More than 321,000 U.S. children lost a parent to drug overdose from 2011 to 2021
n estimated 321,566 children in the United States lost a parent to drug overdose from 2011 to 2021, according to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry. The rate of children who experienced this loss more than doubled during this period, from approximately 27 to 63 children per 100,000. The highest number of affected children were those with non-Hispanic white parents, but communities of color and tribal communities were disproportionately affected. The study was a collaborative effort led by researchers at the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
River SaaS Capital Announces Its Newly Launched Equity Fund
River SaaS Capital provides alternative venture financing to growing software-as-a-service (SaaS) businesses. They offer fast, flexible financing solutions to qualified new borrowers. The company announced today its newly launched equity fund, TruWest Fund I. This new $50 million fund will invest in US-based B2B software-as-a-service businesses and act as a continuum of capital for high potential companies in River SaaS Capital’s venture debt portfolio.
Chicago’s historic Fine Arts Building hosts free Second Fridays
On the heels of its 125th anniversary last year, Chicago’s historic Fine Arts Building (410 S. Michigan Avenue) presents a monthly showcase of artists throughout the building with its ongoing Second Fridays open studios events, free and open to the public on the second Friday of each month from 5-9 p.m. Upcoming dates are June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13 and Oct. 11, 2024. For more information, visit fineartsbuilding.com/second-fridays.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON LAUNCHES THE 2024-2025 MAYOR’S YOUTH COMMISSION APPLICATION
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the launch of the Mayor’s Youth Commission application. This new cohort will be made up of 40 young people from across the city who will be advising Mayor Johnson on policies that impact Chicago’s youth.
Federal Government Must Allow States To Return Unpaid U.S. Savings Bonds to Owners, Many of Whom are Black or People of Color
In an effort to help Illinois residents reconnect with more of their missing money and to right a historical wrong against the Black community and other people of color, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and Illinois Congressman Danny K. Davis urged the U.S. Treasury to make it easier for states to facilitate the return of mature U.S. Savings Bonds.
UNION LEAGUE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS AND UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, CHICAGO AWARDED $250,000 GRANT TO IMPLEMENT TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE FOR AREA YOUTH
The Union League Boys & Girls Clubs (ULBGC) with the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC) have been jointly awarded a $250,000.00 grant to support specialized Trauma-Informed Care training and programming at the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs’ stand-alone Club One and Baretto Clubs located in Pilsen and Humboldt Park, respectively. The grant will be utilized by ULBGC with three UIC partners: UIC Law School Restorative Justice Project, which promotes the values and principles of restorative justice and the peaceful resolution of disputes through educational programs; the UIC Urban Youth Trauma Center, which promotes and disseminates comprehensive, integrated, and coordinated care for youth affected by trauma; and the UIC Office of Community Engagement and Neighborhood Health Partnerships, which promote health equity, participates in the revitalization of underserved communities, and builds leadership capacity through service, education, and research.
Gov. Pritzker Celebrates $200K Commitment from CREATE Program Partners towards STEM in Chicago
Governor JB Pritzker joined leaders from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program at Englewood STEM High School to announce the fifth year of CREATE grant funding. As part of the 75th street Corridor Improvement Project (CIP), the CREATE Program and its partners have donated over $600,000 since 2019 as part of their educational commitment to communities within the 75th street CIP corridor. This year’s grants will be dispersed among nine awardees including Chicago Public Schools, Leo High School, The Museum of Science and Industry, and the Chicago Public Library Foundation.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON ANNOUNCES COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO MAXIMIZE IMPACT OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDING
The City of Chicago is proud to announce its strategic plan for its remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, part of the landmark $350 billion stimulus package enacted by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021. This funding represents one of the largest economic stimulus packages in U.S. history, aimed at providing comprehensive relief to individuals, businesses, and governments impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Heaven Has a Heart Creates a Brighter Future for the Next Generation
Heaven Has a Heart is thrilled to announce its Enchanting Futures Gala, slated to grace the historic Charles Gates Dawes House on Saturday, June 1st, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Located at 225 Greenwood St, Evanston, IL 60201, this Bridgerton-themed fundraiser promises an evening of elegance and charm, supporting a noble cause to provide a lifeline of opportunity for disadvantaged youth in Zimbabwe.
For an Antidote to Climate Despair, Look to the Impact of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring
Did you hear the birds singing outside this morning? A lot of us take that common sound of nature for granted. Most people these days do not realize how close we came to living in a much quieter world; to the widespread destruction of entire ecosystems and some of our most iconic species.
Chicago Center for Arts and Technology (CHICAT) and Chicago Urban League to Host 3rd Semi-Annual Vocational Training and Trades Fair
The Chicago Center for Arts and Technology (CHICAT) in partnership with the Chicago Urban League is excited to announce the return of the Vocational Training and Trades Apprenticeship Fair. This annual event, now in its third iteration, will take place on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the CHICAT building located at 1701 W. 13th Street, Chicago, IL
Nurse Educator Highlights The Importance Of Nurses During National Nurses Month
Tyra L. Dean-Ousley, EdD, MSN, FPA, FNP-BC, known as Dr. Tyra, was encouraged to become a nurse by her son’s grandmother. She entered the field because she wanted to take care of people and make a difference. She didn’t become a nurse for any notoriety or fame, she wanted to be able to show up when people needed her the most.
President Of South Suburban College Reflects On Her Career And Colleges Evolution
Dr. Lynette Stokes has served as the President of South Suburban College since 2018. Prior to being appointed to the college, Stokes served as Vice President of Academic Services.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago at Homan Square Engages Community In Arts And Culture
For about a decade the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has had a presence in the North Lawndale community. With the School of the Art Institute of Chicago at Homan Square, it has been able to engage the community in projects that bring the community and the school together.
Free Learning Opportunities Available and Volunteers Needed for the South Suburban College Literacy Tutoring Program
South Suburban College (SSC) is seeking participants for the Adult Volunteer Literacy (AVL) Tutoring Program. The program is structured to train volunteers to become one-on-one tutors for adults in need of basic literacy skills. Instruction in basic literacy includes the development of phonetic reading skills, whole language experience, combined with effective communication skills. Residents are welcome to volunteer as tutors and encourage others to take advantage of this free professional development opportunity.
Nonprofit Provides Safe Space For Young People To Showcase Their Creativity
Natalie and her son D.A. Manning founded This Is Life: Chicago in 2013. D.A. Manning came up with the concept at 11 when he created a piece about the gun violence that was taking place in the city. He turned that piece into a rap and decided he wanted to host his own talent showcase, with the goal of providing a platform for his peers in the city.
ICYMI: Democratic Leaders Mark 100 Days until the Democratic National Convention
In case you missed it, Saturday marked 100 days until the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago on August 19. Convention officials organized a day of service in Chicago’s historic Pullman neighborhood to mark the occasion, and they were joined by Chicago Democrats who expressed their excitement for the upcoming event.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON PROCLAIMS SALVATION ARMY WEEK IN CHICAGO
In an effort to bring the citizens of Chicago together to address issues affecting their most vulnerable neighbors year-round, Mayor Brandon Johnson has issued a proclamation declaring May 13-19, 2024, as “Salvation Army Week in Chicago.” The proclamation recognizes the ongoing efforts of the staff and volunteers of the country’s largest nongovernmental provider of social services to help those in the community who are struggling.
Pappas, Jordan, Black Men United to share flowers, chips along Michigan Avenue for Mother’s Day
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, media personality “Candid” Candace Jordan and members of Black Men United will hand out flowers and chips to passersby from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 12, along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.
