State Representative Sharon Chung, who represents the 91st District, spent the morning at RAS touring our facility, answering questions from students, and discussing plans for the Care Collective.
During her first ever visit to RAS, Representative Chung was able to see the impact our program has on area youth who may struggle in the mainstream school setting. She learned about the various educational, vocational, and mental health supports our staff provide each and every day as she walked around with Mark Rudicil listening to the history and growth of our program.
Our middle school and high school students have been learning about different social and economic issues that are important to them and how they can use their voice to affect change. Representative Chung answered questions, facilitated by Mrs. Stoneking and Teacher Moore, ranging from taxes, to school funding, to the daily tasks she is involved with in making laws.
Representative Chung has been an integral part of planning and securing funding for the Care Collective, which will inhabit the former Pantagraph building. RAS is partnering with LifeLong Access, Chestnut, and MidWest Food Bank to offer comprehensive services and resources on the West Side. RAS Director, Bryan Kendall, shared some of the design elements of our future home to illustrate the impact Representative Chung’s work has on the future of RAS. Regional Superintendent Mark Jontry and Assistant Regional Superintendent Molly Allen were on hand to provide insight on additional educational settings available within the region for students who need more individualized support.
And, of course, she met with Dash!
Thank you, Representative Chung, for your time and productive dialogue today! We are lucky to have you in our corner!