Loughran Cappel highlights pre-apprenticeship program, encourages organizations to apply

State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is encouraging organizations to apply for the fifth round of funding for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program provides training opportunities, expands the talent pipeline and boosts diversity in the construction industry and building trades.

“There are job opportunities out there for everyone, all requiring different skillsets,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “The pre-apprenticeship program is an amazing opportunity Illinois offers that people should take advantage of so we can continue to build an equipped workforce throughout the state.”

This round of $25 million in funding will increase the representation of underrepresented groups in the construction trades – including people of color, veterans and women. This round of Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program funding will fund up to 45 programs throughout the state including new grantees, serving nearly 2,000 residents.

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Loughran Cappel, Manley to host Back to School Fair

Families can get their kids ready to head back to the classroom by attending State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel and State Representative Natalie Manley’s Back to School Fair on July 26.

“It may be hard to believe, but the beginning of the school year is right around the corner,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “As a former teacher, I love hosting this event and seeing children get excited for the start of a new school year.”

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 26 at Joliet West High School, in the cafeteria, located at 401 N. Larkin Ave. in Joliet. Loughran Cappel and Manley will be joined by community partners who will provide resources and supplies for students to use when they return to the classroom. Students in attendance can receive free school supplies at the fair and learn about a number of services offered by organizations in the community.

“This is a one-stop shop for parents and students to prepare for the upcoming school year and discover what services and resources are available to them,” said Loughran Cappel.

For more information on the Back to School Fair, people can call Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.

Loughran Cappel to host free shred event in Plainfield

To provide residents with a secure option for shredding documents containing personal information, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting a free shred event next week.

“Shredding unneeded documents is a good practice, especially with cases of fraud and identity theft increasing,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This is a great opportunity to declutter your drawers at home while feeling confident about getting rid of old papers and statements in a safe way.”

Loughran Cappel’s shred event is in collaboration with State Representative Natalie Manley and will be held Wednesday, July 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event will be at the Plainfield Township office, located at 22525 W. Lockport St. in Plainfield.

Examples of documents with personally identifiable information that should be safely discarded include bank statements, outdated medical records, tax returns, utility bills, junk mail, credit card applications and receipts. Residents are encouraged to attend and bring no more than two boxes of documents. No electronics will be accepted.

People with questions can contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.

Loughran Cappel encourages participation in annual children’s Summer Book Club

State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is reminding parents there is still time for children to participate in her annual Summer Book Club before school begins next month.

“My Summer Book Club is a great way to keep students excited about learning, even during the summer months when school is out,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Children have a little over a month left of summer, so there’s still time to get some reading in and return a form to my office.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Loughran Cappel’s district office by Aug. 15. Forms can also be filled out online here.

Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a certificate and an invite to an ice cream social hosted by Senator Loughran Cappel. Parents and guardians with questions can reach out to Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.