EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – To provide critical community resources to vulnerable and at-risk students, state Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, is highlighting new funding for Trauma Recovery Services for East St. Louis School District 189.
“When a tragedy occurs in our community, it’s important that supportive services are available to help our children deal with the situation,” said Greenwood. “This is an important investment in our community that can do a lot of good and can have both a short and long-term impact.”
The state has appropriated $800,000 designated specifically for Trauma Recovery Services for East St. Louis School District 189. In particular, the funds will be utilized to facilitate engagement in after school programs which specialize in violence prevention, trauma services and other related support. The appropriation comes after the 2019-20 school year saw six deaths among students related to gun violence.
“When violence happens in our area, it has a rippling effect on family, friends and others,” said Greenwood. “Sometimes this impact is not always apparent on the surface, which is why proactive trauma relief can have a real influence on lives. I’m hopeful that these new resources are able to successfully help those who need it starting now.”