For Your Information: Concerns for Children & Youth in Illinois  Reliable and useful resources are available to help you and your congregational leaders be effectively informed about the challenges facing several at-risk children and families impacted by Governor Rauner’s budget proposals.

…2015 Illinois Kids Count Report– One of the most effective advocacy agencies in Illinois for children, focusing their 2015 report on Children in Poverty. Be sure to review the Essay Topics and consider discussing them with those concerned for Missions, Social Justice and Children. http://www.voices4kids.org/our-priorities/kids-count/illinois-kids-count-data-book/illinois-kids-count-2015/

…Keen eyes on the availability (or lack of) affordable housing, policies impacting low and moderate income households and well organized advocates throughout Illinois. Look for their “Latest News” pieces for up-to-date assessments of legislation and proposals effecting the most vulnerable among us. Useful piece outlining the Governor’s budget: http://housingactionil.org/2015/02/19/governor-rauners-budget-devastating-for-efforts-to-end-homelessness-let-your-legislators-know-you-support-a-responsible-budget-with-adequate-revenue/

 

  • Chicago Coalition for the Homeless  — The “go-to” resource regarding those without homes and vulnerable to become homeless, especially youth. Offers guidelines, policy updates, and impacts various government agencies have in housing throughout Chicago. chicagohomeless.org 

ChildServ has served at-risk children and families for over 120 years. Our programs are jeopardized from the years of budget reductions as well as by the reductions proposed by Governor Rauner for the services needed to help build, achieve and sustain better lives for at-risk children. Your contribution is needed today!

3/6/2015 From Kim Coffing, Director of Advocacy & Church Relations; 8765 W Higgins Road, Ste 450, Chicago, IL 60631 PH: 773-239-8710; WWW.CHILDSERV.ORG