$500,000 Duckworth-secured federal funding for READI Chicago

August 24, 2023 12:00 PM

Senator Duckworth secured $500,000 in federal funding through a FY23 Congressionally Directed Spending Request for Heartland Alliance for Human Need & Human Rights. The Rapid Employment and Development Initiative (READI) Chicago program works to strengthen employment opportunities for underserved individuals vulnerable to falling into gang life or the justice system through paid transitional jobs, cognitive-behavioral interventions (CBI), coaching and supportive services. READI is specifically focused on decreasing their program participant's involvement in gun violence and the criminal justice system and helps identify viable paths for better life outcomes.