Juneteenth 2020 Census and Free Lunch Give-a-way

Join us for a Juneteenth Celebration this FRIDAY, 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. at 83rd and Ellis. Free lunch, masks and census outreach!

Chicago Resiliency Fund application period starts June 22

The Chicago Resiliency Fund is a cash assistance program to support Chicago residents who were excluded from federal stimulus aid in response to COVID-19. The fund will provide $1,000 per household for eligible Chicagoans. Applications will begin to be accepted on June 22. Details and application are here: https://resurrectionproject.org/chicagofund/

State budget provides desperately needed resources in midst of pandemic

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the governor signed the budget on Wednesday:

“My colleagues and I went back to Springfield with the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic heavy on our shoulders. We strived to pass a budget that would maintain our core services while also directing resources to help communities and businesses who have been devastated as a result of the virus.

“This budget does exactly that by preserving P-12 education with a $12.6 billion investment.

“We are using funds from the CARES Act stimulus package to provide more resources to communities who are struggling during the pandemic. That includes $100 million in housing assistance and $636 million in business interruption grants.

“And to protect our communities during this health crisis, $1 billion dollars will go to our local and state health departments.

“The budget was extremely difficult to craft in these unprecedented times, but I believe it will provide desperately needed relief to communities as we continue on a path toward recovery.”

Senate Bill 264 takes effect July 1.

Parade celebrating recovery of 17-year-old, COVID-19 survivor bright spot for South Side community

CHICAGO—A South Side community came together for a parade to celebrate 17-year-old Sierra Rogers’ recovery after fighting COVID-19 for nearly eight weeks.

Sierra J. Rogers received treatment for the coronavirus at Rush University Medical Center from March 27 until May 20. Sierra then spent time at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to help rebuild her strength after fighting the virus.

Ivy, who also overcame COVID-19, says it was an uphill battle, but Sierra is overjoyed to finally be home.

“Sierra is truly a fighter. She somehow maintained her bright and bubbly personality through it all,” Ivy said. “She built relationships with the staff at Rush, who went to great lengths to care and comfort her. Sierra is thrilled to finally be home and so grateful for everyone who has supported her in this journey to recovery.”

Sierra has Down syndrome and has had various health issues throughout her life, including heart surgery as a baby, screws in her hips and stomach surgery.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) was a grand marshal in the parade to celebrate Sierra’s recovery.

“Seeing such resilience and joy is what the world needs right now,” Sims said. “We have seen so much devastation in the midst of the two recent crises, the pandemic and the desperate fight for equality. It gives me hope to see a family overcome this deadly virus and have such a full appreciation for life.”