Illinois Partners for Human Service

05/04/2021

There is still time to register for our next webinar happening this Thursday!

You won't want to miss this thoughtful panel discussion with human service leaders highlighting their vision of a community-driven response to improving Covid19 vaccine access and addressing vaccine hesitancy.

Spread the word and register here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/o8MSnvwqFIzlB2Kfa7BrzQ

There is still time to register for our next webinar happening this Thursday!

You won't want to miss this thoughtful panel discussion with human service leaders highlighting their vision of a community-driven response to improving Covid19 vaccine access and addressing vaccine hesitancy.

Spread the word and register here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/o8MSnvwqFIzlB2Kfa7BrzQ

05/03/2021

The Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP) can provide up to $25,000 in emergency rental assistance. Visit ILRPP.IHDA.org for more information about applying.

The Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP) can provide up to $25,000 in emergency rental assistance. Visit ILRPP.IHDA.org for more information about applying.

04/30/2021

Have you registered for our next webinar? We can't wait to hear from you at this panel discussion with human service leaders highlighting their vision of a community-driven response to improving vaccine access and addressing vaccine hesitancy.

Register for the webinar here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/o8MSnvwqFIzlB2Kfa7BrzQ

Have you registered for our next webinar? We can't wait to hear from you at this panel discussion with human service leaders highlighting their vision of a community-driven response to improving vaccine access and addressing vaccine hesitancy.

Register for the webinar here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/o8MSnvwqFIzlB2Kfa7BrzQ

04/28/2021

The 2020 Census Population and Apportionment Data, Explained

The Commerce Department and the Census Bureau released the first results of the 2020 Census deatailing states congressional representation for the next decade and how many districts they must draw during this year’s redistricting process.

States will soon receive the numbers they need to redraw political maps, along with many other data sets.

https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/2020-census-population-and-apportionment-data-explained

The numbers determine representation in Congress for the next 10 years.

04/27/2021

Governor Pritzker is joined by members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and community advocates for an announcement on improving healthcare equity across Illinois.

Watch Governor Pritzker announce his signing of the HB158, the Health Care and Human Service Reform Act. To view our summary of HB158, click here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XHWKnCRTwQMPYFSFPF5WtzYWwTdVv0-4_U_tcQX8RPY/edit?usp=sharing

04/26/2021

Please, join us for a thoughtful panel discussion with human service leaders highlighting their vision of a community-driven response to improving vaccine access and addressing vaccine hesitancy.

Register for this webinar here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/o8MSnvwqFIzlB2Kfa7Brz

Please, join us for a thoughtful panel discussion with human service leaders highlighting their vision of a community-driven response to improving vaccine access and addressing vaccine hesitancy.

Register for this webinar here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/o8MSnvwqFIzlB2Kfa7Brz

04/26/2021

More than Essential: Reimbursement Rates and the True Value of Human Services

We are so excited to launch our latest research report 'More than Essential: Reimbursement Rates and the True Value of Human Services.'

Read the opening letter from our Executive Director, Lauren Wright, here: https://medium.com/@lauren_28196/more-than-essential-reimbursement-rates-and-the-true-value-of-human-services-3c7bab745591

The following is the opening letter from our latest research report, More than Essential: Reimbursement Rates and the True Value of Human…

04/23/2021

Thank you so much to Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza and to the 100+ health and human service providers who joined our conversation today! We had a great discussion about the American Rescue Plan Act, the state of the state budget, and what human service providers can expect from the Comptroller's office.

To receive access to future events and recordings, join our coalition! https://illinoispartners.org/join-our-coalition/

Thank you so much to Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza and to the 100+ health and human service providers who joined our conversation today! We had a great discussion about the American Rescue Plan Act, the state of the state budget, and what human service providers can expect from the Comptroller's office.

To receive access to future events and recordings, join our coalition! https://illinoispartners.org/join-our-coalition/

04/22/2021

Join us tomorrow for a conversation with Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza. There is still time to register for tomorrow's webinar. This conversation will be facilitated by our Executive Director, Lauren Wright. We hope to have you join!

Register for this webinar here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/bOG0gzqZ6saXshppXsCVSw

Join us tomorrow for a conversation with Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza. There is still time to register for tomorrow's webinar. This conversation will be facilitated by our Executive Director, Lauren Wright. We hope to have you join!

Register for this webinar here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/bOG0gzqZ6saXshppXsCVSw

04/21/2021

Our next webinar is this Friday! There is still time to register and join us for a conversation with Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza. This conversation will be facilitated by our Executive Director, Lauren Wright. We hope to have you join!

Register for this webinar here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/bOG0gzqZ6saXshppXsCVSw

Our next webinar is this Friday! There is still time to register and join us for a conversation with Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza. This conversation will be facilitated by our Executive Director, Lauren Wright. We hope to have you join!

