$1.3 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD - Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.37 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $375,000 to the Little Village Community Development Corporation to support community development programs within the Little Village community.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Susanna Mendoza, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $235,000 to the United Neighborhood Organization of Chicago for operating expenses.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Edward Acevedo, D-Chicago.

• $100,000 to the Illinois Hispanic Scholarship Fund for operating expenses and student program support.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Cynthia Soto, D-Chicago.

• $100,000 to the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association to implement a contractor training program.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Antonio "Tony" Munoz, D-Chicago.

• $75,000 to the Holy Cross Church to hire two youth outreach workers and a coordinator of youth programs for its street intervention program.
  This project was initiated by Acevedo.

• $75,000 to the Mexican American Chamber of Commerce to hire an executive director and a staff organizer.
  This project was initiated by Acevedo.

• $75,000 to Puerto Ricans United in Action to support eight youth baseball leagues in and around the Humboldt Park neighborhood.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. William Delgado, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to the Canal Corridor Association to support the development of the Canal Origins Park.
  This project was initiated by Acevedo.

• $50,000 to the Pilsen Athletic Conference to support its girls and boys baseball teams, football team and swim team.
  This project was initiated by Acevedo.

• $50,000 to the Union League Boys & Girls Club to make repairs to its swimming pool.
  This project was initiated by Munoz.

• $50,000 to Lawrence Hall Youth Services to renovate its main campus on North Francisco Avenue.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford, D-Maywood.

• $35,000 to Needful Thins of Chicago, Inc., to support its programs.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Rickey R. Hendon, D-Chicago.

• $35,000 to the Academy of Scholastic Achievement, Inc., to support an eight week summer school program.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Annazette R. Collins, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to the Chase House to support a family literacy program at its Greater Garfield Head Start location. McDonald's Children's Charities is contributing $12,500.
  This project was initiated by Delgado.

• $25,000 to the Greater Austin Child Care Providers Association to provide a training workshop, transportation for toddler/preschooler field trips and to purchase equipment.
  This project was initiated by Collins.

• $15,000 to the Block Club Federation to construct a gazebo in Geometry Garden Park on North Monticello Street.
  This project was initiated by Delgado.