CHICAGO

“As a woman legislator one of my top priorities are women’s issues, specifically topics regarding women’s health. I’ve hosted this event for six years now and helped hundreds of local residents, connecting them to local clinics and hospitals and ultimately helping them find good healthcare” stated Rep. Berrios. “The purpose of this fair is and will continue to be to address a woman’s physical, mental, and emotional health” stated Rep. Berrios.

The Women’s Wellness and Resource Fair will provide information and resources on a variety of social programs and services available to women. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive free blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screenings along with information on accessing state, county and city health programs. Participants will learn health information from over sixty organizations and have the opportunity to win gift certificates and gift cards to local stores and restaurants.

This year the Women’s Health fair will host a Pin-a-Sister/Examinate Comadre ceremony. This ceremony is done in conjunction with Access Community Health Network to promote, educate and improve Breast Cancer Awareness. Attendees will hear a survivors’ true life story of her fight with Breast Cancer and will then be asked to pin another attendee to signify their commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness. Also for the first time ever, the 2012 winner of Miss Chicago, Marisa Buchheit will be joining the push for women’s health awareness at the Women’s Wellness and Resource Fair.

“I feel it is my responsibility to help residents access affordable health care services, not only through state wide legislation, but also by providing services directly to  my community”, added Rep. Berrios

For more information, please call Berrios’ constituent service office at (773) 736-3939.

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CHICAGO – State Representative Maria A. “Toni” Berrios (D-Chicago) is hosting a Self-Defense Workshop with IMPACT Chicago on Friday, April 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m at Kelvyn Park High School to provide women and girls with tools to protect themselves in the face of violence.

“Studies have shown that women can sometimes scare off attackers when they have access to information on how to defend themselves if involved in a violent situation,” said Berrios. “Often, women feel that because of their build they may be unable to defend themselves properly against someone larger. But workshops such as this one show women that size is not the only factor and they are a powerful force in protecting themselves.”

In her efforts to advocate for women, Rep. Berrios says she looks for opportunities to provide resources for women. Unfortunately, too many women will experience an attack in their lives. This reality strengthens the need for workshops and programs which inform women on how to react in dangerous situations. IMPACTChicagobelieves that women and girls should feel confident to stand up for themselves and having tips on how to react to an immediate threat is a great way for women to gain that confidence. Women who complete an IMPACT-type program often report an increase in self-confidence and awareness as well as gaining a wide range of verbal and physical self-defense skills applicable to many real-life situations.

“I applaud IMPACT Chicago for their continuing efforts to bring the benefits of self-defense skills to women and awareness of violence prevention to the whole community,” said Berrios.

For more information on the Self-Defense Workshop, please contact Rep. Berrios’ constituent service office at (773) 736-3939 or visit her office located at2847 N. Pulaski Rd. in Chicago.

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 ”I am honored to have the support of President Preckwinkle and Mayor Emanuel. They are leaders whose visions for a better county and city are transforming the lives of working families,” said Berrios. “Together, we will continue to make a difference creating employment and economic development, as well as keeping jobs in Illinois.”

Berrios endorsements for the March 20 Primary also include: U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez; State Senators William Delgado, Iris Martinez, Antontio Muñoz; State Representatives Luis Arroyo, Cynthia Soto; Cook County Commissioner Edwin Reyes; Aldermen Rey Colon, Timothy Cullerton, Roberto Maldonado, Ameya Pawar, Ariel Reboyras, Ray Suarez; Committeeman Patricia J. Cullerton; Committeeman candidate Nancy Schiavone and former Alderman Patrick Levar.

Also: Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, EMILY’s List, Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge #7, Illinois AFL-CIO, AFSCME Council 31, Brady PAC Illinois, Equality Illinois, Illinois CPA’s for Political Action, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA), Personal PAC, SEIU, the Sierra Club and Unite HERE.

