"Building safe and supportive neighborhoods through a community-based approach"

E-News Bulletin November 2009
Vol. 3, Issue 7

Dear {{{first_name|E-News Bulletin Subscriber}}},

For the past couple months, exciting things have been going on at ILAACP. As you are aware, the ILAACP released its annual Youth in Prevention Mini-Grant Initiative.This initiative is a $36,000 statewide, grant-making initiative providing 12 grassroots organizations with a mini-grant of up to $3,000 to design and implement an innovative, youth-led advocacy project. The proposed project must address one area of substance abuse impacting African-American communities - i.e. underage drinking, tobacco abuse, or drug use. The goal of this initiative is to provide youth with structured leadership opportunities in developing strategies for preventing and/or reducing social and/or health disparities plaguing African-American communities. To access the RFP, click here.

In addition to this initiative,a couple of months ago the ILAACP released a RFP requesting a Strategic Planning Consultant to help guide the organization through its strategic planning process. We are in the final stages of the review process and should be selecting a consultant shortly. To assists us in our strategic planning process, the organization is administering a Needs Assessment Survey to gain a better understanding of how to strategically plan future ILAACP activities based on the needs of the early intervention and prevention community. Persons that complete the survey will have a chance to win 1 out of 3 2GB iPod Shuffles. To access the survey, click here.

Finally, we would like to invite you to our upcoming Quarterly Membership Meeting, Thursday, January 28, 2010, from 10AM to 2PM. Our featured speaker will be Michelle R.B. Saddler, Secretary of Illinois Department of Human Services. To help shape Secretary Saddler's presentation, we are asking attendees to eamil their top three health/social disparities negatively impacting the African-American community to bbaker@ilaacp.org. In addition to her presentation, ILAACP will be announcing the FY 2010 Youth In Prevention grantees.

In Service,

Malik S. Nevels, J.D.
Executive Director

• ILAACP Administers a Needs Assessment Survey
  
• ILAACP Releases Youth In Prevention RFP
• House Health Reform Impacts Vulnerable Children and Families
  
• Job Opportunities: Safer Foundation - Director of Development
  
• Save the Date: ILAACP Quarterly Membership Meeting - January 28, 2010
• Events: How Violence Affects Children and What Parents Can Do to Help
  
• An ILAACP Member You Should Know: Illinois Healthcare Consortium
  

House Health Reform Impacts Vulnerable Children and Families
The Child Welfare League of America has produced a summary of many of the provisions contained in the House's Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) that would impact access to health care for vulnerable children, youth, and families. For example, the bill - beginning in 2013 - would expand the Medicaid programs to all individuals under 65 (including children, pregnant women, parents, individuals with disabilities, and childless adults) whose income level is below 150% of the federal poverty level. (150% of the federal poverty level for 2009 is $16,245 for an individual). To review the full summary of provisions, click here.

Health Reform has Fiscal, Political Burdens for the States
"Bills in both the Senate and the House of Representatives would make more people eligible for Medicaid, the health insurance program for the poor that states administer with reimbursements from the federal government," Reuters reports. The news service also notes that a mandate that people get coverage could mean rolls swell for the state-run programs that insure the poor. That could leave states "staring at spending millions of dollars they do not have to provide insurance to more people, officials said on Tuesday." In California, officials are already concerned that the state can't afford the program at its current scope. To learn more about how States will be impacted by health care reform, click here.

Juvenile Justice at a Pivotal Moment
Thirty-five years ago, this country took a monumental step to improve state and local juvenile justice systems. Enacted with bipartisan support, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act created a partnership between the federal government and the states to prevent and respond to delinquency, increase fairness and set standards for the way youths are treated in the juvenile justice system. While tremendous strides have been made in the states since its passage in 1974, we are now at a pivotal moment: Without resources and a renewed commitment to the JJDPA, we are jeopardizing our progress toward an effective justice system that works for youths, families and communities nationwide. To access the full press release, click here.

Juvenile Justice Provisions in 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Act (P.L. 107-273)
The Child Welfare League of America released a summary of the revised Juvenile Justice Appropriations Act, this new legislation was authorized by the President on November 2, 2009. The law reauthorizes the JJDPA and is remarkably close to current law. The bill actually expands the protection relating to disproportionate minority confinement to require states to look at the disproportionate minority representation of all youth who come in contact with the juvenile system - not just those confined. The new law also includes important linkages between juvenile justice and child welfare. To access the full summary, click here.

