What's New

The 2008 Report on Illinois Poverty Released: Heartland Alliance's 2008 Report on Illinois Poverty finds that poverty continues to cast a pall on Illinois’ economic future. Statewide, poverty increased in 74 of Illinois' 102 counties. It now affects more than 1.5 million Illinoisans. Nearly 250,000 additional Illinoisans have succumbed to poverty since 1999, a 19 percent increase.

The Chicago Area Snapshot, a supplement to the state report, finds that the Chicago suburbs have recorded dramatic increases in poverty -- suburban counties now account for 41.5% of the region’s poor population, up from 23.9% in 1980. Throughout the report are recommendations, or Opportunities for Change, that together can help us make strong, safe, and stable communities across Illinois that are poverty free.

Access the 2008 Report on Illinois Poverty, the Chicago Area Snapshot, and policy recommendations to address poverty here.

Heartland Alliance’s Anti-poverty Efforts Highlighted in National Report: A new report from the Center on Law and Social Policy (CLASP) showcases the Heartland Alliance's efforts through its From Poverty to Opportunity Campaign to establish the Commission on the Elimination of Poverty. The report also noted increased media coverage of poverty issues, such as the Chicago Tribune’s eight-page photojournalist piece, “Our Hidden Poor” (December 2007). Heartland Alliance staff worked with the Tribune reporters for a year to help them tell the complex story of Illinois poverty.

Click here to access the CLASP report, Seizing the moment: State governments and the new commitment to reduce poverty in America.

The Meaning of International Human Rights Day: All over the world, International Human Rights Day is recognized, December 10. For many of us, the mention of human rights evokes powerful images, like the tragic loss of life in Sudan, or the brutal crackdown on Burmese monks. For others, it draws out deep cynicism about governments — our own and others. But what exactly does it mean for us here in the United States to celebrate an International Human Rights Day? Rev. Dr. Sid Mohn, president of Heartland Alliance, explores this question in an op-ed.

WBEZ Profiles Soccer Program for Refugee Kids: WBEZ radio recently spent an afternoon with refugee youths who are a part of a special youth soccer team that Heartland Alliance and other community partners facilitate.The soccer team gives the kids a chance to play and exercise but more importantly brings the children together across cultural boundaries, helps them acclimate to their new home, meet other kids, and practice their English skills through the language of a commonly loved sport. The report also features a former Heartland Alliance participant who now volunteers his time as a coach. Listen to the audio profile.

Kovler Center Marks 20th Anniversary: On September 28, supporters of the Marjorie Kovler Center for the Treatment of Survivors of Torture of Heartland Alliance gathered to commemorate the program’s 20th anniversary. Jerome McDonnell, host of Chicago Public Radio’s Worldview, served as the evening’s master of ceremonies. Mary Fabri described the center’s history and future, and a survivor read a poem specifically written for the anniversary by Matilde de la Sierra.

Through culturally sensitive medical, mental health, and social services, the Marjorie Kovler Center has assisted 1,400survivors of torture from 74 different countries in recovering their health and reconnecting to community.

McDonnell recently interviewed Dr. Fabri and other Kovler Center founders on Worldview. Listen to the broadcast here.

New Heartland Alliance Report Examines Children’s Health Care: Heartland Alliance recently released Building on our Success: Moving from Health Coverage to Improved Access and Comprehensive Well-Being for Illinois Children and Youth. This report, funded by the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation, documents the barriers in Illinois to achieving a healthy life in the areas of physical, mental, and oral health, as well as nutrition issues and insurance coverage.

While Illinois has been a leader in expanding health insurance coverage for children, for many low-income families there is a gap between having insurance and accessing the comprehensive care children need to become and stay healthy:

20 percent of Illinois children did not have a preventive medical care visit in the previous year.
37 percent of Illinois children with current emotional, developmental, or behavioral problems did not receive any type of mental health care in the previous year.
28 percent of Illinois children did not see a dentist for routine preventive care in the past 12 months.

Heartland Alliance recommends several realistic next steps to help Illinois enhance its status as a leader in the field of child health, including expanding school health centers, implementing universal school breakfast in lower-income districts, and extending All Kids eligibility through age 24.

To view the entire report, visit http://www.heartlandalliance.org/maip/.