Castro encourages residents to submit nominations for the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame

ELGIN – To highlight older Illinoisans who excel in community service, education, the arts and the labor force, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is reminding residents to nominate an adult age 65 and over to the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame.

“We all have an older person in our life that has made an impact on us, whether it be a teacher, neighbor or family member,” Castro said. “Nominating them for this award is a great way to show your appreciation and spotlight all the ways older residents enrich our lives.”

Read more: Castro encourages residents to submit nominations for the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame

Munoz announces funding for local organization to revitalize community

CHICAGO – To revitalize the community while prioritizing businesses and affordable housing, Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council will receive nearly $1.5 million, Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) announced Tuesday.

The Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council is a not-for-profit community organization serving a large area of Chicago’s Southwest Side, including the communities of Brighton Park, McKinley Park and New City. BYNC was created in response to growing social issues, including social disorganization, unemployment, poor housing, and juvenile delinquency, and continues today to organize residents and bring social services and economic resources to the community.

Read more: Munoz announces funding for local organization to revitalize community

Senator Fine prioritizes suicide prevention with new 9-8-8 hotline

SPRINGFIELD – Individuals in crisis nationwide will soon be able to utilize a 9-8-8 universal hotline number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which would be funded and maintained in Illinois under legislation sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview).

“A fully functioning and well-funded crisis hotline is critical to prevent suicides nationwide,” Senator Fine said. “Mental health is as important as physical health, and 9-8-8 will soon become a household number that is as easily remembered in times of crisis as 9-1-1.”

Senator Fine’s measure would create the Statewide 9-8-8 Trust Fund in the State Treasury, which would be used by the Department of Human Services to establish and maintain a statewide 9-8-8 suicide prevention and mental health crisis system.

Read more: Senator Fine prioritizes suicide prevention with new 9-8-8 hotline

East St. Louis to receive community funding, Belt announces

EAST ST. LOUIS – To boost economic vitality, East St. Louis will receive nearly $1 million to improve the area while increasing economic opportunities for impacted businesses, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) announced Tuesday.

“Improving the economy by providing resources to communities that need it the most is essential,” Belt said. “Not only will this funding uplift the East St. Louis community, it will also prioritize the safety of residents.”

The final round of Rebuild Distressed Communities program provides $976,000 to 26 small businesses and $7.45 million to help revitalize seven commercial corridors located across the state, including $900,000 for East St. Louis.

Read more: East St. Louis to receive community funding, Belt announces