* * *Media Advisory* * *

Biggert to Tour Young Women’s Shelter in Downers Grove
Will highlight local transitional programs for homeless youth
 
 
WHO: 
- U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th), Co-Chair, Congressional Caucus on Missing and Exploited Children
- Ron Hume, Executive Director, NCO Youth & Family Services
- Deb Carr, Housing Director, NCO Youth & Family Services
 
 
WHAT: 
Biggert will tour the Transitional Living Program (TLP) for young homeless women operated in Downers Grove by the non-profit NCO Youth & Family Services.  Participants will highlight local support services available for children and young adults without homes and discuss Biggert’s efforts to expand and improve federal runaway and homeless youth programs.
 
 
WHEN:    
2:45 pm, Monday, September 28, 2009
 
 
WHERE:
NCO Youth & Family Services TLP for Young Women
2045 Prentiss Dr., #306, Downers Grove, IL  60516
 
WHY:
With Illinois unemployment still in the double digits and many families facing foreclosure, local supportive housing programs are an increasingly important safety net for homeless children and youth.  Thanks to assistance from a federal grant program championed by Biggert, NCO Youth & Family Services now operates DuPage County’s only transitional housing program designed specifically for young homeless women.  The center provides females between the ages of 18 and 21 with temporary housing and individual therapy, as well as guidance on budgeting, job skills, and education.  Similar to NCO’s other programs for young males, the program is designed to support young women while empowering them to become more independent.
 
Biggert, who co-chairs the Congressional Caucus on Missing and Exploited Children, was the lead GOP sponsor of the Reconnecting Homeless Youth Act.  Signed into law last year, it strengthened federal runaway and homeless youth programs and included additional resources for programs like those offered by NCO, including long- and short-term shelters, prevention, education, counseling, crisis intervention, youth development, data collection, outreach, and the National Runaway Switchboard in Chicago.  During the tour, participants will discuss the success of the program, local trends, and future goals for meeting the needs of homeless youth.
 
Media are encouraged to attend.  For more information, please contact Zachary Cikanek (Biggert) at 202-225-3515 or Julie Lichter (NCO) at (630) 803-2903.

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