Sims measure would provide mentoring for first-time parents

SPRINGFIELD – Understanding the struggles first-time parents face, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is leading a measure to provide them with more support and resources.

“Being a first-time parent brings a unique set of challenges and stressors,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Mentorship helps people understand what they are capable of by opening up parts of them they may have never known existed.”

Sims’ measure would assist first-time parents in finding employment, donation centers and information to help them navigate parenthood through the First Time Parent Mentorship Program. Local nonprofits would host the program in partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services and provide at least 10 hours of trauma-informed tutoring and mentoring to first-time parents.  

According to the National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families, nearly half of new parents don’t feel they have the support they need. The mentorship program would bridge this gap, giving first-time parents more resources and a place to turn to for help.

“When my wife and I had our first daughter, we consistently found ourselves asking questions and wondering if we were doing the right things to set her on the path to success,” said Sims. “While we had a strong support system of friends and family to help us navigate this difficult yet exciting time, not everyone is that lucky.”

Senate Bill 2536 passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee Tuesday.

Sims to bring diabetes education to schools

SPRINGFIELD – Parents would have better understanding of the signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in their children under a measure led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

“Providing education on Type 1 diabetes isn’t just a tool – it is a lifeline that can give children guidance toward better self-care and resilience,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Schools have an opportunity to make a difference both in students’ education and their health.”

Students and their families would be more educated on symptoms, intervention and treatment of Type 1 diabetes under a proposal led by Sims. Senate Bill 3473 would require the Illinois State Board of Education and Department of Public Health to put together informational resources on the disease and display it on ISBE’s website. Public and charter schools would also hand out the information to parents or guardians when enrolling their child.

Despite more than 300,000 children across the nation having Type 1 diabetes, many kids and their families are unaware for years of their life. It often isn’t until they’re older that they learn their symptoms – like feeling thirsty or losing weight – is due to the underlying cause of diabetes.

“When a child is diagnosed with diabetes, their parents are often left worried and not knowing where to turn,” said Sims. “A one-stop shop that contains education and treatment options will go a long way to help parents navigate the unfamiliar.”

Senate Bill 3473 passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Sims highlights a new cultural district in Chicago

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. announced that a new area in Chicago is being recognized as a State-Designated Cultural District.

“For years I have worked to implement and promote economic development for our communities to improve,” said Sims (D-Springfield). “The designation will represent and preserve our Black history, develop opportunities and encourage empowerment, culture, and homage”

State-Designated Cultural Districts are communities, towns or specific geographic areas that have a distinct shared historical and cultural identity that binds the community together. The purpose of the program is to encourage economic development, support the preservation and development of history and culturally significant structures, traditions and languages, foster local cultural development and education, provide a focal point for celebrating communities’ unique cultural identities, and promote equitable growth and opportunity without generating displacement.

The new district in Chicago, Mahalia Jackson 79th Street Cultural District, is led the Greater Chatham Initiative. Now, they will be eligible to apply for $3 million in funding that will be tailored to fit the needs of individual Cultural Districts and support the goals of the program to foster economic development and help communities preserve their unique cultural identities.

Learn more about the Greater Chatham Initiative.

Sims applauds over $250,000 for local pre-apprenticeship program

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. announced that Women’s Innovation Group in Lynwood received a total of $260,000 through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

"Illinois is known for its world-class workforce, and programs such as the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program are critical to advancing opportunities for people across the state to earn a living and support their families," said Sims (D-Chicago).  “Apprentice programs are extremely competitive – and investments that directly provide more access into these programs are a step in the right direction.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded over $18 million in grants to 36 recipients through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, including $260,000 to Women’s Innovation Group in Lynwood. The program creates a diverse pool of talented and qualified candidates in construction and building trades, as well as helps participants to secure employment and establish a career in the field.

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs. Pre-apprenticeship programs are comprehensive and help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provides a greater opportunity for obtaining employment in the trade of construction, and securing a lifelong career.

Visit DCEO’s website to learn more about the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship program.