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

E-News Bulletin December 2009
Vol. 3, Issue 8

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

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. We have approached our application deadline, and we are currently undergoing the review process. This year we received a total of 63 Emails of Intent and 31 actual applications. These applications will be reviewed and our FY10 grantees will be announced at our next Quarterly Membership Meeting on Thursday, January 28, 2010.

In addition to this initiative,the ILAACP has selected Millennia Consulting to assist us in our Strategic Planning Process. A portion of this process includes gathering information from you in four areas to gain a better understanding of how to strategically plan future ILAACP activities. If you have not already taken our Needs Assessment Survey, please take the time to complete it now. Persons that complete the survey will have a chance to win 1 out of 3 2GB iPod Shuffles! To access the survey, click here.

In Service,

Malik S. Nevels, J.D.
Executive Director

• Governor Quinn Names Human Services Commission
• Seven Issues to Watch as the Senate Begins Amending the Healthcare Bill
• YCSS Launches 50-in-10 Campaign to Combat Chicago's Drop-Out Rate
• ILAACP Administers a Needs Assessment Survey
• Save the Date: ILAACP Quarterly Membership Meeting - January 28, 2010
• Job Opportunities: Fight Crime - Policy Associate
• An ILAACP Member You Should Know: UCAN
  

Seven Issues to Watch as the Senate Begins Amending the Healthcare Bill
Senators will be asked to cast their votes on numerous amendments as they begin a debate to reshape the country's healthcare system. Some amendments will be designed to improve the bill, while others will be presented as obstacles blocking healthcare reform. The seven issues that will most likely be debated are: Public Option, Health Insurance Excise Tax, Prescription Drugs, Affordability, Insurance Exchanges, and Medicare Cuts. To discover where the Senators stand on the aforementioned issues, click here.

Seven Things You Didn't Know Were in the Senate Health Bill
Pay attention: The "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act", better known as the Senate health care overhaul bill, is chock full of interesting but little publicized provisions affecting consumers. Sure, the bill is mainly a blueprint for overhauling the insurance system. But look closely and you'll see a variety of items that would affect people from the cradle to old age. To read this full article and to discover some of the intricacies of this bill, click here.

H.B. 542
On November 20, 2009 Governor Pat Quinn signed this bill into law, which allows the state to tap significant federal dollars and speed payments to thousands of Illinois-based hospitals. The new law will improve the financial health of the state's hospitals, which treat thousands of patients and are major employers. Governor Quinn stated, "Illinois' Medicaid providers serve Illinois' most vulnerable residents. This bill will help speed payments and give much-needed financial relief to these important health care providers." To learn more about this bill and to read the full press release, click here.

State Senate Passes Resolution SR 0432
On December 3, 2009, the Illinois State Senate passed resolution SR0432 recognizing Black Wall Street District Chicago. This resolution was passed thanks to the support of: The Honorable Dorothy Brown (Clerk of Cook County Circuit Court), Sen. Donne Trotter, Sen. Kwame Raoul, Rep. William D. Burns & Rep. Andre M. Thapedi. Senator Trotter & Dorothy Brown submitted proclamations reiterating Black Wall Street commitment to sustain and increase black businesses in Chicago. BWS also commits to revitalization to cultivate a pedestrian-friendly, urban experience on the Southside of Chicago, similar to the makeover that revamped the area south of downtown Chicago. For more information visit www.blackwallstreet.org.

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.

IL. Creates a Public Health Advocate Position
On November 21, 2009, Governor Pat Quinn signed an Executive order creating a new office for a public health advocate. The position would champion wellness programs and healthy habits that focus on reducing health and social disparities adversely impacting Illinoisans. This individual is responsible for recommending and facilitating the development of public health strategies designed to prevent, diagnosis, treat, and cure: diabetes, asthma, and other illness and condition- i.e. obesity. The public health advocate will also focus on assisting residents in understanding health coverage provisions and help them better understand their public health right. To access an article that explains the full scope of this Executive Order, click here.

DFSS releases Youth Ready Chicago Community Councils RFP
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services is seeking proposals from qualified organizations for the Youth Ready Chicago Community Councils, which will develop and coordinate a regional service delivery plan for youth. Successful respondents will be able to clearly demonstrate the capacity to deliver the Community Council program components in one of six defined geographical areas in the City of Chicago. DFSS expects to award up to $75,000 for the Coordinating Council Leads option for each of the six regions, during 2010. The application deadline is December 14, 2009.