Register for this webinar here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/bOG0gzqZ6saXshppXsCVSw

04/21/2021

We echo the words of Audra Wilson, CEO of our coalition partner Shriver Center on Poverty Law: the fight against racism will continue until the day that all Black lives matter.

04/20/2021

We would like to send our warmest condolences to the board, staff, and clients of Mid Central Community Action and to Deborah White’s friends and family; her husband Rob Stoops; her son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Jackie; and her three grandchildren, Keegan, Jacob and Kyle. You are all in our hearts. Deb, who worked as the Executive Director at partner organization Mid Central Community Action, passed away last week. She will be deeply missed.

It is with great sadness that we inform you Deborah White, Mid Central Community Action's (MCCA) Executive Director passed away on Thursday, April 15th.

She was a valued member of our team for over 20 years and a valued member of the Bloomington/Normal Community for over 30 years. In those 30 years she touched many people’s lives and helped change what community action means in Bloomington/Normal. She would go out of her way to take on new projects and partnerships to benefit our community.

Deb spent the first part of her career at MCCA building our countering domestic violence (CDV) program. Everyone who knew Deb knew her passion for our CDV program and survivors.

04/19/2021

Black Americans experiencing collective trauma, grief

"Racial trauma is a unique form of identity-related trauma that people of color experience due to racism and discrimination, according to Dr. Steven Kniffley, a licensed psychologist and coordinator for Spalding University’s Collective Care Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

“A lot of cities across the country are realizing that racial trauma is a public health issue,” Kniffley said, [...] ”There’s no other way that we can explain that except for the unique experiences Black and brown folks have based on their identity, and more specifically, when they encounter racism and discrimination.”"
https://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/black-americans-experiencing-collective-trauma-grief/article_5422496f-a876-5818-9960-2e01e661bcfb.html

Carlil Pittman knows trauma firsthand.

04/16/2021

Op-Ed: We Are Adam Toledo – South Side Weekly

"In addition to out-of-school and after-school opportunities, young people deserve safe spaces that are accessible to both them and their families. These safe spaces could take the form of community centers operated by community-based organizations or by turning some of our CPS schools into community centers that remain open in the summer or after-hours as reconnection hubs for youth and families."

As we mourn the death of Adam Toledo, we know that investment in safe spaces and community programs are essential to building well-being for families. Holding all those who are mourning in our hearts today.

We can stop the bleeding and finally address the disinvestment that's hurt our communities

04/16/2021

Have you signed up for our next webinar? We are so excited for you all to join our conversation with Comptroller Susana Mendoza.

Sign up here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/bOG0gzqZ6saXshppXsCVSw

Have you signed up for our next webinar? We are so excited for you all to join our conversation with Comptroller Susana Mendoza.

Sign up here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/bOG0gzqZ6saXshppXsCVSw

04/14/2021

5 questions with Brian Wipperman, Marcfirst CEO

Brian Wipperman, CEO at our Partner organization Marcfirst highlights the incredible work the organization has done, memorable moments, and what he prioritizes at the top of his list as CEO. Read more here: https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/5-questions-with-brian-wipperman-marcfirst-ceo/article_9460ab33-255a-5cf0-a785-f4b4257952d0.html

"Marcfirst has been in our community for 65 years and continues to provide services to children and adults with an intellectual or developmental disability or delay from birth to end

04/12/2021

Illinois Partners’ 2021 Policy and Advocacy Agenda, Upcoming Events, & our next webinar!

Read about Illinois Partners’ 2021 Policy and Advocacy Agenda, upcoming events, our next webinar & more in our latest Fast4ward!
https://conta.cc/3tdST9s

Having trouble viewing this newsletter? Sign up for our updates here: https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001vP4uirOIyh0eyFP6BC_jDiDwFRRv0A9Wm-5DN6SOe3weJ8oFV-unwSnIF05crV_m9XPiNyCZi5a0zJr6oL9QljuXo3QUYvn0yBCIsV7NH5N0JY2F8IwacN1OCfX40OBRFxrWHtXptxkjoSVWzmYp1WqPYXKpX5A0

This update is made possible by all of our coalition partners who have made a partner pledge this year. We are so grateful for your financial support! There is still time to make a contribution and b

04/09/2021

Join Illinois Partners for Human Service for our next Statewide webinar Friday, April 23rd. We are delighted to be hosting a conversation with Illinois Comptroller, Susana Mendoza in light of the American Rescue Plan Act and in preparation for next year's budget. You won't want to miss it!