In addition, Berrios is supported by the Illinois Bankers Association ILLINOIS BANKPAC and the Illinois State Medical Society Political Action Committee.

Currently serving her fifth term in the Illinois General Assembly, Berrios serves on six committees. She is the Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee and a member of the Executive Committee. She is also a member of the Insurance Committee, Mass Transit and International Trade and Commerce Committee as well as the Tourism and Conventions Committee.

Berrios is Co-Chair of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and the first Puerto Rican woman to serve in the Illinois House of Representatives. Her Northwest Side Chicago district includes parts of the Avondale, Belmont Cragin, Hermosa, Irving Park, Portage Park and Logan Square neighborhoods.

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“I have fought for women’s rights at podiums and in Springfield since first being elected,” said Berrios. “I am honored to have the support of Planned Parenthood and Personal Pac because they have truly made a difference. I look forward to a continued partnership in the battle against those who would seek to challenge women’s rights.”

PPIA is a non-partisan organization formed as the political arm of Planned Parenthood in Illinois. Planned Parenthood believes in access to family planning and reproductive health care services. It believes that every woman — regardless of income, age or marital status — has the fundamental right to decide when and whether to have a child.

Personal PAC, a non-partisan statewide political action committee, is dedicated to supporting candidates for state, county and local office who believe that decisions about birth control and abortion are profoundly private and personal matters. It believes these decisions must be made by women, in consultation with their physicians, in accordance with their own religious and personal beliefs without government interference.

Berrios endorsements also include Illinois AFL-CIO, AFSCME Council 31, Equality Illinois and Illinois CPA’s for Political Action.

Currently serving her fifth term in the Illinois General Assembly, Berrios serves on six committees. She is the Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee and a member of the Executive Committee. She is also a member of the Insurance Committee, Mass Transit and International Trade and Commerce Committee as well as the Tourism and Conventions Committee.

Berrios is Co-Chair of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and the first Puerto Rican woman to serve in the Illinois House of Representatives. Her Northwest Side Chicago district includes parts of the Avondale, Belmont Cragin, Dunning, Hermosa, Irving Park, Portage Park and Logan Square neighborhoods.

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“We want to thank all these decision-makers for supporting this unique program that helps strengthen students, teachers, parents and community,” said Leticia Barrera, Education Organizer for the Logan Square Neighborhood Association.  “Large groups of parent mentors visited these key decision-makers to explain how much parents and students would lose if program funding was not restored.  And they all responded to keep the program going.  Thank you!”

This nationally recognized 16-year-old program of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA) places school parents (mostly immigrant Latina mothers) in classrooms to work with struggling students.  Schools who partner with LSNA have benefitted in raised test scores, warmer school climates, and happy students and families. It has been a key to involving parents in the school and the after-school Community Learning Centers run by LSNA.  It is one of those rare win-win programs that helps everyone involved.

“Parent Mentor is a model immigrant integration program for women,” said LSNA Executive Director Nancy Aardema.  “We are glad so many people are now recognizing its importance.”

This unique program is now the subject of a new book A Cord of Tree Strands: A New Approach to Parent Engagement in Schools, published by. Harvard Education Press.  LSNA and the Southwest Organizing Project have created the Parent Engagement Institute to develop programs outside their neighborhoods, and are now starting Parent Mentor programs in 13 additional CPS schools, with the goal of making it a state-wide program.

For more information contact Leticia Barrera, 773-384-4370 ext. 36 or lbarrera@lsna.net.

“I am proud to have the support of these major labor organizations because, like me, they stand up and fight for working class families and individuals,” said Berrios. “There is a lot more to do, particularly as workers’ rights are being attacked. But together we will continue the battle and make advancements.”

Illinois AFL-CIO represents 1,500 local unions and nearly 1 million union women and men in the state. Over the last 15 years AFSCME Council 31 has grown to 75,000 members and expanded its presence in the political and legislative arena.

