Newman Secures More Than $2 Million in Federal Funding to Expand Health Services, Trauma-Informed Programing and Safety Improvements in IL-03

Press Release

As part of this year's community project funding from the House Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Representative Marie Newman (D-IL-03) announced today that she has secured more than $2 million in federal funding that will expand health services, trauma-informed programming and safety improvements across Illinois' 3rd Congressional District. Upon passage in Congress, the funding would go towards four local district projects to support evidence-based services for survivors of violence, provide programming for at-risk teenagers, expand access to substance use treatment for communities and improve safety at a local airport facility.

"By investing in health services, treatment supports and programming for our youth and most vulnerable residents, we are strengthening the fabric of our entire district," said Congresswoman Newman. "I am grateful to partner with each and every one of these community organizations, who are using this funding to build a better tomorrow for the residents of Illinois' 3rd District. I look forward to seeing how these projects will make a positive impact by bolstering the critical community services that our residents need to truly thrive."

The following community project funding requests were approved today by their respective subcommittees. In addition to these requests, Congresswoman Newman has submitted a total of 10 other community projects for funding consideration, of which nine have been approved. All submissions must designate federal funding for specific projects that demonstrate a positive benefit to the community and are a good use of taxpayer funds. Find a full list of Congresswoman Newman's Community Project Funding Requests here.

Thresholds Bridge South Renovation - $1 Million

Expansion of access to substance use treatment, behavioral health services and primary care for communities

Upon passage in Congress, Thresholds, one of the largest providers of recovery services for persons with mental illnesses and substance use disorders in Illinois, would utilize the funding for site preparation, initial construction and architecture for facility renovations and upgrades to make it fully accessible for people with disabilities. This will help to significantly expand access to substance use treatment, behavioral health services, and primary care for community members residing in the district.

"We are thrilled that Rep. Newman is helping secure funding for an expansion of Thresholds' Bridge South property on Chicago's South Side that will bring accessibility and expanded services to more than 1,000 residents living with serious mental illnesses and substance use conditions," said Mark Ishaug, CEO of Thresholds. "This transformative project brings together mental health, physical health, pharmacy, homeless outreach, employment, and other social services in a single site that eliminates barriers to care."

Latino Organization of the Southwest - $500,000

Programming to help teens develop analytical skills to address domestic violence, depression, teen pregnancy, dropping out of school, gang membership, bullying, racism, sexism and alcohol and drug abuse.

A total of $500,000 would be directed towards the Latino Organization of the Southwest to extend their A-STRRONG-U program (Always Stick Together, Resist, Reach Out and Never Give Up), which is designed to help teens develop analytical skills to address domestic violence, depression, teen pregnancy, dropping out of school, gang membership, bullying, racism, sexism and alcohol and drug abuse. This funding will allow the Latino Organization of the Southwest to improve their program and facilities to better serve at-risk teens in the community.

"We are feeling extremely blessed with this funding opportunity, said Sandra Mosqueda, Program Director at the Latino Organization of the Southwest. "We will be able to expand the A-STRRONG-U program and continue serving the youth in the Southwest side of Chicago with youth leadership programming that addresses mental health and healthy self-development as well as academic, career and college exploration."

Advocate Christ Medical Center Trauma Recovery Center - $150,000

Providing holistic, inclusive and trauma-informed programs and evidence-based services to victims, survivors and families of intentional violence

Upon passage in Congress, a total of $150,000 would be used to provide holistic, inclusive and trauma-informed programs and evidence-based services to victims, survivors and families of intentional violence. Specifically, the funding will be used for the purchase of two lowered floor minivan paratransit vehicles to transport patients who need a handicap accessible vehicle to get to and from their healthcare appointments, including their appointments at the Trauma Recovery Center. Additionally, the funding would be used to purchase Chromebooks for patients to allow patients to access their telehealth appointments to receive the appropriate mental health services.

"We thank Congresswoman Newman for her efforts to support the Trauma Recovery Center -- TRC -- at a time when violence in our Chicago neighborhoods has impacted far too many people. The TRC provides comprehensive, evidence-based services to victims, survivors, and families of intentional violence, regardless of their ability to pay. For many of our clients, rideshare and public transportation are not always possible options, as they are cost prohibitive and may not be disability friendly," said Richard Heim, President, Advocate Christ Medical Center. "Transportation access and the digital divide are critical social determinants of health that we hope to address with this funding. The mini vans will provide a safe mode of transportation to and from care, and will also be used for wraparound support such as transporting clothing and food. The Chromebooks will provide clients with vital access to telehealth services and education opportunities. As a result of COVID-19, over 50 percent of the TRC's sessions now occur virtually, which has unexpectedly both increased client participation and reduced cancelations. We are truly grateful to Congresswoman Newman for spearheading this request for funding for this impactful program."

Lewis University Airport Safety Enhancements - $680,000

Creation of new fencing surrounding the Lewis University Airport to increase safety

A total of $680,000 in federal funding would go towards the Joliet Regional Port District to build necessary airport safety fencing at the Lewis University Airport. The project will enhance safety and security to persons and property operating at the Airport and will enclose active aircraft operations areas that currently are open to uncontrolled access from undesired animals, persons and vehicles not authorized to be within the controlled Airport operations area.

"By providing security fencing and gate control in the aircraft parking and storage area, this funding will provide a valuable service not only to our airport patrons, visitors and staff but also the entire local community," said Chris Lawson, Director of Aviation at the Joliet Regional Port District.

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