SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $545,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $300,000 to the Barreto Boys & Girls Club, a nonprofit corporation, to help construct a new facility.

On property its owns, the organization will demolish a former community center and apartment building and construct a two story activity center that will adjoin a gymnasium built in 1991. The corporation is contributing $2.5 million.

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

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $50,000 to the Latin American Youth Center for boiler room/exhaust repairs, basement renovations, to repair and purchase windows and to purchase sporting equipment for its Benito Juarez youth sports program.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Edward Acevedo, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to Sister to Sister, Inc., to support its community outreach services and assistance to women at risk of being infected by AIDS/STD's, experiencing homelessness and/or are in an abusive household.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Rickey R. Hendon, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association to support its annual Scholarship Luncheon and Student Exchange programs.
  This project was initiated by Acevedo.

• $30,000 to the Back of the Yards Community Council to purchase a 20- passenger bus. The council is contributing $49,000.
  This project was initiated by Acevedo.

• $25,000 to the Lawndale Community Daycare to hire a cook and a maintenance worker.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Annazette R. Collins, D-Chicago.

• $20,000 to Youth Advantage Incorporated to support its mentoring and after school programs in the 2nd and 3rd school districts in Chicago.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $20,000 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase computers, printers and software for the Anton Dvorak Math & Science Academy.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.