Ryan: $233,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $233,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $120,000 to Horizons Community Services to support its staff and a multi agency policy advocacy and education project.

Horizons offers services to adults and youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, including a lesbian and gay hotline, education and support, legal, psychotherapy and adult and youth programs.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Larry McKeon, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $28,000 to the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce to develop a marketing program to ensure the vitality, development and beautification of its business district and community.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Carol Ronen, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to the Community Counseling Centers of Chicago to implement and support a behavioral health and social service program at the Helen C. Pierce Elementary School.
  This project was initiated by Ronen.

• $20,000 to Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities to support its research and data input/processing staff.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. John J. Cullerton, D-Chicago.

• $10,000 to Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities to hire a staff to conduct interviews with patients and to conduct and analyze a survey of staff and medical records at the Cook County Englewood Health Center.
  This project was initiated Ronen.

• $10,000 to the Mayfair Civic Association to purchase, install and maintain floral planters along Elston Avenue between Montrose and Lawrence Avenue.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Richard T. Bradley, D-Chicago.

• $10,000 to the Defiant Theatre to rent theatre space for 10 weeks.
  This project was initiated by McKeon.

• $5,000 to the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce to purchase plants and planters for a portion of Clark Street.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Ira I. Silverstein, D-Chicago.

• $5,000 to Warner Park and Gardens to support the continuing beautification and upkeep of the only privately owned public park in Chicago.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Lisa Madigan, D-Chicago.