In recent days, approximately 35 asylum-seeking families, largely from Venezuela, arrived in Skokie and are temporarily staying at a location in the community. These families, which include many children, arrived in Skokie as part of a cooperative program with the State of Illinois, Cook County, Illinois State Board of Education and other partners. The refugees received health screening services upon entering the United States. Skokie officials have been in close contact with partner agencies that are coordinating resettlement and humanitarian services for the families. While no Village resources have been requested, Village staff are at the ready to assist the families as needed.
Approximately 40 children of all ages will be attending school in Skokie during the resettlement process, and the school districts are working with the Village, Niles Township English Language Learners Parent Center and the Regional Office of Education to meet the needs of the children as they enter the school environment.
Any updates to this information or requests for assistance from the greater community will be posted on this page and featured in future editions of SkokieNews.