ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 10, 2001 CONTACT: Dave Druker PHONE:  (217) 782-5984                  (312) 814-3175 or CONTACT: Randy Nehrt PHONE:  (217) 782-5984 TTY:        1-800-252-2904

White Awards 14 New Chapters Literacy Grants for
Women, Children at Domestic Violence Facilities

SPRINGFIELD –– Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced today that he has awarded New Chapters Literacy Grants to 14 programs throughout Illinois to provide on-site literacy, career and life-skills training to families sheltering in domestic violence facilities.

"Through the New Chapters Program, we have fostered strong partnerships between literacy programs and domestic violence facilities throughout Illinois," White said. "Last year, more than 2,000 adults and an additional 1,600 children benefited from the outstanding local services available through the New Chapters Program.

"These grants provide the support necessary for women and children who suffer from domestic violence to improve reading, writing and employment skills that can help them begin new chapters in their lives-away from terror and desperation, and toward hope and personal growth."

White said the 14 grants will fund the purchase of two computers at sites that do not own a computer, and three libraries of books for parents and children who are housed at domestic violence shelters. White said additional services provided by the New Chapters Program include classroom instruction, tutoring and computer assisted instruction, childcare, library services, transportation, job search skills, recreational activities, parenting skills, life skills workshops, and referrals for special services.

"I commend the generous professional staff and volunteers who work with victims of domestic violence through the New Chapters Program," said White. "I encourage other citizens who wish to make a difference in their communities to contact the Secretary of State's Literacy Office to find out how they can participate in literacy programs where they live and work."

FY02 New Chapters Grants Recommended for Funding
By Region