Ryan: $950,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago's Southwest Side

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $950,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects on Chicago's Southwest side, including $500,000 to the Polish American Association to purchase and rehabilitate a building in Chicago to use for various association programs.

The 3,900-square-foot building, located at 6276 Archer Avenue, will be used by the Association to serve members of the region's polish Community. The building will include two classrooms, meeting rooms, offices and storage. The Association provides Polish citizens with English and citizenship classes, tutoring, counseling for seniors, youth and battered women, as well as homemaker services.

This Illinois FIRST Project was initiated by House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, a Democrat from Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $250,000 to Stickney Township to buy four 15-passenger vans to transport more than 8,000 senior residents of the township to various activities and medical appointments.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Louis Viverito, D-Burbank.

• $200,000 to the St. Rose Center to supplement operating expenses, replace fences, outdoor tables and playground equipment, repair parking lots and to buy equipment for the kitchen and chairs for the workshops and classrooms. The center offers programs for adults with developmental disabilities.
  This project was initiated by Madigan.