Dear neighbor,

We’ve been busy in the 4th District! Keep reading to learn more about resources for you as well as what I have been up to.

My staff and I are always here to help — please reach out to us at 708-632-4500 or online if you need assistance.

All the best,

Kimberly A. Lightford
Senate Majority Leader

RESOURCES AND GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Stay alert: Scams targeting student loan borrowers

Scammers are trying to take advantage of student loan uncertainty with false promises of loan forgiveness and lower monthly payments. You don’t need to pay for help – student loan assistance is available for free through the U.S. Department of Education or your loan servicer. Learn more here. If you believe you’ve been affected, call the Illinois Attorney General’s student loan helpline at 1-800-455-2456.

Help with utility bills is here

Illinois families can now apply for utility bill assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Learn more and apply at HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.

Rental assistance program open now

The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program provides financial assistance to tenants and landlords who have pending cases in eviction court. Applicants may qualify for up to $15,000 in emergency rental payments that can be applied to past due rent, up to $500 for court costs, and up to two months’ future rent to prevent eviction. Learn more and see if you qualify at IllinoisHousingHelp.org.

Licensing processing updates

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is expanding its pilot program for licensees looking to reinstate or restore their licenses. Professionals with 18 different license types can now find their reactivation requirements online instead of contacting IDFPR to determine their criteria.

Grants available for new grocery stores in food deserts

Eligible entities can apply for funding to combat food insecurity across Illinois through the second round of the New Stores in Food Deserts Program. This Illinois Grocery Initiative supports new independent, nonprofit and co-op grocery stores, as well as new stores run by local governments. Learn more and apply by Monday, Dec. 2 by visiting the DCEO website.

IN THE DISTRICT

Special Heart Award

For those of you who don’t know, aside from being the Senate Majority Leader, I spend a great amount of time taking care of my mother. My mother is my rock and the backbone of our family. She is the reason I am where I am today. I am her caregiver out of love – but I was honored to receive the “Special Heart” award from Wynona Redmond, founder of “Dear Me Care Circle Inc.”

The Brunch Bunch

My friend Reverend Janette Wilson Esq. and I joined Wynoa Redmond's Community Charter on The Brunch Bunch with Marseil Jackson and Tammy Fair, Inspiration 1390AM earlier this month.

13th Annual Grandparent Raising Grandchildren Event

In support of the grandparents within the 4th Senate District for their commendable efforts, it was a tremendous honor to celebrate and welcome over 130 attendees to the 13th annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and inducted 21 new grandparents into the Hall of Fame on Grandparents Day.

It was an elegant evening where the grandparents could feel cherished, walk on the red carpet, partake in dinner, enjoy the live band and praise dancers, raffle prizes, and receive community resources for seniors/ grandparents. Honorees were presented with a State Certificate, which officially inducted them into the Grandparents Hall of Fame. 

 

Donations to Love Purse

I teamed up with DuPage County legislators to host a Love Purse donation drive to support domestic violence survivors. The #LovePursemovement is a small way we can support and uplift women in need and survivors of domestic violence.

League of Women Voter’s Gala

I attended the 100th Anniversary Gala of the League of Women Voters of Oak Park River Forest alongside President Cathy Adduci, President Vicki Scaman, and Mayor Rory Hispkins. The celebration honored not only the organization's longevity but also the quality of service it has provided over the past century. Congratulations on reaching this milestone!

Investment in Chicago Community Loan Fund

I was proud to join Governor JB Pritizker and JPMorganChase along with community and nonprofit leaders for an exciting announcement detailing new investments in Chicago Community Loan Fund to support affordable housing development in Chicago's South and West sides.

Resource Fair

My office was happy to participate in PLCCA's Bridging the Gap Community Resource Fair recently. It was a day of fun activities, giveaways and beautiful fall weather. Through the event, we were able to offer support and resources for all 14 villages in the Proviso Township!

Family Fall Fun Day

I hosted my annual back to school supplies giveaway this year as a Family Fall Fun Day on Sept. 22 at Brookfield Zoo in the Discovery Center! Families were able to get school supplies and resources from the resource fair to use on a day-to-day basis throughout the scholastic year. We had face painting, dancing, and snacks, as well as families being able to visit the zoo all day for no cost. The Family Fall Fun Day was a day full of fun and great memories!

GEAAC Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Inc.'s College and Career Fair

On Sept. 28 I attended GEAAC Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Inc.'s College and Career Fair with a resource table. I spoke to the students throughout the 4th District about college, applying for scholarships, and how to get internships for the careers of their choice!

5th Annual Tour De Proviso Bike Ride

On Oct. 5, Mayor Harvey and the Bellwood Community hosted the 5th Annual Tour De Proviso. I started the race and got the bike riders ready for a six mile ride – and for the very first time some riders rode for 20 miles throughout Proviso Township. It was followed up with a resource fair and food trucks. We had a healthy lifestyle fun day.

National Association of Black Military Women

I welcomed the National Association of Black Military Women to Illinois for its 23rd Biennial Convention, celebrating women veterans and active members of the U.S. Armed Forces. I expressed my honor in being invited and gratitude for their dedication and service, emphasizing their commitment and resilience in overcoming unique challenges as Black women in the military. I also highlighted the need to address the "visibility and invisibility of Black leaders in our society."

Westchester Fire department Open House introducing Chief Manning

I recently attended Westchester's Fire departments open house and welcomed the new fire department Chief Manning! We greeted Westchester and the surrounding neighborhood residents and passed out resources from the resource table, while welcoming Chief Manning to his new role.

PT Man Breakfast Networking Meeting

I was proud to deliver a powerful message on "How to Combine Political Stewardship with Community Partnership" at the PT Man Breakfast Networking Meeting.

Maywood Fine Arts Pumpkin Patch

I attended the Maywood Fine Arts Pumpkin Patch to celebrate fall and Halloween!

2nd Annual Austin Community Resource Fair and Westside Long Term Recovery Group

With over 50 vendors, the fair offered a wealth of information and services to residents of the Austin community, attracting attendees from as far as the southernmost parts of the city and even from Indiana. 

The event saw attendance from over 58 individuals, with at least 16 receiving assistance from FEMA and the SBA. The WLTRG was pleased to organize this year's resource fair, offering a chance to deliver services to seniors in need. Walgreens administered more than 14 flu shots and shared details about their healthcare services. Numerous vendors were also present, enjoying the delectable offerings such as shrimp and grits, sandwiches, waffles, and chicken, all expertly prepared by Chef Anjail Neal.

ETIP Grant Award

My chief of staff Kimberly Tate joined IMA in presenting an ETIP grant check to Principal Manufacturing Corp in Broadview on behalf of Senator Lightford. The IMA facilitates the Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP)grant on behalf of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. Through this relationship, the IMA provides grants to manufacturers across the state who choose to upgrade the skills of their full-time workers to remain current in new technologies and business practices.

BAW Sunday Funday

Last week I hosted my 2nd Annual BAW Sunday Funday Luncheon.  The theme was Shades of Red. We enjoyed shopping, and celebrating the 10 Badass Women Honorees, as well as a beautiful performance from Keya Tramell!