West Cook News

The Cook County Justice Advocacy Council on Wednesday awarded $700,000 in grant money to seven local organizations to support anti-violence programming.

“It is essential that we offer those who are at-risk supports and services to steer them toward safe and productive lives,” County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said. “High levels of detention and incarceration have not worked and many of our communities continue to face unacceptable levels of violence. I appreciate the support of our county commissioners in approving these grants.”

The Miracle Center will receive support for its after-school youth program in Humboldt Park that emphasizes arts and entrepreneurial education.

The UMOJA Student Development Corp. will use its funds to further programs at three high schools in Chicago's Englewood and Rogers Park neighborhoods that provide peace rooms, behavioral health services, and student-directed interventions.

The Westside Health Authority will continue working with young men 16-24 who have gang connections or have experience multiple arrests to provide training on job skills, anger management, mental health, and substance abuse, along with mentoring and cognitive therapy.

Storycatchers Theater will use its grant money to support its counseling, job training and artistic training services for incarcerated youth.

The Union League Boys and Girls Clubs in Humboldt Park will develop two initiatives, one to promote self-appreciation, leadership, and understanding and another that promotes non-violence through neighborhood parades and other art projects.

The Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Park will continue its gang prevention, conflict resolution and refusal skills training for youth in Ford Heights, Robbins and Chicago Heights.

Metropolitan Family Services at Harlan High School will provide peace rooms, service learning opportunities, and tutoring to 75 young people.