Building safe and supportive neighborhoods through a community-based approach

May 2008

ILAACP News

Dear ILAACP E-News Bulletin Subscribers -

The ILAACP applauds Governor Rod Blagojevich for recently launching Community Investment Works, a $150 million comprehensive investment to stem the tide of violence in Illinois by creating more job opportunities for youth, increasing the number of after school programs, rebuilding deteriorating neighborhoods, and bolstering public safety.

The Community Investment Works plan will invest:

• $30 million for the Governor's Summer Youth Employment program to provide 20,000 jobs to youth ages 13 to 22.
  

• $20 million in grants to community providers for after-school and unattended youth programs .

• $100 million to rebuild deteriorating neighborhoods, support local businesses and stimulate job growth.

Now is a critical time to join the ILAACP along with a host of concerned parents, community leaders, advocates, and clergy from across the state in calling on our state legislators to support the Community Investment Works plan!!!!

Imagine how our families, work, and communities would be transformed if we:

• Employ 20,000 youth in meaningful jobs where they earn a decent wage and learn valuable skills;

• Engage countless at-risk youth in structured and safe after-school and community based programs aimed at helping them make a successful transition to adulthood; and

• Rebuild blighted neighborhoods by enlisting CBOs in direct redevelopment or renewal project that put community residents to work and restore neighborhood integrity.

How Can You or Your Organization Get Involved?

1. Join thousands of youth, parents, community leaders, and advocates from across the state for a Community Investment Works Capitol Day on Wednesday, May 21^st at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Lincoln Statue in Springfield, Illinois.

2. Endorse the Community Investment Works plan online by clicking here.

3. Contact your state legislator and/or local media outlet and voice your support for the Community Investment Works plan. For letter templates and other information, please click here.

Sincerely,

Malik S. Nevels, J.D.

Executive Director

Grant Opportunities

Head Start Innovation and Improvement Projects
The initiative is seeking projects from organizations that address the promotion of promising practices in the Head Start program and other priorities that meet needs related to the comprehensive nature of Head Start. $11.4 million is available to fund an estimated 57 projects. June 9, 2008 is the application deadline.

Project LAUNCH
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2008 for Cooperative Agreements for Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children's Health (Project LAUNCH). The purpose of Project LAUNCH is to promote the wellness of young children, birth to 8 years of age. $5.5 million is available to fund six awards. June 12, 2008 is the application deadline.

Economics of Prevention and Treatment Services for Drug and Alcohol Abuse
This grant solicits research projects on the economics of prevention and treatment services for drug and alcohol abuse. Up to $50,000 is available in funding. June 16, 2008 is the application deadline.

Parenting Capacities and Health Outcomes In Youths and Adolescents
Grants are aimed at increasing the parenting skills and capacities of parents and caregivers to improve the health outcomes of their young and adolescent children. Up to $275,000 is available in funding. June 16, 2008 is the application deadline.

Staples Foundation for Learning
The mission of Staples Foundation for Learning is to provide funding to programs that support or provide job skills and/or education for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. Proposals must be submitted between June 2 and June 16 by 11:59 pm ET to be considered for review.

Gender, Youth and HIV Risk
Applications are being accepeted from institutions/ organizations that propose to study the developmental and environmental processes contributing to HIV risk in individuals under the age of 24. $2 million is available to fund six to eight awards. July 28, 2008 is the application deadline.

Community-Based Child Health Initiative
The Community Access To Child Health (CATCH) Planning Funds program provides grants for pediatricians to develop innovative, community-based initiatives that increase children's access to medical homes or to specific health services not otherwise available. Grants are in amounts from $2,500 to $12,000. July 31, 2008 is the application deadline.

News & Resources

Gov. Blagojevich Invests $150 million To Stop Violence
If his $25 billion capital proposal passes in the Illinois House, Gov. Rod Blagojevich will have the money to pump $150 million into a new statewide anti-violence program. The program, named Community Investment Works, would fund job growth, community development and public safety programs in high crime neighborhoods, as well as create youth summer jobs. For the full article please click here. To learn more about Community Investment Works, please click here.

New Campaign Encourages Illinois Residents to Say it out loud
On May 1, 2008 more than 400 people gathered at Navy Pier to celebrate the launch of Say it out loud. Rally attendees heard from the campaign's sponsors, as well as from people who told their own Say it out loud stories. The campaign seeks to promote good mental health for every child and adult in Illinois, lower the barriers that prevent people from either seeking or offering help and support, and build a larger and stronger base of community support for an effective network of treatment services and programs. This campaign is sponsored by the Illinois Children's Mental Health Partnership and the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health. To learn more please visit the Mental Health Illinois website.