Laura Bush Foundation
In order to promote a love of reading, the goal of the Laura Bush Foundation (LBF) is to provide books to the school libraries and students that most need them. Consequently, funds are available only for library books and magazine/serial copies and subscriptions. The Laura Bush Foundation is unable to honor requests for staffing, shelving, furniture, equipment, software, videos, classroom book sets or any kind of book guides, tests or exams. All LBF grants are made to individual schools rather than to school districts, county systems, private organizations, foundations, or other entities. Because research demonstrates a clear relationship between family income and a student’s access to books, the LBF gives selection preference to schools in which 90% or more of the students receive free or reduced lunches (FRL) and are likely to have the fewest books at home. All applications must be made on-line through their website. The application deadline is December 31, 2009.

Grant Program/Allen Foundation
The policies and priorities of the Allen Foundation are to make grants to fund relevant nutritional research; to support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age; to assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices; and to encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. The application deadline is December 31, 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.

Assets for Independence
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS), will accept applications for grants to establish and administer Assets for Independence (AFI) projects. Grantees provide an array of supports and services to enable individuals and families with low incomes to become economically self-sufficient for the long-term. The purpose of the AFI program is to provide financial awards and other supports to entities that administer AFI projects. The amount available is $19 million for 55 to 65 awards. The application deadline is January 15, 2010

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 January 15, 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.

Substance Abuse Treatment Grant
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2010 for grants to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity in Targeted Areas of Need - Local Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care. This program is designed to foster the development and utilization of local recovery-oriented systems of care to address gaps in treatment capacity by supporting person-centered and self-directed approaches for substance abuse (including alcohol and drug) treatment and recovery services in communities with serious drug problems. SAMHSA expects that a total of $14.4 million in funding will be available for the three year project period. It is anticipated that up to 12 grants of up to $400,000 per year will be available for each of the three years, $4.8 million per year. The application deadline is January 14, 2010.

ILAACP Administers a Needs Assessment Survey
The ILAACP is administering a Needs Assessment 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

The 50-in-10 Campaign
The high school dropout crisis in Chicago is not only embarrassing, it has a detrimental effect on Chicago's future. Chicago graduates less than 50% of its high school student population. Each year approximately 47,000 students get off-track for graduation, of which 16,000 drop out. A majority of the droupouts are African-American. As a result of not completing school, our teens are more susceptible to lives of poverty, drugs, gangs, violence, incarceration, and/or unintended pregnancies. The 50-in-10 campaign is dedicated to increasing the graduation rates among dropouts, off-track students, and out-of-school youth by 50,000 in 10 years. In an effort to achieve this goal, the 50-in-10 campaign is forming a coalition that share the similar goal of positively developing Chicago's youth. Members of this coalition will strive for innovative ways to increase Chicago's graduation rate; and as a result, Chicago's youth will develop into positive adults with prosperous futures. The ILAACP has joined this Campaign for change; will you do the same? Potential members can access the Letter of Support by clicking HERE.

The Final Push: Taking Action to Support Community Prevention and Equity in Health Reform
Please join Prevention Institute and Public Health Institute for an urgent late-breaking web forum on community prevention and equity priorities for health reform. Now that it is time for a Senate vote on the health care bill, the debate is shaping to be both contentious and historic: the stakes are high for families, communities, businesses, and the nation as a whole. To learn how your voice can make a difference in this debate, join the Public Health Institute and Prevention Institute web forum on Thursday, December 10, 2009 9:00 - 10:00 am. To register for this event, click here.

The Legal Issues Breakfast Series: Employee vs. Independent Contractor Classifications
Are you working with an employee or an independent contractor? David L. Weinstein, J.D. is presenting a clear presentation on how the two differ. David Weinstein leads Wildman Harrold's Employment & Labor Practice. He will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about basic legal issues in a clear, concise presentation. This event takes place on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 from 8:30 am - 10:00 am. This event will be located at CCV & CMBDC suite 2300 (The Clark Adams Building, 210 S. Clark); it will cost $15 to attend. To RSVP, contact Seth Harrop at 312.960.0311.

