Governor Ryan Highlights IllinoisFIRST Grants On Chicago's West Side

CHICAGO - Governor George H. Ryan and Representative Art Turner today announced several Illinois FIRST grants for the Ninth Legislative District in North Lawndale on Chicago's West Side.

"The fact is Illinois FIRST benefits citizens and communities in North Lawndale, the West Side and throughout Illinois. We have been able to reach out to communities across the state and help them improve their neighborhoods and quality of life," said Governor Ryan

"Art Turner had the vision to see that Illinois FIRST would provide infrastructure improvements such as new money for the CTA and Metra, and rebuild Chicago's roads and bridges. Illinois FIRST also allows Representative Turner to make sure that important investments are made right here where you live," said Governor Ryan.

In the eight months since the historic $12 billion program was launched, more than 2,000 projects across the state have been allocated funding. Illinois FIRST is a Fund for Infrastructure, Roads, Schools, and Transit. It is designed to address the infrastructure, educational and quality of life needs of the people of Illinois.

The following Illinois FIRST grants were announced today:

A $100,000 Illinois FIRST grant is awarded to Metamorphosis, Inc. to fund transitional housing programs for pregnant teens.

A $85,000 Illinois FIRST grant is awarded to AGAPE's Teen Town Initiative to purchase a van and improve their youth development programs for youths ages 8 to18.

A $50,000 Illinois FIRST grant is awarded to fund a mental health study for the "I AM ABLE Foundation." This study will look at the correlation between the health of the family and juvenile justice.

A $25,000 Illinois FIRST grant is awarded for technology and much-needed computer access and computer services at the West Side YMCA's "Life-Long Learning Center." They will expand their current tutoring services, create a computer center and offer computer skills training to all of their clients from pre-schoolers to Seniors.