Learn more and sign up here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/bOG0gzqZ6saXshppXsCVSw

Join Illinois Partners for Human Service for our next Statewide webinar Friday, April 23rd. We are delighted to be hosting a conversation with Illinois Comptroller, Susana Mendoza in light of the American Rescue Plan Act and in preparation for next year's budget. You won't want to miss it!

Learn more and sign up here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/bOG0gzqZ6saXshppXsCVSw

04/07/2021

US Census data, fairness at center of Illinois redistricting debate

States are required to redraw their legislative districts every 10 years. Illinois' lawmakers handle the redistricting process, while advocates believe maps should be drawn by an independent commission instead.

https://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/us-census-data-fairness-at-center-of-illinois-redistricting-debate/article_f97541f4-2a46-5509-a7ba-9ce10a03ab3b.html

What is considered a fair map, how lawmakers should deal with the Census delay, and what is the best way to draw legislative maps are all questions lawmakers and public

04/05/2021

Pritzker signs bill to expand drop boxes, curbside voting

Gov. Pritzker signed HB 1871 into law, establishing permanent ballot drop boxes and allowing curbside voting across Illinois for early voting or on Election Day. Read more about it here:
https://wsiltv.com/2021/04/02/pritzker-signs-bill-to-expand-drop-boxes-curbside-voting/

Gov. Pritzker signed HB 1871 into law today to establish permanent ballot drop boxes and allow curbside voting across Illinois for early voting or on Election Day.

04/02/2021

Illinois ‘unlawful’ underfunding leaves thousands with developmental disabilities waiting in line for services

"Josh Evans, the CEO with the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF), says low funding levels from the state result in high staff turnover, and contribute to a backlog of nearly 18,000 children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who sit on a waitlist and can’t get the services they need."
https://www.wcia.com/illinois-capitol-news/illinois-unlawful-underfunding-leaves-thousands-with-developmental-disabilities-waiting-in-line-for-services/

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — Nestled between a thicket of trees in a small alcove just off the edge of Lake Springfield, dozens of children swing on a playground, splash in an indoor pool, a…

03/31/2021

CDC will extend national eviction ban through June 30

Federal Eviction Moratorium Extended through June 30th

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/29/cdc-will-extend-national-ban-on-evictions-ban-through-end-of-june-.html

The CDC will keep its national moratorium on evictions in effect through June. The protection was slated to lapse in just days.

03/29/2021

Former prisoners struggle to re-enter society. What happens when society moves online?

"Many of the social services and job programs that former prisoners rely on to successfully re-enter their communities are inaccessible without a comprehensive knowledge of the internet. Advocates say that's an issue that can be overlooked by organizations meant to help, and former inmates sometimes struggle to adapt to decades of technological innovations that passed them by while they served time."

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/former-prisoners-struggle-re-enter-society-happens-society-moves-onlin-rcna518

When Renaldo Hudson left the Danville Correctional Center on Sept. 2, he was beaming.

03/25/2021

Democrats turn to the environment as the next front in fighting inequality

"We have structural injustice when it comes to access to a clean environment," Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth told CBS News. "Communities of color, poorer communities, are where we've tended to put our most toxic industries and they have borne the brunt of our nation developing."

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/environmental-justice-legislation-democrats/?fbclid=IwAR3JcRdmnzGMJ_zspa2sVEjbWrg-b7G5xPKCFPjNq14jWHwuxUI_Zt_Y0IQ

Legislators are set to introduce a pair of bills focused on fighting "environmental injustice."

03/22/2021

Our Response to the Murders of Asian American Women in Atlanta — HANA Center

We stand in solidarity with our AAPI community to call for an end to anti-Asian discrimination and white supremacist violence. Below is a statement from our coalition partner, HANA Center in response to the murders of Asian American women in Atlanta: https://www.hanacenter.org/news-events/2021/3/17/our-response-to-the-murders-of-asian-american-women-in-atlanta

Dear Community Members, Last night, a terrible tragedy occurred in Atlanta, where a white man shot and killed 8 people, 6 of whom were Asian American and all but one were women. Our hearts are with the family, friends, and communities impacted by this atrocity. These murders are affecting

03/19/2021

Shriver Center on Poverty Law President & CEO, Audra Wilson, speaks on the wealth gap and the need to reframe terminology when discussing poverty.

"The language that frames the discussion of poverty isn't helpful. It's accusatory and assumes people are responsible for the conditions in which they find themselves, " Wilson says.

https://www.facebook.com/shrivercenter/posts/10158856406453070

"The language that frames the discussion of poverty isn't helpful. It's accusatory and assumes people are responsible for the conditions in which they find themselves."

Shriver Center's President & CEO, Audra Wilson, is featured in this Crain's Chicago Business piece on the racial wealth gap: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/equity/wealth-gap-how-it-happened-and-what-can-be-done

Photo credit: John R. Boehm