ORGANIZATION GRANTS WISHES AND MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES

Vital Thomas believes a neighborhood is only as good as its people. As the president of Grant A Wish, he is keeping the legacy of his mother Anne Blair, who founded the organization in 1981, alive. The mission of the organization is to make a difference in the lives of children in need.

Fitch Affirms Top Aaa Rating To Illinois Funds

$15 Billion Local Government Investment

Pool Complements Local Banking Relationships

Recent Daily Rates Exceed 5.1 Percent

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Funds, a mutual fund investment used by local governments through the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, has earned the top AAA rating from Fitch Ratings, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said.

The Illinois Funds rating reaffirms the confidence Fitch showed in the program during the last year. The Illinois Funds provides more than 1,500 units of local government a safe investment vehicle with competitive rates that are designed to complement, not compete with, local banking relationships.

“This is an example of an outside firm pointing out that we’re doing things right,” Frerichs said. “The Illinois Funds is one of the many ways we invest in the people of Illinois.”

Established in 1975, more than 1,500 units of government such as cities, counties, libraries and school districts have invested in The Illinois Funds because it is a safe, liquid and competitive investment.

The $15 billion local government investment pool (LGIP) invests in assets focused on safety, preservation of principal, liquidity and income. The investment can be as short as overnight. The weighted average maturity is less than 60 days. No minimum investment is required.

U.S Bank is the pool’s primary service provider and custodian. The fund officially is named the Illinois Public Treasurers’ Investment Pool (IPTIP).

Black Bench Chicago Announces Applications For 2023 Class

CHICAGO, Ill. -- The civic leadership program Black Bench Chicago (The Bench) has announced that applications are open for its second fellowship class. Having held its inaugural class in 2021, The Bench is a 6-month civic leadership training program geared toward uplifting and empowering the next generation of Black Chicagoans who seek to become changemakers.

“The Black Bench strives to assist the next generation of Black Chicagoans to become leaders in our community whether that means becoming a public servant or a housing organizer. The Bench will play a major role in training the next generation of Black leaders that will champion civic engagement throughout Chicago,” said Alex Sims-Jones, Founder.

The Bench recently announced new advisory board co-chairs to shepherd the program’s reach and impact: Cleveland Avenue Managing Partner Andy Zopp and Grow Greater Englewood Executive Director Anton Seals. The Bench’s insightful and professionally diverse advisory board consists of leaders in disciplines across the spectrum from entrepreneurship to community organizing. Advisory board members include Mike Strautmantis, Kurt Summers, Erica Bland, Melody Spann-Cooper, and Charles Smith. Please click here to view the full list of advisory board members.

The inaugural cohort produced several successful participants, including Alderman Ronnie Mosley who ran for alderman in the 42nd ward and won this past election cycle. Crystal Bland, Community Planning and Development Representative for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Sean Anderson, Senior Director at Bully Pulpit Interactive were also a part of the inaugural cohort class and will be joining Black Bench to serve as program directors. Applications for the second cohort class of The Black Bench will close July 16. The program will focus on the following themes: Black History & Philosophy, Government & Levers, and Campaigns & Operations. Applicants will begin to be notified of their final application status Aug. 14. The first class for accepted participants will be held Saturday, Aug. 26, with the program concluding in February during Black History Month.