$4.4 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $4.4 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $3,500,000 to AIDsCare, Inc. to construct and establish an independent and supportive living environment for persons living with HIV/AIDS in the Chicago area.

The construction of this campus on the west side of Chicago will include one, two and three bedroom apartments, congregate housing units, hospice housing units, a whole life physical and mental health center, a multi-purpose facility and a child care facility. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and private donations are contributing $1.9 million.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $330,000 to St. Bernard Hospital to hire five nurse-midwives at its Garfield-Damen Health Clinic. The hospital is contributing $165,545.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Daniel J. Burke, D-Chicago.

• $125,000 to the Chicago Park District to support the Garfield Park shuttle service.
  This project was initiated by Senate Democratic Leader Emil Jones, Chicago.

• $100,000 to the Black United Fund of Illinois, Inc., to develop and deliver workshops.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Donne E. Trotter, D-Chicago.

• $65,000 to the Crusaders of Justice to support its substance abuse education and prevention program.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Howard A. Kenner, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the Community Mental Health Council, Inc., to make technology improvements.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Connie Howard, D-Chicago.

• $35,000 to the Free Peoples Clinic to provide comprehensive primary medical and dental care to the uninsured.
  This project was initiated by Kenner.

• $35,000 to Lakeview Alternative High School for college campus tours, student field trips, workshops and to purchase resource materials.
  This project was initiated by Kenner.

• $35,000 to the Chicago Association of Neighborhood Development for work on a proposed retail development at the 79th and Vincennes CTA Bus Barn. The organization is contributing $29,656.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Mary E. Flowers, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to the Chicago State University Foundation for Alumni to implement its homework help program for inner-city and south suburban elementary and high school students.
  This project was initiated by Howard.

• $25,000 to the Chicago Urban League to support its technology scholarships program. The organization is contributing $25,000.
  This project was initiated by Howard.

• $25,000 to Maryville Academy to purchase a van for use by the Hanley Career Development Center Youth Employment Program.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Thomas J. Dart, D-Chicago.

• $20,000 to Happy Companion to establish a home office and to hire staff.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Barack Obama, D-Chicago.

• $20,000 to the Greater Englewood Community & Family Task Force to hire a coordinating director.
  This project was initiated by Kenner.

• $5,000 to the Marquette Development Center to make electrical wiring improvements at its facilityand to purchase an intercom/security system.
  This project was initiated by House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, D-Chicago.

• $5,000 to Community Workshop on Economic Development to support its "bridging the digital divide" campaign. The organization is contributing $16,500.
  This project was initiated by Howard.