NAMI Schedules New 2015 Programs

DAVENPORT, Iowa (November 13, 2014) - The National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Mississippi Valley affiliate (NAMI) has received four grants to support an expanded program schedule for Rock Island County.

NAMI has received grants from the following Rock Island County-based foundations: The Doris and Victor Day Foundation - $5,000; Rauch Family Foundation I - $2,000; Rock Island Community Foundation - $2,500; and The Moline Foundation - $1,000. These grant dollars will be used for program coordination and outreach for referrals to new classes.

NAMI continues its Family-to-Family education programs with a spring class scheduled March 3 to May 18, 2015, at Black Hawk College, Moline. For a complete list of 2015 programs and for registration information, please visit www.namigmv.org.

NAMI provides free education and support programs to individuals and families living with mental illness. It serves residents within in Muscatine, Clinton, Scott Counties in Iowa and Mercer, Henry, Rock Island Counties in Illinois. NAMI programs are nationally-developed and designed to educate persons about the biology of mental illness, latest research, treatment options, as well as coping and communication skills important for supporting their loved one's recovery.

About NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley

One in10 children and one in four adults experience a mental health disorder in any given year. Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by the age of 14. NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This grassroots organization complements the work of mental health professionals by providing support, education and advocacy to individuals and families living with mental illness. NAMI works cooperatively through the Quad Cities Community Mental Health Initiative, serving residents in Muscatine, Clinton, Scott Counties in Iowa and Mercer, Henry, Rock Island Counties in Illinois.  Additional information is available at 563-322-8870 or www.namigmv.org.

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November 12, 2014 - An Illinois community college graduate can expect a total lifetime earnings gain of over $570,000.

SPRINGFIELD - A new study released today by the Illinois Community College Board finds that an Illinois community college education increases earnings for workers, even during a recession.

For Illinois community college graduates, the return on investment equates to a total lifetime earnings gain of over $570,000 and an average annual rate of return of 14.2%.  In fact, taking courses at an Illinois community college increases a student's earnings 25.3% over pre-enrollment wages.

"Graduating from an Illinois community college pays off," said Dr. Karen Hunter Anderson, executive director of the Illinois Community College Board.   "With a rate of return of over 14%, investing in an Illinois community college education provides a far greater financial return than home ownership or even the stock market."

Illinois community colleges add skills to our workforce and boost business competitiveness.  Nearly 9 out of 10 Illinois community college graduates remain in Illinois after completing college and contribute to the state's economy.

"The state's investment in community colleges stays right here in Illinois," said ICCB Chairman Alexi Giannoulias.  "Illinois community college graduates generate billions of dollars in state and federal tax revenues and provide a skilled workforce for the jobs of the 21^st century."

As major employers and business entities, Illinois community colleges generate substantial economic benefits for communities through local expenditures and employment.  According to the report, in fiscal year 2012, Illinois community colleges generated a total economic output of $3.1 billion and almost 51,000 jobs.

"Community colleges are the lifeblood of many local communities in Illinois," said Dr. Anderson.  "Investing in Illinois community colleges is not only good for students, but also good for local communities that benefit from significant economic growth and job creation."

"Overall, this study clearly demonstrates that, for a small investment, Illinois community colleges are unmatched in their long term payoff to Illinois' students, employers, and local communities," said Giannoulias.

The economic impact study was conducted by Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies.  The study is unique from many other state and national higher education economic impact analyses because student-level data was matched with employee-level wage data to determine student economic impacts through their employment and earnings gains.

The Illinois Community College Board is the state coordinating board for community colleges. Illinois is home to 48 community colleges in 39 districts and has the third largest community college system in the nation serving nearly 1 million residents each year in credit and non-credit courses.

For more information, including a copy of the full report, visit http://www.iccb.org/eis.html.

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Sauk and Meskwaki Tribes

Beth Carvey, of the Black Hawk State Park Museum, will present a talk on the Sauk and Meskwaki tribes, both indigenous to the Quad Cities area, on Tuesday, November 18th at 1:30 pm at the Rock Island Public Library. November is Native American Heritage month. www.rockislandlibrary.org

Inaugural Winemakers Dinner