U.S. H.R. 1495/S. 4 Comprehensive Reform Act of 2009
H.R. 1495 & S. 4 would guarantee health overage, improve health care quality and disease prevention, and reduce health care costs for all Americans and the health care system.

ILAACP Youth In Prevention Mini-Grant
For Fiscal year 2010, the ILAACP is pleased to announce the release of the Youth In Prevention Mini-Grant Request for Proposals (RFP). This initiative is a $36,000 statewide, grant-making initiative providing 12 grassroots organizations with a mini-grant of up to $3,000 to design and implement an innovative, youth-led advocacy project. The proposed project must address one area of substance abuse impacting African-American communities - i.e. underage drinking, tobacco abuse, or drug use. The application deadline is December 3, 2009.

Statewide Family Network Grant
The purpose of the Statewide Family Network grant program is to enhance State capacity and infrastructure to be more oriented to the needs of children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances and their families. Successful applicants will provide a coherent and detailed conceptual “roadmap” of the process by which they have assessed or intend to assess service system needs and plan/implement infrastructure development strategies that meet those needs. Eligible applicants are domestic public and private nonprofit entities, including faith-based entities, tribal family organizations, and family run non-profit organizations in States where there is currently not a funded Statewide Family Network because SAMHSA would like to strengthen new networks and to include as many states as possible with the current levels of funding. A total of $2.67 million is available to fund 42 grants. Applications are due by November 25, 2009.

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant
The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant is a grant that provides an opportunity for youth to become involved in the natural world. Educators and youth group leaders may apply for up to $600 from the Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant. Projects must emphasize students' involvement in the planning, development, and implementation stages of the project, and increase the educational and habitat values of the site. The application deadline is November 30, 2009.

The Rain Garden Initiative
The goal of this initiative is to engage youth in outdoor educational activities that focus on improving the environment and conditions for wildlife. Rain gardens utilize native plants to help control storm water runoff, increase wildlife habitat and address flooding concerns. Educators and youth leaders may apply for up to $500 from the Rain Garden Initiative.The application deadline is November 30, 2009.

Champions for Healthy Kids
Champions for Healthy Kids award funds to community-based organizations to develop creative ways to help youth adopt a balanced diet and physically active lifestyle. Fifty grants of $10,000 will be distributed. The application deadline is November 30, 2009.

Weed and Seed Program
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Community Capacity Development Office (CCDO) is pleased to announce that it is seeking applications from interested communities to participate in the Weed and Seed Communities Competitive Program. This program furthers the Department’s mission to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity. The Weed and Seed initiative comprises a community-based, comprehensive multi-agency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and neighborhood restoration. It is designed for communities with persistent high levels of serious violent crime and corresponding social problems. Eligible entities include state, local or tribal governments or nonprofit organizations in communities with a persistent high level of serious violent crime, which have not previously been an approved Weed and Seed site. The application deadline is December 1, 2009.

Peaceful Pathways: Reducing Exposure to Violence
The purpose of this grant is to decrease violence in specific communities such as those defined by race, ethnicity, tribe, gender, sexual identity or rural/frontier location. This grant is funded by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Applicants are nominated by a diversity-focused funder concerned with the specific population. Eight matching grants of between $50,000 and $200,000 each will be awarded. The application deadline is January 5, 2010.

Health Care Disparities Grant Program
The goal of The Commonwealth Fund's Program on Health Care Disparities is to improve the quality of health care delivered to low-income and minority Americans, and to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities. The Fund awards grants to tax-exempt organizations, institutions, and public agencies. Applications are accepted year-round from nonprofit organizations.

Healthy community Outreach Program
Healthy community Outreach Program Awards will be granted to nonprofit organizations to support grassroots efforts which increase awareness on critical health initiatives through health walks, health fairs and health education outreach. Grants up to $25,000 will be considered. Nonprofit organizations with evidence of IRS 501(c)(3) designation or de facto tax-exempt status may apply for a grant, with the following exceptions: advertising; capital campaigns; grants or scholarships to individuals; multiyear requests; political causes and events; or religious organizations in support of their sacramental or theological functions. There is an ongoing deadline for applications.

The Circle of Service Foundation
The Circle of Service Foundation has a funding opportunity focused to help underprivileged people help themselves and to relieve human suffering. Qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempt organizations, located in, and/or operating in IL, within a 100 mile radius of Chicago. The grant awards generally range between $2,000 and $25,000. Applications are reviewed quarterly.