Berrios endorsements also include Equality Illinois, the state’s oldest and largest LGBT advocacy organization.

Currently serving her fifth term in the Illinois General Assembly, Berrios serves on six committees. She is the Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee and a member of the Executive Committee. She is also a member of the Insurance Committee, Mass Transit and International Trade and Commerce Committee as well as the Tourism and Conventions Committee.

Berrios is Co-Chair of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and the first Puerto Rican woman to serve in the Illinois House of Representatives. Her Northwest Side Chicago district includes parts of the Avondale, Belmont Cragin, Dunning, Hermosa, Irving Park, Portage Park and Logan Square neighborhoods.

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Berrios was endorsed for reelection because she has been a long time advocate for LGBT issues and a voice against discrimination in Illinois.

“I have known Rep. Berrios for a number of years, and her unwavering support for LGBT issues has proven that she really believes in full LGBT equality,” said Randy Hannig, Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy. “Rep. Berrios was one of our earliest supporters in the fight for civil unions and against discrimination inIllinois. We fully endorse her and look forward to working with her in her next term as state representative.”

Equality Illinois was founded in 1991 to secure, protect and defend full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Equality Illinois,” said Berrios. “They have made great strides in the fight against discrimination, but there is much more to do and I will continue my efforts in supporting them.”

Currently serving her fifth term in the Illinois General Assembly, Berrios serves on six committees. She is the Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee and a member of the Executive Committee. She is also a member of the Insurance Committee, Mass Transit and International Trade and Commerce Committee as well as the Tourism and Conventions Committee.

Berrios is also Co-Chair of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and the first Puerto Rican woman to serve in the Illinois House of Representatives. Her Northwest Side Chicago district includes parts of the Avondale, Belmont Cragin, Dunning, Hermosa, Irving Park, Portage Park and Logan Square neighborhoods.

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Chicago, IL – State Representative Maria Antonia “Toni” Berrios (D-Chicago) and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) will host a Phone Bill Savings Clinic on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at Kosciuszko Park, located at 2732 N. Avers Ave., in Chicago.

“This phone bill clinic will give local residents an opportunity to speak with experts from the Citizens Utility Board on how to save money on their phone bills and learn about energy savings tips,” Berrios said. “At a time when everyone is trying to make ends meet, this event will help working families find new ways to save money.”

• What: Phone Bill Savings Clinic
• Who: State Representative Maria A. “Toni” Berrios and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB)
• When: Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.
• Where: Kosciuszko Park 2732 N. Avers Ave.

For more information, please contact Rep. Berrios’ constituent services office at (773) 736-3939, email at repberrios39@gmail.com or visit her office at 2847 N. Pulaski Ave. in Chicago.

CHICAGO, IL – State Rep. Maria Antonia “Toni” Berrios (D-Chicago) will host her annual Holiday Food Drive in conjunction with Music Plant Group to assist local food pantries on Saturday, December 3 from 7:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. at Angels & Kings located at 230 N. Michigan Ave., in Chicago. This event is open to the public and the price of admission is one bag of non-perishable items for the needy.

“As all food pantries in my district are reporting at least a 45% increase in people asking for assistance this holiday season, it is crucial that we as a community help ensure these social services continue to have the resources to help families in need,” Berrios said. “No family should be without food on the table, especially during the holiday season.”

The Holiday Food Drive benefits a shelter for battered women and children along with other local food pantries within the 39^th legislative district. In partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Berrios also keeps bins in her office to collect food for families year round.  Statistics from the USDA suggest nearly a half-million children in the state are in households facing food insecurity.

“The loss of jobs is one of the main factors why so many more families in Illinois need assistance and are struggling to make ends meet,” Berrios added. “I am committed to continue hosting food drives and other outreach activities with local organizations to help families in our community and I encourage those who can spare just a little extra to help by donating a bag of non-perishable food items for those most in need.”

For more information, please contact Berrios constituent service office at (773) 736-3939.

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