Underwood Secures More Than $500,000 in Federal Funding for Child Care, Youth Homelessness, Suicide Prevention, University Research, and More in Northern Illinois

October 13, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON — This week, Representative Lauren Underwood announced a new round of federal funding she has secured for child care, youth services, university research, and crisis intervention in northern Illinois. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Underwood has made securing federal resources for our community a top priority. The following funds will support programs in the 14 th District with federal resources: Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois – $125,000 Lewis University in Romeoville has been awarded $125,000 in federal funding through the Center for Mental Health Services at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This grant will help stand up a network of supports to meet the growing mental health needs of Lewis University students. The program will provide screenings, assessments, referrals for services, training, education, and an awareness campaign. Project Safety Net will also help identify students who are at risk for suicidal behavior, increase protective factors that promote mental health, and reduce risk factors for suicide. Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley, Ottawa, Illinois – $235,524 Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley in Ottawa has been awarded $235,524 in federal funding through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This grant helps create and strengthen community-based programs that meet the immediate needs of runaway and homeless youth under 18 years old. The grant is through the Basic Center Program at ACF, which also works to reunite young people with their families or locate appropriate alternative placements. Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois – $34,064 Northern Illinois University has been awarded $34,064 in federal funding through the Office of Public Health and Science at the Department of Health and Human Services. This grant will fund a project researching the responsible conduct of research into AI, Open Science, and Partnerships. City of Aurora, Aurora, Illinois – $128,000 The City of Aurora has been awarded $128,000 in federal funding through Office of Justice Programs at the Department of Justice (DOJ). This grant will fund the City of Aurora’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training Program Initiative. The purpose of this project is to expand specialized training for public safety personnel to improve responses to individuals experiencing mental illness or behavioral health crises. The project will take place in Aurora, IL and will serve community members who interact with police, school resource officers, dispatchers, and detention personnel. The initiative will train and certify approximately 45 personnel through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board’s 40 hour CIT curriculum. ###