Ryan: $677,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $677,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $100,000 to Cabrini Green Youth and Family Services to provide community programs and to hire parents and students to assist with duties within the agency.

The parent/student workers will complete adult and child CPR, emergency first aid techniques, child abuse prevention training classes and two workshop training sessions. The goal for both parent and student workers will be to learn job readiness skills. The organization also will purchase program supplies and materials and will provide a two-day festival in September.

This Illinois FIRST program was initiated by State Sen. Margaret Smith, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $100,000 to the Greater Community Christian Alternative Academy to expand its programs and services.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Arthur Turner, D-Chicago.

• $75,000 to the Cathedral Shelter of Chicago to support its food delivery services for a seniors outreach program and its community social service programs. The organization is contributing $444,005.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Shirley M. Jones, D-Chicago.

• $60,000 to Better Life for Youth to support its various youth programs.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Rickey R. Hendon, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation to support its Lawndale College Opportunity Program personnel.
  This project was initiated by Turner.

• $50,000 to the Logan Square Neighborhood Association to provide childcare for parents who attend evening classes.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. William Delgado, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the Eighteenth Street Development Corporation to promote the growth of new and existing Pilsen businesses.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Edward Acevedo, D-Chicago.

• $42,000 to the Pro Arts Studio to support its community based programs.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Tony Munoz, D-Chicago.

• $40,000 to the Canal Corridor Association to establish educational and community programs at the Canal Origins Park.
  This project was initiated by Munoz.

• $25,000 to the Jamal Place, Inc., to make repairs to its facility.
  This project was initiated by Turner.

• $25,000 to the Greater Progressive Baptist Church to purchase a new van.
  This project was initiated by Turner.

• $25,000 to the Fullerton Avenue Chamber of Commerce for office rent, phone, utilities, supplies, printing, advertising and consultant fees.
  This project was initiated by Delgado.

• $20,000 to the Mid Austin Steering Committee to implement an after-school program.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $10,000 to the Umoja Student Development Corporation to take 12 students to Washington D.C. and 20 students to visit several colleges in Mississippi, Alabama, Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington D.C. metro area. The corporation is contributing $15,948.
  This project was initiated by Turner.

• $5,000 to the Travelers & Immigrants Aid/Chicago Connections to purchase clothing and transportation and to provide client support to its young mothers and youth education projects.
  This project was initiated by Smith.