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Hi friend,
The sun has been out and so have we! This past month, our district office has been connecting with the community through meetings and summer events. We have had the pleasure of engaging with many of you at office hours, events, and community expos.
Keep reading to learn about upcoming events, recent highlights from our office, resources, and more!
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Thank you to our Mikva Fellow, Kayla! | |
From top left to right: Mudasser Qureshi, Nabeela Syed, Pooja Rai, Megan Yerger, Kayla Zisman | |
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Meet our Mikva Fellow, Kayla Zisman! Kayla is a rising senior in high school and enjoys helping others, walking her dog, swimming, reading, and learning about our environment. This summer, Kayla helped us with research and outreach projects, data entry, and staffing at community events!
Her time at the office has come to an end, and we are so grateful for the time Kayla has dedicated at our office!
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We would love to see you at these upcoming events! | |
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Put down your phones, pick up some fun, and join us at the fourth annual Unplugged Fest at Paulus Park in Lake Zurich on Sunday, August 11th from 11 am - 3 pm!
This is a great event to learn about community resources, connect with your community, and spend time with your friends and family. π
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Environmental Resource Fair πΏ | |
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...with Lake County Board Member Marah Altenberg and Congressman Mike Quigley!
Date: Saturday, August 24
Time: 10 am - 1 pm
Location: Heron Creek Forest Preserve, 22890 N Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL
Join local organizations committed to the conservation and preservation of our environment at this Environmental Resource Fair! More details to come.
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The Secretary of Stateβs Mobile DMV team assisted 48 residents with DMV services, including issuing Real IDs, carrying out address changes, and issuing plate stickers. πͺͺ We appreciated the opportunity to help make it easier for residents to fulfill their DMV needs!
My team and I are grateful to the Palatine Public Library, the Secretary of Stateβs Mobile DMV, and the State Treasury's team for all their hard work in serving our district!
And thank you to the State Treasurer's team for coming out to the event: They helped our residents start over $10,000 total in claims!
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Youth Advisory Council π
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Our Youth Advisory Council has officially finalized and voted to pass a District 51 Community Budget!
Over the past four months, students researched and advocated for the organizations they are most passionate about. This month we will conclude YAC by distributing the funds from the final budget to representatives from the community based organizations that students have prioritized to support for the betterment of the 51st District!
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District 51 Fellowship Cohort Meeting π‘ | |
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Thank you to our District Fellows for attending a cohort meeting with guest speaker Pastor Seth on a sunny summer evening!
Pastor Seth shared his journey of becoming a community leader, lobbyist, and pastor, offering students a valuable piece of advice: you donβt have to have it all figured out right now.
Pastor Seth shared how he changed his studies from science to the humanities and found his passion by exploring his different interests. Importantly, he emphasized that he is still learning new skills as he grows in his professional roles.
A big thank you to Pastor Seth for taking the time to talk with our District 51 fellows!
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Chatting with constituents at the doors π€ | |
Iβve been taking advantage of our great weather and walking the district to meet constituents, let them know about resources through our office, and better understand their biggest concerns. | |
Keynote Speaker at CAPACD | |
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Thank you to the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development for inviting me to be the Keynote Speaker at their convention!
It was inspiring to hear the stories of other Asian American leaders and organizers who spoke about Asian American values, building collective power, and supporting other communities.
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Brightpoint Community Block Party π
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Thank you Brightpoint for having us at your annual Community Summer Block Party! | | |
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ο»ΏMy team and I had a blast connecting with constituents, sharing upcoming summer events, and passing out prizes to kids!
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Our District Fellows also joined us!
We all look forward to kicking off next summer with Brightpoint!
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Donating Refurbished Bikes & Equipment π² | |
It was exciting to join Partners for Our Communities and Mike's Bike Shop while they distributed refurbished bikes, helmets, bike racks, and bike locks to ensure that kids in our community can safely enjoy bike riding this summer. I'm grateful for all the work POC does in our community! | |
My Chief of Staff, Megan, and I had an amazing time joining Citizens for Conservation (CFC), an environmental organization focused on restoration efforts, and volunteers. We visited Flint Creek Savanna Preserve and collected Spiderwort seeds, an important native plant for pollinators and a βbuffet for butterflies." | |
Business Highlight: Spunky Dunkers π©
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June 7th was National Donut Day!
Spunky Dunkers has been offering fresh handmade donuts since 1964 and continues to be a landmark small business in our 51st community! Our fellows enjoyed their delicious donuts at our monthly cohort meeting as a treat for all of their hard work. π©
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Community Updates and Resources | |
Property Tax Payment Updates for Cook County Homeowners | |
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The ο»ΏCook County Treasurerβs Office realizes people canβt always come up with the money in time to pay their property tax bill in full. If you canβt come up with all the money by Aug. 1, there is another option available to you.
