Gordon-Booth Secures Health and Safety Resources for Peoria Public Schools and Wraparound Center

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, announced that she has helped the Peoria Public Schools (PPS) secure nearly $200,000 in state funding for personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against the COVID-19 virus. The grant funding also includes funding for the food pantry at the PPS Wraparound Center.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on students, parents and teachers, disrupting the ability to offer traditional in-person learning experiences while putting lives at risk,” Gordon-Booth said. “I’m proud of how parents, students and teachers have stepped up to the challenge of remote learning, but in order to return to offer full or hybrid in-person learning, schools need PPE and safety supplies. That’s why I’m so glad that the Peoria Public Schools will receive over $150,000 in state funding for PPE needs.”

PPS recently received over $150,000 in funding to cover the cost of PPE and other health and safety supplies including hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and disinfectant from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). The funding will also support thermometers, backpack disinfectant sprayers , N95 masks, social distancing markers, and a heated shelter to offer COVID-19 testing.

Over $20,000 in additional funds will support food pantry jobs at the PPS Wraparound Center. The Wraparound Center houses a one-stop center for social services agencies serving PPS families within Trewyn School.

“The Wraparound Center is an innovative model to help address some of the greatest challenges faced by parents and children in our community,” Gordon-Booth said. “As so many more families have struggled with hunger and food insecurity during this pandemic, I’m glad to see that the Wraparound Center will receive funding to support food pantry operaties for families in need.”