CHICAGO – Thanks to advocacy from State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes, three adult and family literacy programs in Chicago and Cicero will receive $244,400 in grant funding to support community efforts to improve English literacy.

“Literacy and adult education programs can be transformative tools for professional development,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This funding will enrich ongoing programs in our community so that more people are able to access these high-quality resources, leading to their future success. I am excited to see how this will improve the lives of my constituents.”

The grants, awarded by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, included nearly $18 million for library services and $6.7 million for literacy programs throughout the state. Several organizations and schools in the district Cervantes represents received funding to enhance literacy programs that promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills, including:

BERWYN – To make it easier for community members to receive assistance with driver services, such as renewing their REAL ID or license plate sticker, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes is hosting a Mobile DMV this Saturday in partnership with the city of Berwyn and several local health care providers.

“With the business of our daily lives, it can be difficult to find time to go to a driver services facility and get your paperwork taken care of,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “That’s why my office organized a Mobile DMV — we want our neighbors to have access these important resources so they can update their documents more easily. I encourage members of the community take advantage of this event, and am grateful for the Secretary of State and Berwyn Mayor Lavero for teaming up with us to provide this opportunity.”

The Mobile DMV will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Heritage Middle School, located at 6850 31^st St. in Berwyn. Constituents with appointments can receive assistance with vehicle registration, license plate sticker services, and REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state IDs.

BERWYN – To help community members access helpful resources, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes is teaming up with Family Focus Cicero to host a Family Resource and Support Day on Thursday, Sept. 25 from 1-4:30 p.m.

“Families in my district have had a tough few months with cuts to federal health programs, increased intimidation from ICE agents and more,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “We always want to help our neighbors out, but it’s more important now than ever to be as accessible as possible and help one another. This event will connect families to essential resources that will hopefully make their daily lives a little bit easier in these stressful times.” 

The Family Resource and Support Day will be held on Thursday, Sept. 25 from 1-4:30 p.m. at Cervantes’ district office, located at 6729 Stanley Ave., 1st Floor, Suite A, in Berwyn. Attendees will receive help translating essential records, accessing public benefits like Medicaid and SNAP, support with citizenship and DACA applications, and more.

BRIGHTON PARK – Following the recent increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in his district, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Last week, I joined my colleagues, community leaders, advocacy organizations, and residents to draw attention to issues residents are facing in our neighborhoods due to increased ICE activity.

“No one should be kidnapped off the street when they are trying to make a living. Unfortunately, this was the reality for a local flower vendor, who has been a staple in our community. They were detained by ICE this week along with several other neighbors.