Study: Tax Increase is Illinois' Only Option
Illinois' tax structure is unbalanced and outdated. As a result, transit doomsdays, school funding referendums, and the threat of human service cuts emerge every year. Instead of taxing the fastest growing segment of the economy-services-Illinois only applies the sales tax to goods (and at an extremely high rate). By expanding the tax, the state could net an additional $7 billion a year, according to the Government Accountability Office. Meanwhile, raising the income tax rate from 3 percent to 5 percent would generate $4 billion more a year. To learn more about Illinois' regressive tax system and to discover ways to reform the current system, click here.

The 5 Worst Cities for Urban Youth
In its commitment to calling attention to the Obama Administration’s continued neglect of urban America, ScoopDaily has compiled a list of the 5 worst cities for urban youth. Particular attention is paid to high-school graduation rates, infant mortality rates, unemployment rates, juvenile justice incarceration, and the amount of jobs created in relation to funds received by the Recovery Act. To discover which cities made the list, click here.

Governor Quinn Names Human Services Commission
On November 22, 2009, Governor Pat Quinn signed an executive order creating the Illinois Human Services Commission. The new Commission will make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly about providing high quality human services to Illinois citizens. The Commission is comprised of members with expertise in both the public and private sectors. The Executive Order states the Commission's membership shall "reflect regional, racial, and cultural diversity to ensure representation of all Illinois citizens". To read the full press release, click here.

"Race to the Top" for Federal Funds Starts with New P-20 Panel
Governor Pat Quinn made 23 appointments to the P-20 Council, a key advisory panel that will make recommendations to the Governor about strengthening our education system. The P-20 (pre-school through graduate school) Council will play an instrumental role in Illinois' quest to win approximately $400 million in federal "Race to the Top" discretionary funds. "Race to the Top" is a $4.35 billion competitive grant process focused on innovative approaches to education. To learn more about this panel and to read the full press release, click here.

Online Tool Provides Strategies for Preventing Community Gang Violence
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, (OJJDP), has created an online tool that teaches communities effective strategies to address local gang problems. The tool, provided by OJJDP and BJA's National Gang Center, is called the Comprehensive Gang Model Overview. It provides a 23-minute discussion of OJJDP's Model for identifying target areas with high levels of gang activity, locating gangs, and focusing appropriate resources on them. The tool also describes how communities can follow proven anti-gang strategies and how to implement the Model locally.To access the Comprehensive Gang Model Overview, click here.

Freedoms Sisters Essay Contest - "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 Contest - 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.

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, Leadership Forum, 4th Annual People's Gala. For more information regarding dates and times, click here.

2010 Office of Justice Programs Program Plan
The Office of Justice Programs has released its Fiscal Year 2010 Program Plan. The Program Plan includes resources that provide funding opportunities and new initiatives from OJP, as well as guidance on how to take advantage of those opportunities. The Program Plan is divided into 10 thematically organized sections. Each section represents both an issue that cuts across OJB bureaus and offices and a challenge identified by the criminal and juvenile justice fields. To access this Program Plan and to take advantage of possible funding opportunities, click here.

Fight Crime: Invests in Kids Illinois - Policy Associate
Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Illinois is a state affiliate of a national, non-profit advocacy organization that supports public investment in programs that help kids get started on the right track, succeed in school, and as a result avoid getting involved in crime. Fight Crime is searching for a Policy Associate. This position will be based in Chicago, and the associate will help with all aspects of generating media attention including: organizing events, pitching media outlets, and preparing materials and spokespeople. To find out more about this position and to apply, click here.

Illinois Action for Children - Family Resources Specialist
Illinois Action for Children is a non-profit social service and advocacy agency dedicated to quality, accessible early learning and care opportunities for all Illinois children. The Family Resource Specialist participates in all aspects of the IDHS Child Care Certificate Program as related to parents and providers of child care. Duties include: Determining parent and provider eligibility by reviewing applications, entering data and authorizing payments for child care as determined by IDHS policies; informing parents and providers of program operation, policies and procedures in an appropriate and professional manner over the phone and/or in person. The deadline to apply for this position is December 31, 2009. To see a full job description and to apply, click here.

