ira I. Silverstein, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to Roberto Clemente Community Academy to upgrade the school's computer technology infrastructure.
  This project was initiated by Lopez.

• $45,000 to Esperanza Community Services to purchase and install a new fire alarm system. Chicago Community Trust is contributing $45,000.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $40,000 to Pegasus Players Theater to increase availability to Pegasus plays to those who have little or no access to the arts, through increase in school matinees and free outreach tickets.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Lisa Madigan, D-Chicago.

• $35,000 to Old St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church to administer therapeutic programs for substance abusers and their families.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Rickey R. Hendon, D-Chicago.

• $30,000 to Live Bait Theater for renovations and equipment upgrades. Chicago Community Trust is contributing $10,000.
  This project was initiated by Madigan.

• $30,000 to Northeastern Illinois University to select, train and schedule tutors for 5-8 grade students participating in the Community Organized Recreation and Education (CORE) program at the Irving Park YMCA.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Richard T. Bradley, D-Chicago.

• $30,000 to North Pulaski Chamber of Commerce for support and encouragement of retail retention.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. William Delgado, D-Chicago.

• $30,000 to Blackwell Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church to conduct an After-School Enrichment program for all neighborhood schoolchildren ages 6 to 17 during the 2000-2001 school year.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Lovana "Lou" Jones, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to SHORE Community Services, Inc. to purchase office equipment.
  This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $20,000 to Skokie Public Library for expansion, renovations and equipment upgrades.
  This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $15,000 to Boone School to purchase computers, equipment and supplies for enhanced curriculum.
  This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $15,000 to Hitch Elementary School to purchase computer equipment.
  This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $15,000 to Beaubien School to purchase computers.
  This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $15,000 to Albany Park Community Center to construct a memorial honoring war veterans.
  This project was initiated by Bradley.

• $10,000 to Marshall Middle School to provide transportation home, and purchase supplies and materials, for the after-school program.
  This project was initiated by Bradley.

• $10,000 to Uptown Community Development Corporation to fund planning and implementation of economic development initiatives in the Uptown community.
  This project was initiated by Madigan.