NORTH CHICAGO – Growing Healthy Veterans, an organization in North Chicago dedicated to healing veterans through horticulture and providing healthy food for the community, received $150,000 to expand operations, thanks to State Senator Adriane Johnson.

“This organization directly supports veterans in the Lake County community combat post-war trauma,” said Johnson (D – Buffalo Grove). “We have a significant veteran population in our district and it is important they have resources that support them when they return home.”

Growing Healthy Veterans was co-founded in 2016 by Marshall Fox, an Air Force veteran, and the late Lukan Paulus, who was certified in sustainable agriculture from the College of Lake County and horticultural therapy from the Chicago Botanic Gardens.

In 2017, North Chicago offered GHV the use of a 14-acre city-owned property. The group established the North Chicago Community Garden, serving veterans, active duty military and local residents. GHV helps gardeners cultivate healthy crops and teaches sustainable agriculture skills.

“The work that is being done to support veterans is imperative,” said Johnson. “Through the expansion of GHV, even more veterans and community members will benefit.”

The $150,000 capital grant investment secured by Johnson will allow GHV to more than triple its available garden space.

WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson is highlighting opportunities for indoor and outdoor recreation, exploration, education and more at some of the most beloved spots around the 30^th District with her new 30 Wonders of the 30^th District guide.

“I greatly enjoyed engaging with constituents during the formation of this project,” said Johnson (D–Buffalo Grove). “It is always refreshing to bond with others over what makes our district home.”

Johnson’s office published the 30 Wonders of the 30^th District guide to celebrate and uplift public amenities, parks, monuments and other experiences around the district. Ranging from community centers to local museums, their value comes not just from their beauty or educational impact, but also from their role as community hubs. Residents of the 30^th District can utilize the project to explore their home communities and rediscover the interesting history, artistic vibrancy, social energy and stunning nature in their own backyard.

“We hope to encourage constituents around the district to take a little time to visit some of these wonders, and enjoy all that the 30^th District has to offer,” said Johnson.

To view the 30 Wonders of the 30^th District guide, click here.

BUFFALO GROVE — State Senator Adriane Johnson reports twelve school districts throughout the area will receive over $6 million in funding to help address the financial challenges of recent years.

“Illinois’ previous approach to funding education contributed to racial and socioeconomic inequities in access to resources and educational outcomes,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “It is our hope to continue to bridge the educational gaps so children are afforded equitable education opportunities.”

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.

WAUKEGAN – With support from State Senator Adriane Johnson, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the latest round of Back to Business grants awarded to businesses in the restaurant industry.

“Back to Business grants are essential to local businesses as they recover,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “These grants are what allow our local economy to thrive.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest hit industries. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, DCEO has provided over $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

Eleven restaurants in Johnson’s district will receive a combined total of $520,000 through this round of Back to Business grants.

“Local restaurants are often the pillars of the community,” said Johnson. “Programs like the Back to Business grants allow these businesses to maintain their place within the community."

For more information about the Back to Business grant program, visit DCEO’s website.