Cook County homeowners have the option of making partial payments if they are unable to pay their bill in full by the August 1st due date.
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Additionally, the Board of Review is now open for appeals to Group 1 townships for their 30-day appeal window on July 22nd. However, all Cook County property owners may now pre-file an appeal through the link below. | |
Teen Substance Use Prevention from SAMHSA | |
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Research suggests that one of the most important factors in healthy child development is a strong, open relationship with a parent/guardian. It is important to start talking to your children about alcohol and other drugs before they are exposed to them.
The 5 big goals of this conversation should be to communicate that:
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1. You disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse
2. You care about your childβs health, wellness, and success
3. Show that you are a good source of information related to alcohol and other substances
4. Show you are paying attention and you will discourage risky behaviors
5. Build your childβs skills and strategies to avoid underage drinking and drug use.
Short, frequent discussions can have a real impact on your childβs decisions about alcohol.
Children are more likely to avoid drinking when they have a strong, trusting relationship with their parents/guardians.
Sitting down for the βbig talkβ about alcohol can be intimidating for both you and your child. Try using everyday opportunities to talk, and be honest and express a clear, consistent message that underage drinking is unacceptable. Children who have parents who listen to their feelings and concerns are more likely to say βnoβ to alcohol.
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LGBTQIA+ Older Adults Health Research | |
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Do you want your healthcare to be less one-size-fits-all and more tailored? To be more affirming and inclusive for LGBTQIA+ people and reflect how our communities have unique health experiences and face different barriers?
In this workshop led by Midwest Community Engagement Coordinator Cassie Armea-Warren, weβll explore these questions, what PRIDEnet is doing to catalyze LGBTQIA+ health research, share results from our recent community listening sessions with LGBTQIA+ older adults, and discuss ways to get involved.
When: Tuesday, August 27
Time: 11am - 12pm
Where: Zoom
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Bike Tour for Respiratory Health | |
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For 28 years, the Respiratory Health Association has proudly hosted the CowaLUNGaβ’ Charity Bike Tour, an annual cycling event dedicated to promoting lung health and clean air. Participants can sign up for a one or two-day ride pedaling over rolling hills through northern Illinois into southern Wisconsin. Along the way, theyβll experience an unparalleled level of camaraderie and support from other cyclists and Respiratory Health Association, while supporting the fight against diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, and COPD.
Let's pedal together towards a healthier future!
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Fair Car Insurance: Share Your Story | |
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Have your car insurance premiums gone way up? Even if you've been a safe driver? The Illinois Legislature is considering legislation to act on unchecked car insurance rate increases and other unfair industry practices and want to hear how these issues are impacting you.
The Illinois Coalition for Fair Car Insurance Rates is collecting stories to share them with legislators, reporters and other leaders who can ensure people like you are protected from unfair discrimination and excessive car insurance rates. If you own a car in Illinois, the state requires you to buy car insurance but does not protect you from excessive or unfair rates. In fact, Illinois is one of only two states whose Department of Insurance has no power to reject or modify excessive car insurance rates. Illinois also allows insurance companies to unfairly base rates on who you are, using factors like credit scores, education levels, jobs and zip codes, rather than how safe a driver you are. It can lead to absurd results: safe Illinois drivers with clean driving records and poor credit pay hundreds of dollars more for insurance on average than drivers with a drunk driving conviction and excellent credit.
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Veteran Medical Foster Home Program | |
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Lovell Federal Health Care Center is actively seeking individuals to open their homes to become Medical Foster Home caregivers for Veterans.
A Medical Foster Home provides a safe, supportive, long-term care option for Veterans in a comfortable home environment. Medical Foster Homes can be an alternative to nursing homes for Veterans. A Medical Foster Home may be appropriate for those who need nursing home care but prefer a non-institutional setting with fewer residents.
The homes are private residences where caregivers (and relief caregivers) provide room and board, personal care, and supervision 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Caregivers help Veterans carry out activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. While living in a Medical Foster Home, Veterans receive health care services from the Lovell FHCC Home-Based Primary Care team.
Interested caregivers, Veterans and others who want to apply, or get more information about theprogram, should call 224-610-3784, or visit the website.
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Free Museum Passes ποΈ
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Take advantage of our District 51 Museum Card which authorizes you and up to three other people FREE (yes, free!) general admission to one of many museums in Illinois! Some of these museums include β¦
- Adler Planetarium
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Shedd Aquarium
- And so many more!
Share your museum adventures with us by tagging us on social media or emailing pooja@repsyed.com. We canβt wait to see your adventures!