ILAACP Administers a Needs Assessment Survey
The ILAACP is administering a Needs Assesment Survey to gauge how we can better serve the needs of individuals, agencies and organizations providing early intervention and prevention services to African-American communities located throughout the state. The survey is designed to gather information in four areas:

• General demographic information about you and your organization
• Social and/or health disparities affecting African-American communities
• Incentives for and barriers to participating in a statewide coalition
• General feedback on types of strategies needed to strengthen early intervention and prevention in African-American communities

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month!
Let's face it! Diabetes is a health disparity that negatively impacts the African-American community. Diabetes is a serious disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or respond properly to insulin, a hormone that allows blood glucose (sugar) to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy. Currently, almost 24 million adult Americans have diabetes, and approximately 57 million people have pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. On November 21, 2009, the 2009 Diabetes Health Symposium: Diabetes Prevention and Control Workshop will be held at Chatham ICE Theater. This event will raise diabetes awareness and give attendees the opportunity to participate in a free private screening - i.e., blood glucose check, cholesterol and blood pressure checks, body mass index, etc. This event will be held on November 21, 2009 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm at 210 W. 87th Street Chicago, IL 60620.

There are six locations that currently offer vaccinations, free of charge, to Chicago residents at increased risk of contracting H1N1:

• Kennedy King College, 740 W. 63rd St.
• Olive Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn
• Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S. Pulaski
• Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson
• Arturo Velasquez Institute, 2800 S. Western
• Wright College, 4300 N. Narraganset

Freedoms Sisters Essay Contes - "Who is your favorite Freedom Sister and why?"
What are you doing to continue her legacy?
In partnership with the DuSable Musuem, the Ford Motor Company is hosting a Freedoms Sister essay contest. Eligible participants include 4th to 8th grade students. Prizes of up to $10,000 U.S. Savings Bonds will be awarded to 6 lucky winners. The contest will be open from January 23, 2010 till March 9, 2010. Essays should be mailed to: Ford Motor Company ATTN: Freedom's Sisters Essay Conetest - Chicago, 1 American Road - 211 WHQ, Dearborn, MI 48126. Please include your name, school, grade level, and contact information. Winners will be notified on March 26, 2010. For more information, contact the DuSable Museum of African American History at 773-947-0600

Substance Use/Abuse Prevention: Why is it Relevant in the Broader Healthcare Discussion?
Addiction is a chronic disease, which is preventable and treatable. In order to achieve population level changes in addiction rates and reduce the economic impact of this chronic disease, substance abuse prevention must be included as a critical component of the broader healthcare reform discussion. CADCA is working to ensure that substance abuse prevention, treatment, recovery, and full and equitable parity for mental health and addiction is included in the final legislation. To learn more about why substance abuse prevention should be included in the healthcare reform conversation, click here.

Fenger Kids Tell Why They Fight
After a fight caught on tape outraged the nation weeks ago, Chicago Public Schools and Chicago's police are once again being called upon to provide safety to public schools and the surrounding communities. The horrific death of Derrion Albert has only resurfaced the ongoing phenomenon of teen violence. Violence in Chicago has already claimed the lives of five teens in the last month, three of them which were public school children. Taking this into account, the Chicago Tribune has launched an in-depth investigation into youth violence, examining its complex causes, and finding possible solutions. To read the entire article, click here.

New Study Finds Cigarette Packaging Can Influence Teen Smoking
A new study reported in the Health Behavior News Service found that plainer cigarette packages, perceived as boring or unattractive, would make smoking much less appealing to teens. Even before adolescents try smoking, they have preconceived ideas about what smoking is like. They often glean these images from the appeal of a cigarette pack. Colors, images, logos and font sizes all play a part in increasing teens’ susceptibility to future tobacco use. To learn more about how marketing influences adolescent tobacco use, click here.

Illinois School Test Scores: Income-Based Gap Proves Hard to Close
Closing the educational achievement gap between low-income students and their higher-income counterparts has been a national concern for years. Recent statistics prove this notion is harder to achieve then once realized. Nine of every 10 students at the Glen Ellyn school passed state exams in reading and math, according to the 2009 Illinois School Report Card made public Friday. But average scores belie a widespread problem the federal government has spent billions trying to fix nationwide: While at least 95 percent of Hadley's well-off students passed the eighth-grade reading and math tests, about half of their low-income classmates met the same goals, revealing an achievement gap that is as persistent as it is pernicious. To read full article, click here.

