Ford to Host Blue Room Press Conference Wednesday, Proposes Illinois Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will introduce legislation aimed at creating an Illinois Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to strengthen partnerships between the state with community and faith-based organizations to more effectively leverage resources and better serve communities.

Ford will join Live Free Illinois and advocates to discuss the proposal at a Blue Room press conference scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. in the capitol.

“We want to foster greater partnership between the state and local organizations to help more people access the resources they deserve,” said Ford. “We can bolster essential community services – such as after-school activities – while better connecting residents to health, education and job-related opportunities.”

“Considering the crisis we are experiencing in this country, now more than ever, this office must be established to unite faith communities across the state—to inspire hope, provide service, and serve as a moral conscience ensuring that the most marginalized communities are served and supported,” said Pastor Jessie Mack, Director of Development and Communications at Live Free Illinois. “Faith communities have long been anchors in our neighborhoods, doing critical work like the Community Healing Resource Center network, which engages communities riddled with trauma, fosters a culture of healing, and advances healing justice.”

The Ford measure’s key objectives include:
– Supporting and empowering community engagement,
– Acting as an advocate, partner and resource hub,
– Leveraging grassroots partnerships,
– Increasing access to critical resources, and
– Bridging and uniting multi-faith communities and issues across Illinois.

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

Who: State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, Live Free Illinois, advocates
What: Proposing creation of Illinois Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
When: Wednesday, Feb. 5; 11 a.m.
Where: Capitol Blue Room