News and Notes - August 2023

Dear Maria,

I am thrilled to announce that Gov. Pritzker signed House Bill 0780 launching a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program in Will County yesterday. This program will provide much-needed aid to many incredible grandparents navigating state resources specialized for their needs.

I am also honored to share that Greenlight COO Ruth McMahon recently presented at the National Generations United Conference in Washington, DC, alongside the GRAND Voice for Illinois, Adrian Charniak. Ruth and Adrian discussed Greenlight's legal aid for grandparents raising grandchildren.

Team Greenlight has been enjoying the summer sun at many community events, including Midsommarfest, the Juneteenth Family Festival, and more, to spread the word about our quality adoption and guardianship services.

Please see below for details, including the chance to win tickets to see soccer superstar Lionel Messi play right here in Chicago!

Sincerely,

Maria Nanos, LCSW, PhD

CEO

Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Paula Basta (left) and GRAND Voice for Illinois Adrian Charniak (right)

Rep. Natalie Manley created the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot program, which Gov. Pritzker signed into law yesterday. This program will begin on January 1, 2024 and will continue through January 1, 2027. For the duration, an intake coordinator will connect grandparents to state resources including:

• The Extended Family Support Program (DCFS)
• The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program administered (IDoA)
• The Child Only Grants assistance component of TANF program (DHS)
• The Children Health Insurance Program (HFS)

COO Ruth McMahon presented with grandparent advocate Adrian Charniak at the National Generations United 2023 conference last week. Together they highlighted Greenlight's legal aid services for grandparents, and the importance of Greenlight's legal services team guiding the process.

Greenlight COO Ruth McMahon (left) and GRAND Voice for Illinois, Adrian Charniak (right)

EXCITING NEWS

Coming Soon: YOUR chance to win two exceptional midfield tickets to see fútbol phenomenon Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF play against Chicago Fire on October 4th!

Raffle Opens Aug 23 | $50 / Raffle Ticket | Winner Pulled Live Sep 27

All proceeds benefit Greenlight's programs to keep families together and support

survivors of campus sexual assault.

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