Preston launches summer book club to encourage kids to read

• Summer Book Club

CHICAGO – To encourage summer reading, State Senator Willie Preston is launching a summer book club for children and teens who live in the 16th State Senate District.

“Youth activities have always been one of my top priorities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “To keep young people positively engaged in the district, I secured funding for afterschool and summer programs, and I am excited to host this book club to build on that momentum.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form and return the form to Preston’s office by Friday, Aug. 16. Everyone who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and certificate from Preston.

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Preston announces funding for expanded access to mental health care

CHICAGO – State Senator Willie Preston announced several mental health centers across Chicago have been selected to participate in a federal program designed to expand and improve access to coordinated mental health care and substance use treatment.

“Mental and behavioral health care services should be a reality for all people in Illinois, regardless of ZIP code, and especially when someone is in crisis,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This program has the potential to make real, tangible differences in our communities, particularly benefiting residents in underserved and high-need areas.”

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Preston hosts second annual Juneteenth event and celebration

CHICAGO – Looking forward to sharing an important day with his community, State Senator Willie Preston will host his second annual Juneteenth Day celebration on June 19 at O'Hallaren Park from noon to 5 p.m.

“Hosting events in our community allows us to teach the next generation about the significance of this historic date,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This event commemorates an important date in our history while bringing together the community.”

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Preston: Budget supports investments into Black communities

• FY25

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved a Fiscal Year 2025 budget that offers further investments into disadvantaged communities. State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response:

“We've demonstrated, through data-driven intervention programs, street outreach and youth initiatives, that supporting our Black communities affected by disinvestment yields returns that are beneficial to all people in Illinois.

“There were crucial investments I advocated for that did not receive the funding I hoped for. I would have liked to see more investments into our youth for career training and employment opportunities.

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