Communities in Schools of Chicago - Agency/School Coordinator
Communities In Schools of Chicago (CISC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to working in partnership with the Chicago Public Schools and community organizations to improve student achievement. Agency/School Coordinators work with schools and agencies to develop the capacity of both groups to establish and maintain effective partnerships and effectively reduce barriers to student learning. This position also manages a portfolio of schools while also investigating new agency partnership opportunities. Agency/School Coordinators work creatively to develop new ways to expand the reach and effectiveness of local agencies in order to have an increased impact on student academic success and general well-being. For more information about this position, and how to apply, click here.

Thresholds - Community Support Specialist
Thresholds is Illinois` oldest and largest provider of services to people living with severe and persistent mental illness. The Community Support Specialist provides direct services to members and their families as part of a multi disciplinary team in a residential setting. These services include but are not limited to providing individual counseling, outreach and case management services in a milieu residential treatment setting. The successful candidate must also create and implement group curriculum, facilitating up to 4 groups a week. Other duties may include representing the Program on various agency and community committees. To find out more about this position and to apply, click here.

Center for New Horizons - Employment Specialist
Ideal candidate engages in performing a variety of counseling, referral, placement and/or related services to eligible people with barriers such as poverty, disability, and underemployment to transition into employment and self-sufficiency. The candidate also interviews clients to assess family background, prior work experience, education, and limitations in order to develop an Individual Responsibility Plan including providing career and vocational counseling, developing vocational plans with each client and tracking progress through successful job retention. For more information and to apply for this position, click here.

Goodman Theatre - Assistant to the Director of Development
The Director's Assistant is responsible for the following: provide administrative support, maintain calendar and coordinate and prepare for meetings for the Director of Development, while also serving as a key liaison to the Board of Trustees along with the Director of Development, manage all correspondence with Board of Trustees including customized solicitation letters and acknowledgment letters, maintaining the activity of each member, maintaining accurate and complete records in the Tessitura database regarding trustees and coordinating monthly email newsletters for trustees. To find out more information and to apply, click here.

Safe & Sound, Inc. - Grant Writer
Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Grant Writer will manage the grants process. This will include researching, writing, coordinating and submitting of grant proposals and reports to all public and private funders. This position is located in Milwaukee and is full time. To find out more information about this position and to apply, click here.

The Youth Campus - Director of Development
The ideal candidate coordinates, develops and implements agency fund-raising and stewardship programs, including annual fund special projects, planned giving, major gifts and support for general operating and endowment funds of The Youth Campus. He/She also serves as a resource to Board members directly involved in fund-raising and in public relations through these activities and provides supervision to staff. To learn more about this job opportunity and to apply, please click here.

Starlight Children's Foundation Midwest - Development Manager
The Development Manager will manage multiple donor strategies that expand the financial base of support for Starlight Children’s Foundation Midwest through individual, corporate and foundation giving. The Development Manager will personally cultivate relationships in the community that yield sustained revenue and strategic opportunities for Starlight. The Development Manager will have the opportunity to make a significant impact, create change and shape the future development direction. To learn more about this job opportunity, please click here.

Year Up - Executive Director
Year Up is a non-profit organization with a mission to prepare urban young adults aged 18-24 for life and work in our technology-driven society, while guiding them toward successful careers and higher education. Reporting to the National Site Director in our National office the Executive Director will lay the groundwork, launch and scale Year Up’s next expansion site in Chicago, Illinois. The goal is for the site is to be financially self-sustainable at scale, with a budget of $6 million and a staff of 30 within 2-4 years. To learn more about this position and to apply, 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.

Mission
UCAN strives to build strong youth and families through compassionate healing, education and empowerment.

Vision
Youth who have suffered trauma can become our future leaders.

Programs
UCAN have specially designed programs in each of these three areas: Healing Trauma, Educating children and Families, and Preventing Violence. UCAN has a variety of programs designed specifically to create a healing process for those who have experienced trauma. This organization also has programs designed to educate children in a traditional setting and families in a variety of settings. Last but not least, UCAN has programs designed to empower young people to create life-changing opportunities that ensure safer futures. Each program strives to improve conditions of families and youth across Chicago.

Contact
To learn more about Carepoint, please call 773.588.0180; or visit the website at www.ucanchicago.org

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