Lawmakers Emphasize Need for Balanced U.S. Anti-Drug Policy
Calling attention to the ongoing problem of substance abuse and addiction in the United States, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack recently testified in a subcommittee hearing on the affect of the drug trade on America's youth and on the need to update and improve the U.S. approach to reducing both the supply of and demand for drugs in the Western Hemisphere. Bono Mack, a leading advocate for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse and addiction and an original co-sponsor of the Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission Act (H.R. 2134), which was passed by the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee last week, emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to this serious issue that affects families across America, including her own. To learn more about this approach to reducing drug use, click here.

"Criminalizing" Poverty
People living in poverty get swept into the criminal justice system more often than their better-off counterparts. Once there, they are at a real disadvantage in a court system where money can buy freedom through quality representation. And after they are incarcerated, they are relegated to poverty once again because of the punitive barriers society has set up to prevent their success.This system is not only unfair, it’s counterproductive to our country’s overall well-being. Unless we as a nation take ownership of this flaw in our current system, we will continue to be the world’s biggest jailor, with the social and economic costs that accompany that shameful moniker. To discover solution for this inequitable problem, click here.

Alexandria Campaign Educates Community about Dangers of Buying Alcohol for Minors
Survey data conducted of the Northern Virginia area show that many underage youth can easily get a hold of alcohol from adults – whether it’s from strangers who agree to buy alcohol for them or from their parents. To help prevent this, teams of youth and adults from Northern Virginia joined forces on October 10 to launch the first regional Sticker Shock campaign, a youth-led initiative to educate adults who might be tempted to purchase alcohol legally and provide it to minors. The campaign is part of the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA)'s efforts to prevent underage drinking in their community. To learn more about this campaign, click here.

CADCA Institute Introduces New Coalition Handbook
CADCA's National Coalition Institute recently released a new Handbook for Community Anti-Drug Coalitions which provides an overview of resources for local groups working in substance abuse prevention. To download the handbook please click here.

Chicagoland World AIDS Events 2009
Starting November 30, 2009 through December 11, 2009, Chicago Department of Public Health will be hosting a series of events to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic - i.e., a Health Expo, Press Conference, World AIDS Day Award Reception, Leadersip Forum, 4th Annual People's Gala. For more information regarding dates and times, click here.

DHS Grantsmanship Workshops
November 16, 2009 - Chicago Heights, IL
Click here for registration information

Safer Foundation- Director of Development
The Safer Foundation helps formerly incarcerated individuals re-enter their communities. Safer has been working for more than 37 years to reduce recidivism by helping people with records obtain employment and social services. Applicants must write grants on behalf of the Agency to enhance the mission and vision established by the Board of Directors. A bachelor's degree is required; however, a master's degree is preferred. For more information about this position and to apply click here.

The Family Room - Development Director
This is a part-time position for a Development Director for a small not-for-profit, family support program in North Evanston. Duties include responsibility for all fundraising, including soliciting major gifts, expanding donor pool, annual fund drives, writing grants and working to increase both foundation and corporate giving. Reports to the Executive Director, and works closely with Board of Directors. 8 hours per week, can work from home, if preferred. The position is available in January 2010. Click here to see the full job description and to apply.

Between Friends Chicago- Prevention and Education Specialist
This position will complete a team comprised of one male and one female who are co-facilitators for the teen dating violence prevention program: R.E.A.C.H.-Relationship Education: A Choice for Hope. This position will work with boys to conduct and enhance the curriculum for our popular boys` group JAMMAN-"Just About Men Making Allies Now." The Prevention and Education Specialist is responsible for facilitating all facets of the teen dating violence prevention programs. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Colleen Norton, via email: cnorton@betweenfriendschicago.org or by fax: 773.262.2543. For a detailed description about this position, click here.

The Cara Program - Manager of Personal and Professional Development
The Cara Program is seeking a permanent full-time Manager of Personal and Professional Development who will be responsible for leading the Career Development team in creating successful and innovative solutions to ensure that the students of The Cara Program are ready for employment and are implementing an effective career development and job search strategy. For more information about the Cara Program, this position, and how to apply, click here.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Human Resource Coordinator
The Human Resource Coordinator is responsible for managing employee database and coordinating all data entries. This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a Business related field. The Chicago School offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of professional psychology. To find out more about this position and to apply click here.

The Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University - Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs is the principal deputy to the dean. Working with other members of the dean's cabinet, department chairpersons and appropriate faculty groups, the Associate Dean supports the dean in overseeing all matters relating to curriculum and faculty affairs, including strategic planning; faculty appointment, reappointment, promotion and tenure; faculty development; annual performance reviews; teaching loads; and nominations for University-wide awards. The Associate Dean will also be expected to teach in their area of expertise. For more information and to apply for this position, click here.

