AT &T Awards Grant on Chicagos West Side
Elected officials and AT&T executives convened Thursday afternoon to present a $5,000 check to Safer Foundation on Chicagos West Side. Safer Foundation will use the award to provide funding for its three-step program that assists former offenders with finding and retaining employment.
The Investing in Illinois award sponsored by AT &T will aid Safer Foundation in continuing its mission to reduce recidivism and incarceration rates across the state.
The check presentation was held at Safer Foundations Crossroads Adult Transition Center, 3210 W. Arthington. Crossroads works in partnership with the Illinois Department of Corrections to help former offenders re-enter society. The center is presently the largest of its kind in Illinois, housing 350 male residents with approximately 80 staff members.
Thanks to civic-minded corporations like AT&T Illinois, Safer Foundation can continue to help improve public safety by providing employment and education programs to current and future clients, said Diane Williams, president and CEO of Safer Foundation in a written statement. We are also grateful to State Representatives Golar and the other legislators we have with us today, for recognizing Safers positive impact on families and communities across Illinois.
Kimberly McCullough, external affairs director for AT&T Illinois, presented the award to Williams.
"AT&T Illinois has a proud history of making corporate contributions to Illinois non-profit groups and programs that are making a difference in local communities. Today, our company recognizes Safer Foundation for improving the quality of life for local residents and strengthening the fabric of our state," McCullough said.
Found in 1973, Safer Foundations purpose is to provide employment, educational and supportive services to those with criminal records.
McCullough and Williams were joined by State Representative Esther Golar (D-Chicago), who nominated Safer Foundation for the award.
"In today's challenging economy, Safer Foundation's programs are critical in helping participants find a job and keep it, said Golar in a statement. "The skills taught by Safer Foundation are supportive not only to the participants, but also to our state and society. I was delighted to nominate Safer Foundation for this award for its truly meaningful work."
A visit to a forum sponsored by Safer Foundation helped Golar make the decision to nominate the organization for the award. Golar discussed her experience at the forum to the Chicago Citizen.
Many of the individuals in the room actually talked about their experiences. That sold the program to me. Everyone in the room were felon[s] but they presented themselves as responsible men-- I think there was one womanwho were ready to take on the world. And rededicate themselves to living a life and not commit crimes again and contribute to society, Golar said.
Moreover, the state representative says because of Illinois current budget woes, the grant will help Safer continue its services.
The award will be beneficial to Safer Foundation because this year our fiscal responsibility for the State of Illinois is very dismal. This is an agency now that is doing great work, said Golar.
The legislator added that with the grant will help Safer Foundation sustain some of its services.
Rep. LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago) and Rep. Derrick Smith (D-Chicago) was also in attendance for the presentation.
By Thelma Sardin
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