Chicago House receives national attention, education grant
Thu. March 15, 2012 11:43 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
rev. stan sloan joined by reps. quigley and schakowsky
Chicago, IL -
Chicago House announced Thursday a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education in support of the iFour Employment Program, an employment opportunities effort for people with disabilities, specifically those affected by HIV and AIDS.
"This is a proud time for Chicago House," said CEO Rev. Stan Sloan. "This grant from the Department of Education not only validates our work surrounding employment to people with HIV/AIDS, but now also allows us set best practices that will allow other cities to replicate the success that iFour has had here in Chicago."
Rev. Sloan was joined by US Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Mike Quigley (D-IL) during a morning press conference at Chicago House's own transitional jobs program site, Sweet Miss Giving's Bakery, 1229 N. North Branch Street.
Chicago House's iFour Employment Program, the first of its kind in Illinois, was launched in 2006 with support from Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL). The program has since gained regional and national attention, with an over 40% employment rate, a rate that is almost double the rate for the broader homeless and disabled communities.
In 2010, Schakowsky supported funding of the Transitional Jobs Program at Sweet Miss Giving's. Quigley worked with Chicago House to obtain the grant from the Department of Education.
"Congresswoman Schakowsky, Congressman Quigley, and Senator Durbin paved the road to employment and independence for a vulnerable population during a volatile economic time, and together we're excited to see that road open out for miles into the future," said Rev. Sloan.
Chicago House remains a leader in housing and supportive services for people affected by HIV and AIDS.
"This is a proud time for Chicago House," said CEO Rev. Stan Sloan. "This grant from the Department of Education not only validates our work surrounding employment to people with HIV/AIDS, but now also allows us set best practices that will allow other cities to replicate the success that iFour has had here in Chicago."
Rev. Sloan was joined by US Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Mike Quigley (D-IL) during a morning press conference at Chicago House's own transitional jobs program site, Sweet Miss Giving's Bakery, 1229 N. North Branch Street.
Chicago House's iFour Employment Program, the first of its kind in Illinois, was launched in 2006 with support from Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL). The program has since gained regional and national attention, with an over 40% employment rate, a rate that is almost double the rate for the broader homeless and disabled communities.
In 2010, Schakowsky supported funding of the Transitional Jobs Program at Sweet Miss Giving's. Quigley worked with Chicago House to obtain the grant from the Department of Education.
"Congresswoman Schakowsky, Congressman Quigley, and Senator Durbin paved the road to employment and independence for a vulnerable population during a volatile economic time, and together we're excited to see that road open out for miles into the future," said Rev. Sloan.
Chicago House remains a leader in housing and supportive services for people affected by HIV and AIDS.