$2 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $2 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $450,000 to Kennedy King College for the Opening Doors/Changing Lives Project and domestic violence programs.

The Opening Doors/Changing Lives Project provides training, academic assessment, placement and career planning for the underemployed. The grant also will be used to fund educational programs about the causes of domestic violence and to provide information and training for victims assistance programs.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Barack Obama, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $300,000 to the Health Smart Program to assist people in gaining access to medical services for themselves and their families. The funds will also be used for employee training and site relocation.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Donne Trotter, D-Chicago.

• $250,000 to the Chicago Park District to renovate men and women's gymnasium facilities to comply with federal and state accessibility codes.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $200,000 to the Chicago Park District to acquire and develop land that will be used to expand Auburn Park and fulfill green space requirements established by the City of Chicago.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $100,000 to the Chicago Better Housing Association to support the construction of Englewood Botanical Garden. The purpose of this conservation and educational project is to instill pride in the community and to build a sense of community togetherness.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $100,000 to South Central Community Services, Inc. to support the Therapeutic Day School for students between the ages of 5 and 21 years old and the "Starting Right" program for young mothers.
  This project was initiated by Trotter.

• $75,000 to the Chicago Sinfonietta, a nonprofit, mid-sized professional orchestra geared towards providing symphonic music accessible to all people, and providing symphonic instruction to members of the All-City Orchestra of the Chicago Public Schools.
  This project was initiated by Senate Democratic Leader Emil Jones, Jr., D-Chicago.

• $60,000 to the Chicago Park District to purchase and install new fences around West Chatham Park.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $60,000 to Manhood Shelter, Inc. to fund an adult literacy program for individuals aged 16 to 60.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Howard Kenner, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the Black United Fund for building renovations to their headquarters, located in a historic building in the South Shore Community. This building is regarded as an architectural treasure in the community.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $50,000 to the Black United Fund to fund renovations at their headquarters, located in a historic building in the South Shore Community.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to Taylor Organization Youth Services to purchase materials that provide educational initiatives through computer assisted reading, writing and mathematical programs.
  This project was initiated by Kenner.

• $50,000 to the Good Shepherd Community Services Organization to provide a pre-apprenticeship program to economically disadvantaged youth aged 15 to19.
  This project was initiated by Kenner.

• $50,000 to University of Illinois Department of Curriculum and Instruction to establish and develop a program to train parents in helping their children strengthen their math and reading skills.
  This project was initiated by Jones.

• $50,000 to the Brainerd Park Seniors to provide social enhancement, physical endurance, cultural enrichment, leisure and education and special classes and trips for senior citizens.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Monique D. Davis, D-Chicago.

• $38,000 to the Chicago Park District for Hayes Park to construct new tennis courts.
  This project was initiated by Davis.

• $25,000 to the Chicago Park District for Ridge Park to build a fence to separate a playground from a railroad track embankment abutting.
  This project was initiated by Davis.

• $25,000 to Misericordia Heart of Mercy to subsidize funding for a physical therapist for mentally disabled children and adults.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Robert Molaro, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to Chicago Public Schools for work at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Thomas J. Dart, D-Chicago.

• $20,000 to the Chicago Park District to fund the rehabilitation on the Kenwood Playground, including new playground equipment.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $15,000 to the Chicago Park District to create a nature area and birdwatching area that includes a boardwalk that meets the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $10,000 to the South Shore Chamber, Inc. to develop and offer a 10 week credit enhancement course for existing businesses that have received negative credit ratings.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $10,000 to the West Chatham Improvement Association to sponsor a little league program that will teach life skills and responsibility through teamwork.
  This project was initiated by Davis.

• $5,000 to the Provident Hospital Foundation to initiate a science and math mentoring program for minority students.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Constance "Connie" Howard, D-Chicago..

• $5,000 to the City of Blue Island for the landscaping and renovation of soccer fields for the Youth Soccer Organizations in Blue Island.
  This project was initiated by Dart.