TASC News--2005 Archives
TASC Leaders Honored With Achievement Awards
Two members of TASC's leadership team recently received awards for their contributions to building healthy and safe communities.
U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-7) honored George A.H. Williams, TASC's director of community partnerships, with the Community Outstanding Participation Award.
In presenting the award during a September 9 "Town Hall Meeting," Congressman Davis cited Williams' work benefiting formerly incarcerated men and women and, specifically, his efforts with the 7th District Ex-offender Advisory Committee.
TASC President Melody M. Heaps was honored with the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association's Dr. C. Vincent Bakeman Memorial Award September 19 during IADDA's annual conference.
Heaps, who founded Illinois' TASC program in 1976, called on leaders around the state to focus on the shared goal of providing effective, accessible treatment and recovery programs around Illinois.
"Without vision," Heaps said, quoting Proverbs, "the people perish."
September is National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month
Walk for Recovery, Saturday, Sept. 17, in downtown Chicago.
The walk is sponsored by Congressman Danny K. Davis, the City of Chicago's Department of Public Health, Citizens Activated to Change Health Care (CATCH), TASC, Inc., and others.
Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. in Union Park, with the walk commencing at 9:00. For more information, visit the Recovery Walk Web page.
Other Recovery Month events in Illinois include luncheons, rallies, and a "celebration event" at the September 21 White Sox game.
Click here for details on Recovery Month events hosted by TASC.
TASC is a Recovery Month planning partner
Recovery Fair held for Graduates of Sheridan Correctional Center
(CHICAGO) - TASC co-hosted a Recovery Fair on July 21 which gave men formerly incarcerated at the Sheridan Correctional Center an opportunity to learn about services and strategies to help them remain drug-free and crime-free.
Held at the University of Illinois-Chicago and hosted in collaboration with the Great Lakes Addiction Technology Center (GLATTC), the day-long event featured workshops on employment, education, and expungement opportunities, as well as information booths set up by community-based service providers.
A presentation on expungement was offered by Illinois State Rep. Constance A. Howard (D-34), who explained that in certain cases individuals may be eligible for sealing or expungement of records, one step toward overcoming barriers to housing and employment.
Other speakers included staff members of TASC and the Safer Foundation, representatives of local educational programs and schools, and formerly incarcerated men who have made successful transitions to the community.
The Illinois Department of Corrections re-opened Sheridan in January 2004 as a fully-dedicated substance abuse treatment facility, and it is regarded as a model for in-prison services combined with dedicated community reentry services.
TASC Vice President Peter Palanca said that helping formerly incarcerated individuals to attain stable employment and remain drug-free is a good strategy to reduce crime and recidivism.
"Everyone benefits when people who have been in prison are restored to responsible citizenship," Palanca said.
TASC 2005 Leadership Award Luncheon
Senator Obama Shares Special Videotaped Message
US Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) accepted the TASC 2005 Leadership Award via special videotaped message during the agency's award luncheon, June 13.
The TASC Leadership Award is presented to leaders whose outstanding work brings innovative services to our communities.
TASC recognized Senator Obama as an advocate for opportunities and fairness for the citizens of Illinois.
The event's theme was "Individuals and Families: Rebuilding Lives. Strengthening Communities. Restoring Hope." Speakers included family members and individuals whose experiences exemplify the power of restored citizenship and recovery.
TASC President Melody M. Heaps said that the event's theme "speaks to TASC's work over the past 29 years: combining direct service with policy advocacy.
"We believe in programs and public policies that restore health, provide opportunity, and promote justice."
Click here to read about the individuals and businesses who supported the event.
IL Health and Justice Initiative launches coalition in Will County
(JOLIET—March 17) A partnership of social service and advocacy organizations hosted a kickoff reception and panel discussion March 17 to build a community coalition for addressing the health-related needs of formerly incarcerated men and women returning to live in Will County.
Approximately 40,000 Illinois prisoners return to communities across the state each year, prompting a statewide effort by HCI (Healthcare Consortium of Illinois), TASC, Inc. (Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities), and FORUM (Fulfilling Our Responsibility Unto Mankind) to help establish community coalitions to advocate for and address the health needs of former offenders.
Suggested actions for addressing former prisoners' health needs in Will county ranged from setting up a drop-in center that could connect returning individuals with available social services and provide them with practical assistance, to legislative advocacy during planning of Governor Rod Blagojevich's proposed statewide program for accessible and affordable health care.
(CHICAGO—Feb 16) Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy John Walters visited Cook County Hospitals, one of seven organizations across the country that receive federal funds to carry out Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral & Treatment (SBIRT) programs.
"This program is part of a revolution in the way we handle substance abuse," Walters, told CBS 2 Chicago. SBIRT incorporates early intervention services in hospitals and other general medical and community settings to reach people who are dependent on alcohol or other drugs.
"The way it's handled is as a sickness, in a health care setting way, and not as a criminal offense."
TASC provides treatment placement services for patients leaving Cook County hospitals who have chosen to undergo treatment after SBIRT screening reveals an unhealthy pattern of alcohol or other drug use. TASC also provides case management to ensure patients begin treatment.
(CHICAGO) In a Cook County ballot referendum last November, Illinoisans voted in favor of state-funded treatment on demand by a margin of three to one.
And a standing-room-only crowd at a January 11 Town Hall Meeting demonstrates that support remains strong at the grassroots level as well.
Congressman Danny K. Davis convened the meeting with TASC and other state and local leaders to discuss the costs and consequences of substance abuse and addiction and what can be done to expand treatment options for all who need it. Approximately 200 community members attended.
In addition to Congressman Davis, speakers who took the podium at the Salvation Army 1515 W. Monroe St included TASC President Melody M. Heaps and Dr. Bradley Davis, who chairs Citizens Activated to Change Healthcare.
