Elgin Community College to receive funding for behavioral health worker program
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ELGIN – Thanks to support from State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), Elgin Community College will receive a grant for a Certified Recovery Support Specialist Success program to prepare students for work as behavioral and mental health professionals.
“Our mental health and substance use recovery specialists are the backbone of our behavioral health care system,” Castro said. “Making sure our workers can get the education they need to give the best help possible to vulnerable individuals is critical.”
The Illinois Department of Human Services awarded $4 million in grants to 11 colleges and universities throughout the state, including Elgin Community College, to support the CRSS Success program. Through the program, students will be prepared to work in various capacities, including inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance use treatment services, mobile crisis teams and more.
Read more: Elgin Community College to receive funding for behavioral health worker program
Small businesses see relief thanks to Senator Cunningham
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CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham announced more than $1.8 million awarded to local businesses from the Back to Business program.
“I am committed to helping our small businesses recover from COVID-19,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This support for small business is good for our economy.”
The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.
Read more: Small businesses see relief thanks to Senator Cunningham
Villa announces more than $3 million in relief funding for local businesses
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WEST CHICAGO – More than $3 million in Back to Business grants will be awarded to small businesses across the 25th District, State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) announced.
“Local businesses bring so much life to our community,” Villa said. “Especially through the challenges of the last two years, the services they provide have been absolutely vital and, now more than ever, they need our support.”
Sixty-three local businesses will be receiving a total of $3,125,000 in COVID-19 relief funds in the latest round of B2B grants through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Read more: Villa announces more than $3 million in relief funding for local businesses
Lightford champions first-ever state-funded Freedom Schools network in the nation
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MAYWOOD – As a result of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus four-pillar agenda, specifically the Education and Workforce Equity Act, State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) announced a $17 million grant to create the first-ever state-funded Freedom Schools network.
“Freedom Schools have a proud history and major significance for African Americans,” Lightford said. “These schools represent a long tradition of engaged citizenship, personal empowerment and academic excellence. I know this experience will have a positive impact on students, their families, and the whole community.”
Because of the monumental education package to rid Illinois of systemic racism, the Phillip Jackson Freedom School Grant was created to ensure Black students receive quality education across the state.
Read more: Lightford champions first-ever state-funded Freedom Schools network in the nation
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