$3.7 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $3,743,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $2 million to La Rabida Children's Hospital to increase space for modern treatment rooms and equipment.

Constructed in the 1930s, La Rabida Children's Hospital is a not-for-profit organization that serves more that 6,500 children annually. The hospital will contribute $1.2 million.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Rickey R. Hendon, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $750,000 to Lawndale Christian Health Center to renovate and expand the Ogden Avenue building and parking area.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $300,000 to Second Generation Organization for Youth, Inc to develop and operate a technology training center, purchase a building to be used as a community center and conduct seminars for youth vocational training. The organization will contribute $300,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Edgar Lopez, D-Chicago.

• $140,000 to Malcolm X College to fund the extension of its evening childcare program.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Margaret Smith, D-Chicago.

• $133,000 to Harrison Park for capital improvements, including the purchase and installation of a new air conditioning system.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Antonio "Tony" Munoz, D-Chicago.

• $65,000 to Agape Youth Development and Family Support Services, Inc. to implement an after-school program and evening drop-in center for youth in gang and crime ridden areas. The organization will contribute $64,500.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $60,000 to the Onward House to fund continued operations and maintain the quality of programs, including an emergency services food pantry, a computer resource center and before/after school day care. The nonprofit corporation will contribute $21,800.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Miguel del Valle, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to Monroe School to fund an evening program in which parents and their children are able to take enrichment classes. The school will contribute $95,000.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $50,000 to Munoz Marin School to provide additional after-school instructional time to keep the children involved in school and in a safe environment.
  This project was initiated by del Valle.

• $30,000 to the World Wide Family Center to provide an educational program for at-risk youth to address academic deficits in math, reading and English.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $30,000 to DMI Information Processing Center, Inc. to provide an educational and recreational program for students between the ages of nine and 19 who are primarily from low-income families.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $30,000 to the Greater North Pulaski Development Corp. to produce a comprehensive guidebook of small-business resources available through the Small Business Development Center, and various local, state and federal agencies.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. William Delgado, D-Chicago.

• $30,000 to Matthew House of Chicago to expand its services to homeless individuals and families. These services include counseling, GED training, health screening and housing referral services.
  This project was initiated by Smith.

• $30,000 to Providence Self Sufficient Ministries to provide services through its subsidiary, Providence Family Services, for low-income individual and family bilingual counseling in the Humboldt Park area.
  This project was initiated by Delgado.

• $20,000 to Westside Services for Battered Women to fund services for homeless women, including job referral and training services, shelter referrals, food and education sessions.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $15,000 to the Chicago Area Project for use by the Taylor Organization of Youth Services to conduct culinary art classes for youth and parents residing in the Robert Taylor Homes and surrounding neighborhoods.
  This project was initiated by Smith.

• $10,000 to the Rockwell Community/Inter-Agency Network to fund its Blues in the Schools project, an interdisciplinary arts-in-education program designed to provide instruction on the musical, historical and cultural impact of the Blues.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.