$6.8 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $6.88 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $75,000 to the Illinois Masonic Medical Center to develop and deliver a home management program for children with autism and their families.

The program will provide weekly home based therapy for children aged 2-6 who have been diagnosed with autism. Family members and caretakers will participate in educational workshops and support groups to acquire skills in behavioral management.

This Illinois FIRST program was initiated by State Sen. John J. Cullerton, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $60,000 to the Advocates Northside Health Systems Corporation to develop and deliver a home management program for children with autism and their families.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago to distribute funds to metropolitan Chicago-area community based agencies.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Harry Osterman, D-Chicago.

• $27,000 to the Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights to purchase a van for the Rafael Center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Larry McKeon, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to the Kids in Danger Organization to implement a program designed to inform and educate the public about the dangers of certain children's products.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Carol Ronen, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago to provide first year operating support to the Russian Senior Center on West Wilson.
  This project was implemented by Ronen.

• $25,000 to the Kids in Danger Organization to implement a program designed to inform and educate the public about the dangers of certain children's products.
  This project was initiated by Cullerton.

• $25,000 to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago to distribute funds to metropolitan Chicago-area community based agencies.
  This project was initiated by Feigenholtz.

• $21,000 to the High Ridge YMCA to construct a mini field house on its property at West Toughy Avenue.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Louis I. Lang, D-Skokie.

• $20,000 to Loyola University of Chicago to renovate and restore Piper Hall into the Gannon Center for Women and Leadership. The University is contributing $2,980,000.
  This project was initiated by Ronen.

• $20,000 to the Lake View Chamber of Commerce to publish 10,000 copies of its "2001 Business and Community Guide."
  This project was initiated by State Rep. John A. Fritchey, D-Chicago.

• $20,000 to the Ravenswood Industrial Council to retain and attract industry to the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor. The council is contributing $448,000.
  This project was initiated by McKeon.

• $15,000 to each of the following Chicago Public Schools:

  Rutledge Hall Elementary School to purchase equipment and supplies.

  John Middleton Elementary School to purchase materials for an enhanced reading project.

  Todd Hall Elementary School to purchase materials for academic and special subject programs.

  Oliver McCracken Middle School to purchase computers and furniture for its learning center and computer lab.

  Old Orchard Junior High School to purchase computers and printers for its Special Ed and science departments.

  Lincoln Hall Middle School to purchase equipment for its technology education lab.

  Jane Stenson School to purchase 455 chairs for grades K-5 and special education classes.

  Hibbard Elementary School to purchase materials and text books for a new reading program.

  Hayt Elementary School to purchase computers and monitors.

  East Prairie Elementary School to purchase computers and equipment.
  These projects were initiated by State Sen. Ira I. Silverstein, D-Chicago.

• $15,000 to the North River Commission to study the feasibility of the creation of a center for the arts, environment and community in North Park Village.
  This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $10,000 to the Lakeview Action Coalition to implement a hate crimes suppression project. The coalition is contributing $39,057.
  This project was initiated by McKeon.

• $10,000 to the Chicago Center for Health Systems Development, Inc., to broaden health access and education to lesbian women in Chicago.
  This project was initiated by McKeon.

• $10,000 to the Sheffield Neighborhood Association to provide a "Kids Corner" child and family area at its annual neighborhood festival.
  This project was initiated by Fritchey.

• $10,000 to the Mexican American Chamber of Commerce to provide outreach services and educational seminars.
  This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $10,000 to the Chicago/Cook County Community Health Council to hire a project coordinator position for eighteen months.
  This project was initiated by Feigenholtz.

• $10,000 to the Uptown Chamber of Commerce to support services and activities which are not included in their regular budget.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Lisa Madigan, D-Chicago.

• $10,000 to Misericordia Heart of Mercy to purchase and install an elevator at its Devon Avenue facility.
  This project was initiated by Osterman.

• $10,000 to the Chicago/Cook County Community Health Center to hire a project coordinator position for eighteen months.
  This project was initiated by Cullerton.

• $5,000 to the Mary Crane League to purchase educational and recreational equipment.
  This project was initiated by Fritchey.

• $5,000 to each of the following Chicago Public Schools:

  Trumbull Elementary School to make renovations to its auditorium.

  Swift School to purchase materials and equipment for activities in science instruction.

  Pierce Elementary School to purchase a public address system.

  Amundsen High School to purchase a projector for its computer lab.
  These projects were initiated by Osterman.

• $5,000 to Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy to research a new innovative treatment for epilepsy.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Judy Erwin, D-Chicago.

• $5,000 to the Auxiliary of the Northwest Center to purchase computers.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Richard T. Bradley, D-Chicago.

• $5,000 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase computer equipment for Swift School.
  This project was initiated by Ronen.

• $5,000 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase a public address system for Pierce Elementary School.
  This project was initiated by Ronen.

• $5,000 to Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy to research a new innovative treatment for epilepsy.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Julie Hamos, D-Evanston.