Governor Quinn Announces Nearly $9 million for AmeriCorps Programs in Illinois

CHICAGO – August 19, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today announced $8.9 million in federal funds for Illinois’ AmeriCorps programs, including $2.7 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“This funding will help expand AmeriCorps programs across Illinois,” said Governor Quinn. “I salute the volunteers who selflessly dedicate themselves to bettering our society and helping those in need.”

AmeriCorps volunteers dedicate a year to improve education, human services, environmental quality, public health and public safety through the United States. The Serve Illinois Commission, a part of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), administers the AmeriCorps programs in Illinois.

This funding will allow the Serve Illinois Commission to support 31 AmeriCorps programs with over 1,000 volunteers. With this money, programs will be able to expand existing services or focus on specific areas that strengthen communities. A list of programs receiving funds from the federal Corporation for National and Community Service and the ARRA is attached.

The Serve Illinois Commission is also requesting public help in developing the Illinois’ State Service Plan for 2010-2013. The commission is holding four listening sessions for members of the public to provide feedback on the direction of service and volunteerism in Illinois. The sessions will also provide an opportunity to learn about the Serve America Act and will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following locations:

August 31, 2009 – Northwest Illinois
Kishwaukee College
Room A-247
21193 Malta Road
Malta, IL 60150

September 1, 2009 - Chicago
Metcalfe Building
Room 331
77 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604

September 9, 2009 – Springfield
IDOT Auditorium
2300 S. Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62764

September 15, 2009 – Mt. Vernon
Rend Lake College
Room 354 A & B
327 Potomac Blvd
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864

More information regarding the sessions can be found at www.Serve.Illinois.gov. For more information on AmeriCorps or Serve Illinois, please visit the website or call 1-800-592-9896.

AmeriCorps programs to receive the ARRA funds:

• Sauk Valley Community College, Dixon
• Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House, East St. Louis
• Aunt Martha’s Youth Center, Park Forest
• Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley (BBBSQC), Rock Falls
• Boys and Girls Club, Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois, Jacksonville
• City Year, Chicago
• Logan Square Neighborhood Association, Chicago
• Literacy Volunteers of America - Illinois, Chicago
• Northwestern University Settlement Association, Chicago
• McHenry County Mental Health Board, Crystal Lake
• Board of Trustees of Western Illinois University, Macomb
• Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois - Project MORE (Making Opportunities for Reading Enrichment), Chicago
• Public Allies, Chicago

  AmeriCorps programs receiving funds from federal Corporation for National and Community Service:

• Academy for Urban School Leadership, Chicago
• Alternatives, Inc, Chicago
• American Red Cross – Chicago, Chicago
• Asian Human Services, Chicago
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mississippi Valley Rock Falls
• Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois – Project MORE (Making Opportunities for Reading Enrichment), Chicago
• Board of Trustees of Western Illinois University, Macomb
• Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois, Springfield
• Children’s Home Association of Illinois, Peoria
• City Year, Chicago
• Coalition of African, Asian, European and Latino Immigrants of Illinois, Chicago
• Fulfilling Our Responsibility to Mankind (FORUM), Chicago
• Greater Food Depository, Chicago
• Illinois Public Health Association, Springfield
• Jumpstart, Chicago
• Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House, East St. Louis
• Literacy Volunteers of America- Illinois, Chicago
• Logan Square Neighborhood Association, Chicago
• Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Marion
• McHenry County Mental Health Board, Crystal Lake
• PCC Wellness Center, Oak Park
• Project YES, Chicago
• Public Allies Chicago, Chicago
• Rend Lake College, Ina
• Sauk Valley Community College, Dixon
• Schuler Family Foundation, Chicago
• Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville
• Springfield Urban League, Springfield
• Urbana Champaign Independent Media Center, Urbana
• West Suburban PADS, Chicago