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Student Summer Gym Membership πͺ
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Starting June 1st, students ages 14 - 19 can work out for FREE at Planet Fitness ALL SUMMER LONG! | |
Where do I find Community Events? ποΈ
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State and Federal
ο»ΏUpdates and Resources
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The State of Illinois May Owe YOU Money π°
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Did you know that the 51st District has over $700,000 in property value that the state holds until residents claim it?! Since 2023, my office has helped return over $200,000 back to the hands of our constituents!
Checking if you have an available claim is quick and easy!
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Visit the ICash website
- Complete the information needed
- Look for your name and address and claim anything that is yours!
Please reply to this email if you have questions regarding your claim or the iCash program.
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Member Legislative Database | |
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The Illinois Collaboration on Youth (ICOY) Member Legislative Data offers a list of service providers throughout the state. Explore the database to learn more about organizations in your community and the services that they offer by visiting the website!
You can also visit my website and explore the interactive District 51 map for service providers, schools, small businesses, community-based organizations, and electronic recycling centers. If there is something you think we should add, send us an email and let us know!
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News & Opportunities for Students | |
FIRST EVER Teen Summer DMV Program π
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The Illinois Secretary of State is launching the very first Teen Summer DMV Program on Saturdays June 1st to August 31st between the hours of 8 AM - 12:30 PM.
This program is dedicated to providing DMV services exclusively to teen drivers who have recently completed a driverβs ed course to schedule an appointment to obtain their first driverβs license or permit. This effort is part of the officeβs modernization plan to reduce wait times and provide permits and driverβs licenses quickly and conveniently to fit with parentsβ busy schedules.
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Youth Alcohol Awareness Summit Program | |
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The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) is launching their Youth Alcohol Awareness Summit (YAAS) at this yearβs Illinois State Fair! This summit aims to educate young people from 7th grade through college on the dangers of alcohol abuse.
Join the ILCC on August 13th from 10 am - 3 pm for this important event to foster conversations about alcohol use and enjoy the State Fair at our Stateβs Capitol, Springfield.
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New Plant-Based School Lunches Available at All Schools | |
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Plant-based school lunches will be made available starting this school year to all 2 million public school students in Illinois who submit a request.
Plant-based lunches served in schools not only taste great according to students themselves, but they also meet the national school lunch meal requirements, ensuring students get enough protein. These meals are also richer in fiber, helping reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and high blood sugar, and they improve brain health, which can help their performance in the classroom.
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NEW: District 51 Grants Listserv | |
We're setting up a dedicated grant listserv to share info about local, state, and federal grants. If you would like to receive updates on future grant opportunities, please complete the form to be added to our listserv. | |
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Nicor Gasβ Environmental Stewardship Pillar has an array of grant applications opening throughout the year focused on the environment, education, diversity, and more!
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The Environmental Stewardship Pillar supports efforts that directly result in more customer and employee engagement in the natural environment through conservation and sustainable activities.
Visit their website to learn more about the available grants, deadlines, application requirements, and eligibility.
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In order to support state and local government efforts in furthering inclusive workforce development, career readiness and employment supports, the State Exchange on Employment & Disability (SEED) has curated a non-exhaustive list of relevant federal grant opportunities available to states and localities.
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Visit grants.gov to explore grant opportunities and application requirements!
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State Services Updates π£ | |
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In the summer, there about concern of food insecurity among students who rely on free or reduced breakfast and lunches for the academic year. To address this issue, there is a new summer EBT program this year, providing extra benefits to families with children from June to August. Families will receive a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child to purchase groceries. Funds will be delivered either to a SNAP/Link card or mailed through IDHS,
The two main ways to sign up are through a School that Operates the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) where all meals are served free, or through a Government funded program including SNAP/Link, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/cash), and Youth in Care/foster children.
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Access Pilot Program for Individuals with SNAP | |
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The Access Pilot Program grants reduced fare permits for individuals who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and live in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, or Will counties. The program runs only for 18-months, between Feb. 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025!
Click here to visit the website to learn more about the pilot program and apply for a permit.
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Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | |
The energy bill assistance program offered through the Help Illinois Families Program will assist eligible families with natural gas, propane, and electricity bills. Program Year 2024 includes a variety of improvements based on feedback from advocates such as an expanded program year, as well as reinstating the pre-pandemic practice of tiered applications to allow families most in need to apply first. | |
Pilot Program for Professional Licenses
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The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has launched a pilot program that will enable select professionals who submit paper applications to submit their payments online! The program is an effort to streamline the application review process and decrease wait time between when applicants submit their applications and receive their professional license. | |
If you are applying for your professional license and need assistance in the application process or updates, please do not hesitate to contact my office. | |
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As always, don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Our office number is (773) 916-6553 and our email is info@repsyed.com.
With gratitude,
Nabeela
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