Joyce reminds child care providers to apply for grants before Aug. 14 deadline

• Grant
• Child Care

PARK FOREST – As many parents return to the office after months of working from home, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging child care providers to take advantage of the $270 million Child Care Restoration Grant program.

“Parents need to know their children are in a safe and healthy environment as more workplaces reopen,” Joyce said. “Child care providers have been hit especially hard by the coronavirus pandemic, and eligible providers should take advantage of this grant so they can safely reopen their doors.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services is distributing $270 million in available funding to assist child care providers across the state with reopening in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Licensed child care providers that meet the eligibility criteria may apply for Child Care Restoration Grants.

To be eligible for the grant, child care providers must:

• Have a current license from the Department of Children and Family Services to care for children,
• Be open and caring for children at the time of application,
• Be able to demonstrate a “business interruption” from their pre-COVID capacity, and
• Submit a complete application with all required documents.

Applications are open until Aug. 14. To learn more and apply, child care providers should visit www.inccrra.org/.

Joyce collecting cards for residents of local long-term care facilities

• seniors

PARK FOREST – Since the COVID-19 crisis has left many older adults alone and separated from their loved ones, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is seeking handwritten messages and cards to send to local long-term care facilities.

“During this pandemic, many older adults have been forced into isolation from their loved ones,” Joyce said. “There are strict guidelines in place at our long term care facilities to keep older adults safe but in this case staying healthy can also bring on extreme loneliness. Taking the time to send them a quick note or card will help brighten their day and make sure they know that someone is thinking about them.”

Joyce is encouraging residents to write cards, which can be homemade or purchased, with a few words of support for older adults. Send cards to Joyce’s office, and staff will distribute them to local long-term care facilities.

“I hope residents will take five minutes today to help provide some comfort to these folks,” Joyce said. “It is important to make sure our seniors know that we are thinking and care about them.”

Cards can be sent to:

State Senator Patrick Joyce
270 Main St.
Park Forest, IL 60466

If residents have any concerns or questions, Joyce urges them to call his office at 708-756-0882 or visit his website SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

Joyce: Watch out for unemployment debit card scam

• Unemployment Fraud
• IDES

PARK FOREST – In an effort to combat pandemic-related scams, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is urging residents to look out for potential unemployment fraud.

Some Illinoisans have reported receiving a KeyBank debit card and an unemployment letter from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) despite never having applied for unemployment.

“If you get a notice of unemployment benefits in your name even though you haven’t filed, notify the authorities immediately,” Joyce said. “Your personal information could be at risk—if you believe you could be a victim of fraud, act now to spot and stop scammers.” 

IDES confirmed individuals who have not filed for benefits but received a debit card or unemployment letter could be the target of fraud. Anyone who has received a debit card without filing is encouraged to contact their local police department and report the incident with IDES. 

Joyce warns residents of coronavirus text scam

• COVID-19
• Text Scam
• Illinios State Police

PARK FOREST - Reports of a text scam involving COVID-19 have hit Illinois, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is urging residents to be cautious and protect themselves.

“Scammers are using the pandemic to swindle money and personal information from vulnerable people,” Joyce said. “With scams on the rise, it’s important to stay informed so you don’t fall victim.”

Illinois State Police issued a warning on their Instagram page Monday that included a screenshot of the most recent text scam circulating throughout the state. The message appears to be from a contact tracer and invites recipients to click on a link for more information.

“If you receive a text like this, don’t click on the link,” Joyce said. “State Police confirmed it is not a message from any official agency.”

However, Joyce stressed that it is important to answer contact tracers, who may reach out to you via text. If you are concerned that a text may be a scam, the safest thing to do is contact your local health department directly.

Residents who believe they are a victim or the target of a coronavirus scam should contact their local police department immediately.