Around the district

Funding secured for mental health clinics in Moline, Rock Island and Galesburg

Last month, three mental health clinics in our community were selected to participate in a federal program to expand and improve access to coordinated mental health care and substance abuse treatment. These investments will make access to mental health services more available to our residents in crisis. Click here to read more.

$44 million towards road projects in the Quad Cities

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced 12 major projects will receive a total of $44 million to make our roads safer and more accessible. Four of these projects were completed in the spring, with six beginning by the end of the year and two beginning in 2025 and 2026. Click here to learn more about these upcoming projects.

Correctional officers needed

The Illinois Department of Corrections is looking for residents who are interested in applying to be correctional officers and correctional treatment officers. Those who are interested in applying should call 217-785-9221 for more information and paperwork, and should stop by 1025 30^th St. in Rock Island from 7:30-8:30 a.m. for screening and applicant check-in.

Summer Book Club

Summer is finally here and I’m calling on local students to participate in my Summer Book Club! Summer reading helps students stay on top of their academic skills and expand their knowledge, all while enjoying books of their choice.

The best part? Once students finish reading eight books and return this form to my office by Friday, Aug. 16, they will receive a gift card from me to congratulate them on making reading a priority this summer! Visit my website for more information.

Resources

National Bereaved Parents Month

July is National Bereaved Parents Month. If you or someone you love is in need of support after the death of a child, you are not alone – other families are here to help. Click here to find a local support group, help for siblings and other resources

Farmers market coupons available to seniors

Farmers market season is in full swing, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is here to help older adults buy fresh, local produce at Illinois farmers markets from July through October.

Eligible participants must be at least 60 years old and have a household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level ($2,322 monthly for a single household; $3,151 monthly for a two-person household). For more information and to apply, interested seniors should contact their local Area Agency on Aging.

Beat the heat!

Heat and humidity started early this summer, and more days of extreme heat are on the way. Be sure to stay hydrated with water, avoid strenuous activity during mid-day and learn the signs of heat stroke. Never leave children and pets in a vehicle, and know the difference between a heat watch and a heat warning. Get more tips and information on local cooling centers, energy efficiency and more on the Keep Cool Illinois website.

New: Book FAFSA help online

There’s still time to apply for financial aid for college this fall! The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is offering free application help through members of ISACorps — recent college grads who are experts in financial aid and college planning. ISACorps members are available to meet virtually one-on-one to answer questions and help students complete the FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. To book assistance online, click here.

Down payment assistance available for new homebuyers

The Illinois Housing Development Authority offers forgivable assistance to help Illinoisans achieve the dream of homeownership. Through IHDA’s programs, first-time and repeat homebuyers can find approved mortgage lenders and receive up to $10,000 in down payment assistance. Learn more at www.IHDAMortgage.org.

2024-25 free & reduced-price school meal eligibility

The Illinois State Board of Education announced federal eligibility guidelines for students to receive free and reduced-price lunch, breakfast and after-school snacks for the 2024-25 school year. Families should contact their local school district for details about accessing free and reduced-price meals, as the process may vary. To determine students’ eligibility, view income guidelines here.

Provide input on Illinois’ 2026 Public Transportation Plan

Next Move Illinois is a new statewide public transportation plan that will incorporate feedback from transit users and providers to help address the needs of diverse communities across the state, including enhanced accessibility. The Illinois Department of Transportation is inviting the public to participate in the first Next Move Illinois survey to help them establish a vision for transit services across the state. Whether or not you are a transit user, your input is a valuable part of strengthening our transportation network. Take the quick survey here, and learn more about the Next Move transportation plan here.

Local park development grants open now

The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant program helps cover the cost of acquiring and developing land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. Local governments can use grant funding to build playgrounds, sports courts and fields, swimming pools, campgrounds, winter sports facilities and more. Learn more about OSLAD grants and apply by Sept. 13 on the IDNR website.