Study Suggests Teens Can Get Addicted and Relapse More Easily Than Adults
New research suggests that teens may get addicted to drugs and relapse more easily than adults because developing brains are more powerfully motivated by drug-related cues. The research, performed at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School's largest psychiatric facility, was reported in the April issue of Behavioral Neuroscience, published by the American Psychological Association. For more on the study please click here.

Kidney Disease Substantially Worsens in a Fourth of African Americans
The best available treatment for chronic kidney disease from high blood pressure did not keep the disease from substantially worsening in about a fourth of African-Americans studied, according to long-term results of a National Institutes of Health study published April 28, 2008, in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Please click here for the full article.

Gov. Blagojevich calls on media, parents to unite in preventing drug abuse
Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced that the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and Prevention First have unveiled new messages alerting parents and young people to the dangers of illegal and prescription drug abuse. The public service announcements (PSAs), to begin airing this month on radio and television stations statewide, include new messages about prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse. With the campaign, Gov. Blagojevich is asking media outlets in Illinois to join him in stepping up efforts to stop drug use, especially among young people. For the full press release, please click here.

2008 Report on Illinois Poverty
The recently released report, prepared by the Heartland Alliance's Illinois Poverty Summit, focuses on the conditions of Illinois' residents in poverty and policy solutions that can be implemented to alleviate these economic disparities. The report can be downloaded here.

Developing Caring Relationships Among Parents, Children, Schools and Communities
Take this opportunity to work with Dr. Dana McDermott of DePaul University to better understand how to improve parent involvement/engagement, thus looking at it in a different way. Become familiar with the caring process of decision making, Dr. McDermott proposes in her new book Developing Caring Relationships Among Parents, Children, Schools and Communities. Thursday, May 22, 2008. Please visit the Midwest Learning Center for registration and RSVP information.

Save Our Sisters: Sharing Strategies for Survival
Join in a discussion on women's health and how African-American men and women can work together to save our sisters from cancer. Rick Kittles, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Chicago is gathering a team of community focused experts to help you equip yourself with prevention strategies against cancer. Saturday, June 14, 2008. 10:30am - 1pm. DuSable Museum, Chicago, IL. Please call Healthlink at 773.702.9200 for more information and to RSVP.

Social Media Webinar Series
CADCA's National Coalition Institute will host a new three-part series of Webinars focusing on the ways that community anti-drug coalitions can use social media to enhance their day-to-day work. The second session will be held Thursday, June 19, 2008. To register or for more information on the CADCA National Coalition Institute's Webinar Series, visit the Webinar Series page of the Institute's website.

Summer Food Service Program
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is designed to provide nutritious meals during summer months to children from areas where at least 50 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-priced meals during the school year through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. If you would like to sponsor a program in your area, become a vendor, or volunteer your time, please register for a training at the SFSP website: http://www.isbe.net/nutrition. The next training will be Monday, May 19, 2008 in Springfield, IL. For additional information, contact Amy Bianco, Nutrition Division, at 1-800-545-7892 or e-mail cnp@isbe.net.

Education Career Opportunity
The 'Call Me MISTER' program is an effort to address the critical shortage of African American male teachers particularly among South Carolina's lowest performing public schools. Program participants are selected from among under-served, socio-economically disadvantaged and educationally at-risk communities. Please visit callmemister.clemson.edu for more details.

Legislative Watch

Youth Commission Bill Passes Senate 51-0
The youth commission bill establishes the Illinois Commission on Children and Youth. The Commission will work collaboratively and strategically across diverse service delivery systems and develop a 5-year strategic plan for providing services to children, youth and young adults. Now is a critical time to start weighing in on the appropriations process. We are asking that $100,000 be included in the FY 09 budget to support the Commission's activities. As a supporting organization, we would sincerely appreciate your help in contacting the legislators for your organization's district. To send a message to your elected officials using a formatted template, please click here.

HB1039 & SB1753 Support for Abused and Neglected Children
Appropriates $5,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Office of the Attorney General for a grant to the Illinois Association of Court Appointed Special Advocates (Illinois CASA), who help safeguard more than 4,000 abused and/or neglected children statewide.

HB4705 Preschool For All
Amends the School Code to continue funding the "Preschool For All Children" policy beyond June 30, 2008.

HB5038 Early Childhood Education Grant
Amends the School Code to provide more funds for programs serving children 0-3 through the Early Childhood Education Block Grant.

HB5279 & SB898 Childcare Access
Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code to limit the childcare co-payments of working families below the poverty line.

HB5570 & SB2235 Home-Visiting Programs
Appropriates $10,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to DHS, for community-based home-visiting programs for parents of young, high-risk children.

SB2288 Education Funding
Creates specific programs and funds to improve school quality through funding generated by tax reform.

