Hoffman Highlights MindsEye Radio Support and SWIC Adult Volunteer Literacy Grant

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is highlighting a pair of recently announced grants from the Secretary of State that will support Belleville-based MindsEye Radio with broadcasting news aimed for those visually impaired, as well as Southwestern Illinois College’s (SWIC) adult literacy efforts.

“This funding is going toward quality local programs that enrich the wellbeing of many local residents, and I appreciate the decision by Secretary of State Giannoulias and his office,” Hoffman said. “MindsEye Radio delivers an important service for our region, connecting many with essential information they otherwise may lose access to.”

Administered through the Secretary of State’s office, the Radio Information Service Grant will provide $93,626 to MindsEye Radio. These grants are designed to help residents access broadcasts of local news, specifically those who have a visual or physical disability and may utilize a sideband receiver. For more information on the grant and MindsEye Radio, please visit https://www.ilbph.org/ris.html and https://mindseyeradio.org/.

Additionally, SWIC will receive $84,384 under the Adult Volunteer Literacy Grant Program which supports instruction for adults who read below a ninth grade level or speak English at a beginner level. SWIC provides free instruction and programs under its Adult Education and Literacy Department, and interested residents can learn more at https://www.swic.edu/community/adult-education/. Additional information about the Adult Volunteer Literacy Grant Program can be found at https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/library/literacy/adultvolunteer.html.

“I appreciate the work of tutors who are helping residents with reading, writing, math and more through these valuable programs,” Hoffman said. “These are investments that strengthen our community and can change a person’s life. I’m glad to see this support.”

These grants are funded by the state budget backed by Hoffman, and are part of a statewide effort to support library and literacy programs.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.