Illinois courts help secure Foundation for Rural Services-Community Service Grants

The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) announced that two Illinois Probation Departments/County Court Services Departments were each awarded a $5,000 grant from the Foundation for Rural Services-Community Service Grants Program. The Foundation for Rural Services (FRS) is a nonprofit organization that works with the National Telephone Cooperative Association (NTCA) Rural Broadband Association to sustain and enhance the quality of life in rural America. Effingham County Probation Department’s ‘Discovery to Recovery Outpatient Substance Abuse Program’ will “provide new equipment to program participants, expand digital inclusion programming, and enhance probation and treatment compliance by expanding telehealth alternatives.” A smart board will be purchased for the Discovery to Recovery classroom. Woodford County Court Services will “bring broadband internet access to underserved probation clients and improve technology for probation officers who facilitate evidenced-based programs for their clients.” A computer lab for clients will be established in order for clients to access treatment, perform employment searches, and fulfill education or probation requirements. A smart board will be purchased for Woodford County Probation Officers to conduct evidenced-based programs for clients.