- Published: Friday, July 08, 2022 10:58 AM
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Dear Friend,
Once again, our country, and now our state, has made national headlines regarding the horrific mass shooting in Highland Park that has killed seven, injured dozens and greatly affected countless witnesses heartbroken by this recent carnage. As we learn more about this tragedy, I encourage everyone to check in with their mental health, as this is not normal. Check out this list of resources on my website to help navigate trauma in the wake of these ever-so frequent acts of violence.
Additionally, we must acknowledge the gun violence that occurs so often in our own communities in Chicago. This year, the General Assembly invested $1 billion in violence prevention strategies across the state that get at the root causes of violence and focus on youth development and employment, street outreach intervention, domestic violence and victim services, case management for returning residents, and mental and behavioral health interventions. From a new 9-8-8 mental health hotline to behavioral health workforce training grants, we are working to address underlying causes of violence across the state. You can check out my recent interview explaining more on WGN’s Adelante Chicago.
Finally, I want to acknowledge how important to me it is to hear from community members. As legislators and stakeholders begin to come together to explore ways to further protect reproductive health and prevent violence in our communities, I encourage you to get involved through the 20th District Policy Roundtables that meet year round to co-create a legislative agenda rooted in our district needs and reality. Learn more and fill out an interest form to get involved here.
Read on to learn more about recent grant opportunities, jobs, upcoming events and more.
As always, feel free reach out to my office for assistance by calling 773-278-2020, sending a text message to 773-207-7838, or sending us a note at www.senatorpacionezayas.com/contact-us.
Sincerely,
State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas | 20th District
We’re putting all of this week’s featured resource in one, easily-accessible webpage, which can be found here. Featured resources include:
- Grant opportunity for artists
- Information on bike paths around Cook County and Illinois
- Opportunities for youth in Chicago
- Shedd Aquarium tickets through the Community Partners program
- Cooling Centers and other ways to beat the heat
- COVID-19 vaccine and booster information
Check out my webpage featuring a list of job opportunities in Chicago and the 20th District. There, you can find links to jobs with the State of Illinois, Chicago Public Schools, local organizations and more.
Upcoming Events
July 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Legislative Community Report Forum
Join me, Sen. Omar Aquino, and our colleagues in the House of Representatives at the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance for a forum bringing you all the latest information on the 2022 legislative session. RSVP by July 22 at https://www.praachicago.org/community-forum-2022.
