$1.5 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Central Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.578 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Central Chicago, including $250,000 to Aspira to acquire a new building.

Having outgrown their current facility, a new facility is necessary to meet their immediate and future needs. They will enhance their services by including an alternative high school, day care center, technology college, youth counseling/mentoring and parent training center.

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

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $178,000 to the Coalition for United Community Action to conduct an apprenticeship preparedness training program.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Margaret Smith, D-Chicago.

• $150,000 to the City of Chicago, Bureau of Traffic to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Western Avenue and Potomac Avenue. The city is contributing $25,000.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $100,000 to the United Neighborhood Organization to implement a senior and jobs network program.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Tony Munoz, D-Chicago.

• $75,000 to the Near North Civic Committee for programming expenses and infrastructure improvements at Camp Pompeii.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Rickey R. Hendon, D-Chicago.

• $75,000 to Erie Neighborhood House to implement adult education programs.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $50,000 to Mozart School to implement an after school program.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $50,000 to Chopin School to implement an after school program.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $50,000 to Improved Childcare Management, Corporation to develop a plan for implementing an around-the-clock child care center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Shirley M. Jones, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to God's Helping Hand Healing and Deliverance Ministry to provide additional assistance to the homeless shelter.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $50,000 to Nobel School to implement adult education programs.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $50,000 to Lloyd School to implement an after school program.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $40,000 to the New Sounds of Chicago to operate a youth mass choir.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $40,000 to Chase School to implement an after school program.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $40,000 to Kelvyn Park High School to provide support to the Pre-University Laboratory School Endeavor (PULSE) program.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $35,000 to the Matthew House to expand support services to residents attempting to prevent or escape homelessness.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. "Lou" Jones, D-Chicago.

• $30,000 to Westside Intervention/Prevention to provide information and support to teenage girls and women with children.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $30,000 to H.I.C.A., Inc. to provide classes that will prepare students to take the General Equivalence Exam test.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $30,000 to the Catholic Charities Housing Development Corporation to furnish the common and office areas of the St. Ailbe Senior Apartments.
  This project was initiated by Jones, L.

• $25,000 to the True Witness Church of God and Christ to provide educational youth activities and workshops.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $25,000 to the Greater Progressive Baptist Church to provide assistance and training to North Lawndale residents currently on welfare or unemployed.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $20,000 to Support Advocate for Women both Inside and Outside of Prison to purchase operational support for Leslie's Place.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $20,000 to Youth Guidance to provide counseling and workshops to students and families.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $20,000 to Stowe Elementary School to implement after school programs.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. William Delgado, D-Chicago.

• $20,000 to Franciscan Outreach Association to renovate the men's shower facility at the Franciscan House of Mary and Joseph.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $20,000 to Wee People Learning Center to develop a day care center.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $20,000 to Nubian Westside Youth to provide youth sports and fitness programs.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $15,000 to Al Carter Youth Foundation to implement the Young Sisters of the North Town/Cabrini Green Program.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Margaret Smith, D-Chicago.

• $10,000 to People's Community Development Association of Chicago to start a custodial care training program.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $10,000 to the Windy City Dolphins to purchase sports equipment and related supplies.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.