SB2341 Chronic Kidney Disease
Appropriates $250,000 to the Department of Public Health from the General Revenue Fund for a Chronic Kidney Disease Awareness, Testing, Diagnosis and Treatment Program.

SB2361 Foster Parent Cost of Care
Seeks to establish a methodology to fund an increase in the cost of care reimbursement rate that DCFS will pay to foster parents for fiscal year 2009.

SB2505 Residential Care Services
Provides for collaboration between DCFS and representatives of voluntary residential services providers to develop a performance-based contract model that will fully fund the cost of care provided by residential services providers. DCFS will work with other State agencies to develop program requirements and rates based on the same model.

Events

Save the Date:

ILAACP Annual Meeting
June 26, 2008
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Malcolm X College, Chicago, IL.
To RSVP, please contact Heather Worth at 312.988.4646 ext. 225 or csang@ilaacp.org.

Unnatural Causes Town Hall Meetings & Public Hearings
The ILAACP is partnering with Aetna, UIC's Midwest Latino Health Research, Training, and Policy Center, and the Illinois General Assembly's Health and Healthcare Disparities Committee to convene a series of townhall meetings and public hearings in June to examine the root causes of health disparities and identify legislative action to promote health equity.

Peoria County Town Hall Meeting
Monday, June 23rd
Neighborhood House Association
1020 S. Matthew, Peoria, IL

Cook County Town Hall Meeting and Public Hearing
Monday, June 30th
UIC School of Public Health Gymnasium
1603 W. Taylor, Chicago, IL

Stronger Roots Stronger Branches
September 18-19, 2008
Holiday Inn Select
Naperville, IL

Partners in Action: Improving Health Outcomes in Illinois
October 14-15, 2008
President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center
701 East Adams, Springfield, IL
(217) 544.8800
Visit the Illinois Public Health Institute website for registration info.

Poverty's Impact on Illinois Women and Girls
This briefing will highlight two research projects commissioned by Chicago Foundation for Women on how poverty impacts women and girls in Illinois. Friday, May 16, 2008. 8:30 - 10:30 am. For registration and additional details, please click here.

Chicago Green Festival 2008
Celebrating what's working in our communities, green festival showcases more than 350 diverse local and national green businesses displaying and selling eco-friendly, fair trade and sustainable products. More than 150 visionary speakers will appear for panel discussions, presentations and main stage speaking events. Saturday, May 17 & Sunday, May 18, 2008. Please visit greenfestivals.org for more info.

How the Health Care Crisis is Affecting our Community
Come see an advanced screening of the POV documentary "Critical Condition," a look at what happens when you are sick and uninsured in America. The film will be followed by a brief panel discussion with local advocates. May 17, 2008. 9am- 12pm. Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Ave., Downers Grove, IL. RSVP to 312-913-9449. Admission is free.

Shaping Young Minds:The Police and Our Youth
This event is designed to help bridge the communication gap between youth and law enforcement while creating alliances to make a great effort toward community peaceful community reconciliation and safer environments for youth development. Saturday, May 17, 2008. 9 - 11am. Orr High School Campus Auditorium, 730 N Pulaski, Chicago. Admission is free. Please call 312.804.6310 or 773.567.6628 for more info.

Illinois Division of Mental Health Conference 2008
This year's conference is titled "Changes in the Illinois Mental Health Code: Understanding the Legal, Clinical, and Social
Implications." Topics will include: Involuntary Hospital Commitment: Clinical Issues; Rights of Persons Served; Legal Mandates Affecting Health Providers & Law Enforcement; and Civil Commitment: Procedures for Petitions. Tuesday, May 20, 2008 (Chicago) and Thursday, May 22, 2008 (Springfield). Please email Joyce B. Lane, Ph.D., Conference Chair - dhsmhea@dhs.state.il.us, for registration info.

Cancer Survivors' Celebration and Walk
The Celebration and Walk is the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University's salute to cancer survivors and the strides being made in treatment and research. No pledges are required for the 4-mile walk which begins in Chicago's Grant Park. A picnic lunch, entertainment, t-shirt, kids' corner and dedication wall are all included with registration, which is available online at www.cancer.northwestern.edu or 312.695.1304. June 1, 2008.

Illinois Maternal & Child Health Coalition Annual Meeting & Luncheon 2008
Jennifer Block, author of Pushed: The Painful Truth about Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care will be the presenter at IMCHC's annual meeting and luncheon. June 10, 2008. For more information contact Lilah Handler at 312.491.8161. To register online please click here.

George Washington Carver Field Museum Exhibition
Best known for his work with the peanut plant, George Washington Carver became a legend in his own time. Discover the life and work of an extraordinary man, born into slavery, who used his gifts to become a groundbreaking scientist, educator, and humanitarian with a lifelong mission: to bring practical knowledge to those in need. Visit the Field Museum's on exhibition on Dr. Carver which will be running through July 2008. Please visit the Field Museum website for more info.

