Dear friend,


I hope this summer has brought joy and rest to you and your loved ones. As we approach a new school year, I’m filled with hope and excitement for our students, educators and families who are ready to embrace fresh opportunities, continued growth and the power of learning in our community.


You still have time to sign up for my student Summer Book Club until Aug. 15 for a certificate and mystery prize. Let’s head back to the classroom with positivity and a love for reading!


While summer comes with blazing heat, be sure to brush up on ways to keep yourself safe. Check out summer safety tips here: keepcool.illinois.gov.


Read on to learn more about upcoming community events, helpful resources and more. As always, with questions, comments or concerns, reach out to my office at SenatorNapoleonHarris.com or call (708) 893-0552.


All the best,
 

Napoleon Harris III
State Senator | 15th District


In the district


Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship grant


The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program grant is now open! This is a wonderful opportunity for those looking to get into a new career path. Open to nonprofits, schools, community organizations and more, awards are available up to $550,000. Applications close at 5 p.m. on Aug. 31. Learn more here.


Community Investment



This week I attended an event at Proactive Community Services (PCS) in Flossmoor. PCS is a community-based organization serving disadvantaged, under-resourced communities in the Southland. Nicor Illinois made an investment of $100,000 to the organization. This grant will enable them to expand their services and support the community in South Suburban Cook County.

 

Summer Book Club



Head up parents and guardians, my Summer Book Club is about to end! Students still have time to read eight books of their choice during the summer break. Summer Book Club forms are available to download at SenatorNapoleonHarris.com. People with questions can reach out to my office at (708) 893-0552. Read more here.


Black Business Month



Did you know August is Black Business Month? Explore Illinois’ vibrant community of Black-owned businesses this month and every month: bit.ly/ILBlackBizMonth


 

Upcoming Events

Recycling Day
 

 

We are hosting a free shred event in Harvey on Saturday, August 16th from 10 a.m. to noon. Give us a call if you have questions at (708) 893-0552.


Grant Writing Workshop



My office is hosting a grant-writing workshop next month in partnership with Grant Writing USA. Attend this class to learn how to write winning government grant proposals and find available grant funding. You can check more about it and register here.



Resources


Save on transit passes through the Benefit Access Program



Illinois residents age 65 or older, or age 16 or older and living with a permanent disability, may be eligible for a discounted license plate fee or a free transit pass. These benefits are part of the Illinois Department on Aging Benefit Access Program. To learn more and apply, visit the IDoA website or call 1-800-252-8966. If you use TTY, call 1-888-206-1327.


Beware of scam texts


Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is warning Illinoisans about scam texts posing as the DMV. These phishing attempts aim to steal your info! The state will never send texts about license or registration status. Stay alert and report these messages at reportfraud.ftc.gov.


Infrastructure funding available for local governments


Through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, funding is available through the new Overflow and Sewer Grant program to assist local governments with infrastructure needs to address combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows and stormwater management to improve water quality and protect local water resources. Grants will be awarded until all funds are expended or until Jan. 1, 2027, whichever comes first.