While many people are familiar with the United States Census every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution, over 100 different surveys are conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau each year. SBB Research Group summarizes vital information from Census.gov about these lesser-known—but significant—surveys in this educational series. The Census of Jails is conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and surveys over 3,000 local jails and 12 Federal Bureau of Prisons that function as jails. Temporary holding facilities and local jails in Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Vermont are excluded from the census. The survey began in 1978 and publishes reports on various topics, including correctional populations, jail inmates, and the impact of COVID on the local jail population. The most recent report is the Census of Jails, 2005-2019 Statistical Tables, which outline national, state, and local trends. The five states with the lowest incarceration rates (inmates per 100,000 state residents) were New Hampshire (103), New York (105), New Jersey (107), Maine (120), and Minnesota (121), all of which saw a decrease from 2005 to 2019. The five states with the highest rates were Louisiana (700), Kentucky (586), Mississippi (482), Tennessee (457), and Georgia (422). Whereas Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky have increased incarceration rates since 2005. A significant majority (65.5%) of the confined inmates in jails across the U.S. await trial or other legal proceedings or are otherwise unconvicted. Note: Excludes data from the Federal Bureau of Prisons detention facilities and the jail and prison systems in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics, Census of Jails, 2005 and 2019 Statistical Tables. In a more comprehensive report, the Census of Jails and several other sources published Correctional Populations in the United States, 2020, the authors outline several trends across the entire correctional system (i.e., probation, parole, prison, and jail). Since 2010, there has been a steady decrease in adult individuals supervised by the correctional system — 7,089,000 in 2010 compared with 6,343,300 in 2019. Most adults (70%) under correctional supervision were paroled or on probation, and 30% were incarcerated in local jails and federal prisons. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall correctional population significantly decreased, driven by a drop in probation (-42%), prison (-33%), and local jail (-28%) populations, whereas the parole population had a slight increase of 1.7%. As a result, at the end of 2020, for the first time since 1996, the total number of adults in the correctional system dropped below 5.6 million (from 6,152,800 at the beginning of 2020 to 5,500,600 at the end of 2020). How are These Data Used? The data collected by the Bureau of Justice Statistics are used by federal, state, and local governments to examine the efficiency of the correctional system. For example, within Illinois, North Carolina, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Missouri, more than 80% of each state’s inmates in jails were unconvicted. Understanding these data contributes to the development of new policies that address inefficiencies in the judicial system and predict personnel and infrastructure needs for the correctional system. Source: https://bjs.ojp.gov/data-collection/census-jails-coj

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Alissa Morgan a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Alissa Morgan, a junior, studies Computer Science with a concentration in Network and Security at Colorado State University. While at Colorado State, Morgan founded and served as the team captain for Girl Power, the first all-female robotics team to win a Botball Championship. She also co-founded the Noble Community STEM Mentorship Program, which has grown to teach over 250 elementary students and train 15 mentors. "We are so proud to award this scholarship to students like Alissa, who embodies not only a passion for STEM but dedication to extending STEM education to others," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on PR Web

The SBB Research Group Foundation invited four prior grant recipients to share updates on their critical efforts to support the local community. The Foundation awarded additional grants to further each of their missions (organizations listed alphabetically): Aspiritech (Highland Park, IL) specializes in software quality assurance testing that empowers individuals on the autism spectrum to meet their full potential through meaningful employment. The initial grant was invested in the organization's ACE FUND, through which employees can independently apply for financial assistance. Automotive Mentoring Group (Bedford Park, IL) teaches the art of classic car and motorcycle restoration to young men and women in the Chicago area, helping them escape the cycle of gang violence. The organization used the initial grant for psychological counseling to help mentees work through traumatic life events. Bounce Children's Foundation (Deerfield, IL) transforms the lives of chronically ill children and their families with a supportive community and fun programming that provides a break from doctor visits and painful therapies. The initial grant was used for Bounce Bash family events and Bounce Back Kit care package programs. Henry Williams Love Foundation (Hazel Crest, IL) supports and advocates for underserved children and families through various services, programs, and projects. The organization used the initial grant to add therapy to its repertoire of offerings, launch its Southland Propellor program and fund its Connected Through Hoops and Black Business Incubation programs. "These four grant recipients continue to impress us with the positive impact they have on the community," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. "We are excited to continue working with them." The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations each month. This story can be found on Benzinga

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Tiffany Chen a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Tiffany Chen, a senior, studies Human Biology and Society at University of California Los Angeles. She holds a patent for a glove anchored by miniaturized gyroscopes to stabilize tremors for movement disorder patients. Chen is also the founder of HAND (High-tech and Neurological Disorders) at UCLA, an organization that seeks to increase awareness and education of neurological diseases. “Tiffany’s accomplishments are incredible and we can’t wait to see what she does next," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. About the SBB Research Group Foundation The SBB Research Group Foundation was established to further the philanthropic mission of SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG), a Chicago-based investment management firm. The Foundation sponsors the SBBRG STEM Scholarship, which supports students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In addition to its scholarship program, the Foundation provides grants to support ambitious organizations solving unmet needs with thoughtful, long-term strategies. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on PR Web