Job Opportunities

Orchard Village - Executive Director
Orchard Village is a private non-profit organization licensed by the state of Illinois that provides services to people with developmental disabilities. We seek an Executive Director who will lead us into the future and facilitate further growth in both the quality and the breadth of services we provide as well as increasing our strength and stability in these challenging financial times. Please click here for more details.

Peer Health Exchange - Program Associate
Peer Health Exchange (PHE) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to give teenagers the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy decisions.The primary responsibilities of the PHE Chicago Program Associate will be to assist with the development, management, growth, and evaluation of the Chicago Program and to assist the Chicago Executive Director. Please click here for more info.

Thresholds - Community Support Specialist
Thresholds, Illinois' oldest and largest psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery center, creates the opportunity for people with mental illness to live with dignity and independence. CSI/PSR staff will be responsible for engaging members in the community who are interested in mental health services as well as facilitating PSR groups. For more details about this position please click here.

La Rabida Children's Hospital - VP of Development
La Rabida seeks a Vice President of Development to expand its philanthropy program. This person will provide leadership and vision for the hospital's development initiatives, including building long-range plans, overseeing all fundraising activities, and evaluating progress at appropriate intervals. For more info., please click here.

The Rochelle Lee Fund - Program Director
The Rochelle Lee Fund (RLF) seeks a Supporting Young Adolescent Literacy (SYAL) Director. SYAL is a new, multi-year professional development program for both language arts and content area teachers of grades 6-8 in the Chicago Public Schools. Through the implementation of balanced literacy with children's literature, SYAL offers teachers the opportunity to participate in differentiated professional development based on the learning needs of their students and their own professional goals as teachers. For more details please click here.

Housing Options - Executive Director
Housing Options provides affordable housing for more than 80 resident adults recovering from persistent and severe mental illnesses, over half of whom are formerly homeless and almost all of whom have low incomes. The candidate will have experience as a non profit or business executive, which includes the management of staff, financial planning and budgets. Please click here for more info.

Chicago Commons - Job Developer
The full-time job developer conducts individual and group career counseling; Identifies job openings for adult learners and builds relationships with employers to develop employment opportunities for participants; and acts as a liaison and offer arbitration services to employers and participants to help strengthen the employer/employee relationship for newly working clients. Please click here for more info.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation - Administrative Assistant
LISC is a national non-profit intermediary that provides financial and technical assistance to community-based organizations, public agencies and private (for-profit) entities focused on the redevelopment of urban neighborhoods and rural communities. THe Administrative Assistant will provide administrative services to the Chicago Office and provide reception services to LISC/Chicago and two other non-profit tenants in the office. Please click here for more details.

Organic School Project - Development Director
The Organic School Project (OSP) strives to combat health epidemics such as childhood obesity, asthma, early on-set type II diabetes and behavioral problems, through an integrated wellness service model and direct programming for schools. The Development Director is responsible for fundraising, development strategic planning and budgeting, and communications and marketing as they relate to fundraising. For more details, please click here.

Umoja - Program Development Specialist
Umoja Student Development Corporation is looking for a dynamic individual who is passionate about changing the lives of young people, supporting teachers, and impacting school culture. The Program Development Specialist will be on the front lines of launching Umoja programming at new and existing high school partnerships and building proactive relationships with students, teachers, administrative staff, and other community organizations. For more information about this opportunity, please click here.

Chicago Youth Centers - Youth Worker
The youth worker will perform functions to coordinate and implement activity programs in accordance with licensing requirements and the agency's program plans. Please click here for more details about this position.

Beatrice Caffrey Youth Service
BCYS is currently accepting applications for qualified, caring individuals to join us in providing quality services to our clients. Multiple positions are available. For a full list of job opportunities please visit http://www.beatricecaffrey.net/employ.html

ABJ Community Services
ABJ is currently accepting applications for qualified, caring individuals to join us in providing quality services to our clients. Multiple positions are available. For a full list of job opportunities please visit http://www.abj.org/html/career.html

An ILAACP Member You Should Know...

Join ILAACP

Imagine how our families, work, and communities would be transformed if you had a voice in a powerful coalition of early intervention and prevention practitioners and other stakeholders who advocate policy change, facilitate resource sharing, and offer professional development opportunities. Envision joining forces with leaders from around the state to build a new prevention and early intervention reality. Welcome to the Illinois African American Coalition for Prevention.

To learn more about ILAACP membership, please click here. To join or renew your membership, please download the membership application, or contact us at 312.850.4444 or ilaacp@illaacp.org