FREE
AUSTINWEEKLY news ■
Local grandparents raising grandchildren feted at annual dinner,
Vol. 33 No. 37
■
September 11, 2019
■
austinweeklynews.com
■
Also serving Garfield Park
@AustinWeeklyChi
@AustinWeeklyNews
PAGE 10
Johnson h endorses d Warren for president, page 2
$725K in funding available for West Side nonprofits West Side United opened a new round of funding for area organizations that address structural inequality By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter
From the beginning, West Side United was meant to do more than address healthcare disparities. The hospitals that founded it understood that in order to help West Siders get healthier, they must also address economic, social, educational and public safety issues. That is why, for the second year in a row, they are giving out grants to West Side businesses and nonprofits. And this year, they are offering more money and split what used to be a single grant for both businesses and nonprofits into two separate grants, so that those entities wouldn’t be competing for the same pool of money. Although the amount of money the grantees can get varies, West Side United is giving $500,000 to around 20 to 30 new and existing businesses, and $225,000 to nonprofits. The grant applications went up on the organization’s website on Sept. 9, and the deadline is Oct. 31. West Side United is expected to announce the grant recipients on Dec. 15. West Side United was launched in 2018 by six hospitals and health systems, most of which have hospitals on the West Side. They include AMITA Health, See WEST SIDE UNITED on page 6
SHANEL ROMAIN/Contributor
First day back
Truman College President Shawn Jackson greets Michele Clark High School senior Dejah Tague on Sept. 3, the first day of school for CPS students. Jackson was among a coterie of community leaders, including Congressman Danny K. Davis and state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, who welcomed Michele Clark students their first day back. More photos on page 11.
Austin lawmaker secures $350K for heroin task force State grant, secured by Rep. Ford, to fund West Side Heroin Task Force
By AUSTIN TALKS Publishing partner
State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford announced at a press conference on Aug. 31 the awarding of a $350,000 state grant that he secured. The award will go to the West Side Heroin Task Force, and the lead
agency for this award will be Prevention Partnership Inc., a 35- year-old agency located in the Austin neighborhood. Local organizations on Chicago’s West Side and around the world come together on Aug. 31st – International Overdose Awareness Day – to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury
due to drug overdose. The aim is to focus on activities that will create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.
State Farm Mutual Automobile • Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company • Bloomington, IL • statefarm.com® Larry and his staff are licensed and together have over 75 years of State Farm experience.
See TASK FORCE on page 10
Larry Williams,Agent 5932 W. Lake Street Chicago, 60644 (773) 379-9010 larry.williams.b0bk@statefarm.com