Family literacy programs in the Elgin area are receiving over $300,000 in state grant funding to support community efforts to improve English literacy thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Cristina Castro.

“While the federal government restricts funding for state and local services, Illinois is doubling down and investing in essential community fixtures like our libraries,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “In our state, we will continue to support the public services families count on.”

The grants, awarded by the Illinois Secretary of State, included nearly $18 million for library services and $6.7 million for literacy programs throughout the state. In the district Castro represents, community literacy programs will receive a total of $307,840. This includes $151,840 for The Literacy Connection and $156,000 for YWCA Elgin. Both organizations will use the funding to enhance existing literacy programs that promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills for children and families.

State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement Thursday after federal agents detained a student on campus at Elgin Community College:

“What we witnessed at Elgin Community College today — where a student was followed on campus and taken by masked federal agents as they were entering a building for class — is disturbing. Every student deserves safety and dignity on campus.

“I’m proud of ECC’s leadership, quick response, and proactive communication with trustees, myself and the student body as this incident unfolded. I stand with my community in condemning this shameful tactic, which is designed to instill fear in the lives of community college students as they go about their day on campus.”

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State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement Tuesday in response to federal immigration enforcement actions in Elgin this week:

“This morning, Elgin families who were commuting to work and school were met with aggressive immigration action by masked federal agents in unmarked vehicles. This action is meant to intimidate our community — sending a clear message on the morning of Mexican Independence Day that this administration is insistent on dividing a community that is united behind protecting all of its residents.

“This deliberate fearmongering is not welcome in Elgin or anywhere in Illinois. I reject federal intrusions that continue to instill fear in the lives of my constituents — families who are active, contributing and law-abiding members of our communities.

“Every person in our state, regardless of documentation status, has fundamental rights and is entitled to due process. My staff and I, along with local organizations and civil and immigrant rights groups, stand ready to support and defend our residents. We strongly encourage residents to take precautions, know your rights and exercise them, and share this information with one another.”

If you or a loved one has been impacted by federal agency enforcement actions, please review the resources below:

• Create a Family Safety Plan: Make sure your family has an emergency plan, and print out the “Know Your Rights” card. You can find bilingual templates for these resources at org/resourcehub#KYR
• Contact the ICIRR Family Support Network: Visit icirr.org/fsn or call the Family Support Hotline: 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693)
  Languages available: English, Spanish, Korean, Polish

To give residents an opportunity to safely dispose of sensitive documents and protect their identities, State Senator Cristina Castro is hosting a free shred event Saturday, Sept. 27.

“Secure shredding is a great way to make sure your personal information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I encourage residents to take this opportunity to declutter, shred outdated documents and keep their identities safe.”

Residents are invited to bring personal documents for shredding on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9-11 a.m. at Carpenter Park, located at 275 Maple Ave. Confidential or sensitive documents that can be shredded on site include things like bank statements, canceled checks, outdated medical records, paid bills and junk mail. Only paper will be accepted for shredding – no electronics, cardboard, plastic or other materials.