Telpochcalli Community Education Project - Development Coordinator
The Development Coordinator handles all aspects of the organization's development. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: cultivate and steward existing partnerships with individuals, foundations, and corporations to strengthen funding; conduct research to identify new sources of funding; serve as a liaison to Board of Directors; etc. To find out more information and to apply, click here.

Orchard Village - Transition Program Manager
Transition Program Manager manages and oversees day-to-day operations of the home, is responsible for the growth and development of participants in the program and will market the Transitions Program to internal and external communities. Other responsibilities include but are not limited too: supervise day-to-day activities, manage employees' schedules, complete assigned paperwork, etc. To find out more information about this position and to apply, click here.

Arts Alliance Illinois - Strategic Initiatives and Research Director
The Strategic Initiatives and Research Director oversees Arts Alliance Illinois’ innovative research agenda and related programs. This position manages initiatives designed to increase public awareness and support for increased investment in the arts and arts education in Illinois. A successful candidate will be a motivated strategic thinker with strong research, communication, and interpersonal skills. To learn more about this job opportunity and to apply please click here.

Central States SER Jobs for Progress - Executive Director
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic person to provide leadership in advancing our mission of promoting economic self-sufficiency and upward mobility through education and employment for low-income community residents. Under the direction of the Vice President of Midwest Operations, the Executive Director is responsible for executive leadership and management, including the development and execution of the organization’s short- and long-term plans and the financial management of a multi-million dollar organization. The Executive Director is responsible for the development of the human and financial resources and policies that support the overall mission of the organization. To learn more about this job opportunity, please click here.

Northwestern University - Research Study Programs Coordinator
The successful candidate will assist with coordination of a two-year randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a healthy lifestyle intervention. Study participants meet regularly with a counselor and peers who support behavioral adherence to weight loss. Willingness to accommodate to a flexible schedule when necessary. Position will also be required to communicate with participants by phone and e-mail on an as needed basis. To learn more about this position and to apply, click here.

Youth Outreach Services - Program Manager - Treatment
Under the direction of the Deputy Director, the Program Manager provides clinical supervision of staff, as well as implementation, evaluation and assistance in the development of programming. Writes reports and maintains contract compliances. Works within the community to develop relationships and secure referral sources. The Program Manager will assume case responsibility as necessary, be available to respond to emergencies, coordinate services with court personnel, completes intake paperwork, treatment plans, conduct clinical meetings; as well as assist in the hiring and training of staff and interns. To learn more about this opportunity and to apply, click here.

Ounce of Prevention Fund - Policy Associate-National Group
The Policy Associate-National supports the teams individualized technical assistance to state advocacy leaders, analyzes early childhood policy across our multi-state network, and conducts issue- and state-based policy research. Additionally, the Policy Associate helps plan and execute our state-to-state peer learning activities including the semi-annual Peer Advocate Roundtable (PAR) - which brings advocates in our multi-state network together with national organizations, funders and key experts in early childhood. The position also helps develop and maintain relationships with key national organizations funded by the Birth to Five Policy Alliance to bring additional resources to state efforts. For more information about this position and to apply, click here.

Neighborhood Housing Services- Executive Director
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) is seeking as its next Executive Director a dynamic and seasoned leader who has demonstrated a strong commitment to neighborhood investment and development. The candidate must have a results-oriented track record in leading major program initiatives, resource development, and public/private partnerships. For more information about this position, please click here.

Mission
The Healthcare Consortium of Illinois is an organization of partners committed to developing and maintaining targeted, community-based, integrated health and human service delivery systems which increase the well-being of individuals, families and communities throughout Illinois by means of advocacy, awareness and action.

Their vision is to become a national leader committed to facilitating health and human service through advocacy, awareness and action through cutting-edge, quality-driven and diversified best practices and processes.

Programs
The Senior Care Department was established July 1, 2001 to encompass the need for collaborative efforts to develop systems for seniors and their caregivers to easily access needed services. The Senior Care Program provides case management services to eligible seniors age 60 and older. Case management services are provided for seniors through contracts received from the Illinois Department on Aging and the Chicago Department on Aging. Without the services provided by these programs, many elderly would face premature or unnecessary institutionalization.

Other programs like - Health Start, Family Case Management, and Gilead Outreach - deal with maternal child care. These services improve the health of pregnant women and their children for healthy family development.

Contact
To learn more about Healthcare Consortium of Illinois, please call 708.841.9515; or visit the website at www.hcionline.org

To learn more about ILAACP membership, please contact us at 312.850.4444 or ilaacpinfo@illaacp.org