West Cook News

In alignment with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s anti-violence vision, the jurisdiction’s Justice Advisory Council (JAC) recently authorized nearly $1.1 million in grants to two dozen regional organizations meeting rigorous vetting standards.

 

A total of seven grants comprising approximately $100,000 each; nine grants of $40,000 apiece, and eight grants of $10,000 were all approved for a slate of local and regional groups actively dedicated to the prevention of violence.

 

“Since 2010, we have awarded nearly $11.5 million in grants focused on addressing violence, reducing recidivism and restoring justice,” Preckwinkle said. “Public safety is a key part of my administration’s policy agenda, and these grants are the best tool we have to invest in community-based interventions that serve those at risk or involved in the criminal justice system.”

 

All recipients receive direct ongoing support from JAC staff to ensure continuity and quality of service to program participants.

 

Grants in the $100,000 category will go to Westside Health Authority, New Life Centers of Chicagoland, Metropolitan Family Services, Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, Lights of Zion Ministries, The Miracle Center and Alliance of Local Service Organizations (ALSO).

 

Organizations approved for $40,000 grants include Lawndale Christian Legal Center, Growing Home, the Englewood community, VOCEL (Viewing Our Children as Emerging Leaders), Fathers Who Care, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School, Prevention Partnership, James Moran Center for Youth Advocacy and Latinos Progresando.

 

Those slated for $10,000 grants are BBF Family Services, Claretian and Associates, NEBC Employment Resource Services, St. Joseph Services, Organizing Neighborhoods for Equality (ONE: Northside), Apna Ghar Inc., H.O.P.E. Organization and New Covenant Community Development.

 

Many of the designated organizations focus on workforce development, youth needs, civic engagement and mentoring, healing from trauma, and domestic violence education and awareness for diverse age groups.