Antioch Traveling Closet received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. Headquartered in Antioch, Illinois, Antioch Traveling Closet (ATC) collects donated items—which include food, clothing, toiletries, feminine products, cleaning items, and school supplies—from members of the local community and distributes these items, for free, to vulnerable populations at giveaway drives held three times per year. In addition to providing necessary items, ATC events also provide free haircuts for those in need. “Our mission is that we believe no one should be deprived of life’s basic necessities,” explained ATC’s founder Lisa Fischer. Overall, ATC helps over 2,000 individuals annually through giveaway drives and other programs. “Through donations from individuals, schools, and businesses, the ATC is a major liaison facilitating the distribution of critical donated items,” Fischer added. “The hardships caused by the pandemic have been profound, but we are well aware that, for many families, challenges did not begin, nor will they end with the pandemic,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. “Seeing the direct impact that Antioch Traveling Closet has made on so many individuals and families is truly inspiring, and we are honored to contribute to their cause.” What started in 2014 as a collection of donated goods in Lisa Fischer’s garage has become an impactful movement helping individuals of all walks of life. Individuals travel from Lake, McHenry, Cook, and Kenosha Counties to attend ATC’s giveaway drives, held at the Antioch Senior Center in Antioch, Illinois. The organization will use this grant to provide toiletries, cleaning supplies, and school supplies to ATC’s Back to School Event in August. Fischer continued, “It takes a village, and I am so glad Antioch is my village.” For more information about Antioch Traveling Closet, visit antiochtravelingcloset.org. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations each month. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire.

Haven Youth & Family Services has received a $5,000 grant from SBB Research Group (SBBRG), which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. Haven supports the mental health and well-being of adolescents in the local community. The organization partners with local schools to provide counseling and assessments, and offers 24-hour crisis intervention, emergency housing assistance, and outreach programs. Since 1978, Haven has provided a safe place for adolescents struggling with mental health issues. Last year, the organization presented its outreach and educational program to more than 1,700 students and supported 230 individual, family, and group counseling clients through Haven's clinical programs. Donations to Haven make it possible for their team of clinicians to provide services at a reduced rate. “This grant will enable us to expand our treatment and outreach program and educate students about mental health while providing much-needed support to school staff,” said Charley Smith, Haven’s Executive Director. “Additionally, the grant will allow us to accommodate every family's financial situation and engage with many adolescents during their school day at no charge.” “The grant will allow us to accommodate every family's financial situation and engage with many adolescents during their school day at no charge.” “The breadth of Haven’s programs reflects their holistic approach to mental health,” said Matt Aven, SBBRG's COO. “We are grateful for everything they do for our community.” For more information about Haven Youth & Family Services, visit havenforyouth.org. To date, SBBRG’s grant program has supported dozens of organizations providing critical support to our community. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. This story can be found on BusinessWire.

Lemons of Love, a nonprofit based in the Chicago suburbs, has received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. “We deliver care packages to hospitals and cancer centers, offer personalized packages for loved ones, and provide programs and support” Since 2014, Lemons of Love has supported people with cancer in all 50 states by sharing over 23,000 personalized care packages and providing over 400 free wellness programs. “We deliver care packages to hospitals and cancer centers, offer personalized packages for loved ones, and provide programs and support,” said Jill Swanson, Founder of Lemons of Love. Her organization believes that “creating a community of love and support makes a positive impact.” Donations to Lemons of Love provide care packages for those impacted by cancer, pandemic relief packages for hospital workers, and care packages for homeless families and children at risk. “Most of our packages and programs are funded through philanthropic support. SBBRG's support helps make these programs possible,” continues Swanson. “Each of us has our own connection to cancer, so supporting Lemons of Love feels very personal,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the Foundation. “These thoughtful care packages play a unique role in the support system for people being treated for cancer.” For more information about Lemons of Love, visit lemonsoflove.org. To apply for a grant from SBBRG, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are encouraged to visit sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. This story can be found on BusinessWire.

SBB Research Group recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the October 2021 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic (in alphabetical order): The Bloc (Chicago) provides mentoring and tutoring programs through the sport of boxing to engage with underserved youth in the community. Brushwood Center (Riverwoods) is an arts and cultural center that offers programs to promote well-being, foster creativity, and stimulate learning for youth, families, military veterans, and senior citizens. Mothers Trust Foundation (Lake Forest) supports local children in crisis by providing funding for critical necessities through a network of social workers, school counselors, and other social services providers. These finalists will give brief presentations via videoconference to the investment firm's staff, who will ask questions to learn more about each of these important causes. The employees will then vote to allocate the company's awards. Each finalist will receive at least a $1,000 donation. Last month, Haven Youth and Family Services received a $5,000 grant to support adolescents' mental health and well-being in the local community. In addition, the funds will enable the organization to expand its programs and accommodate each family's financial situation. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. This story can be found on BusinessWire.

The Bloc has received a $5,000 grant from SBB Research Group LLC, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations during the pandemic. The Bloc combines the sport of boxing with academic support and mentorship. “The goal is to create a sanctuary for youth to know that they belong, that they’re accepted, and pushed to be the best version of themselves,” said Jamyle Cannon, The Bloc’s Executive Director. Each year, The Bloc supports 120 members with a 90% reenrollment rate. Since 2016, all of their alumni have graduated from high school and were accepted into college. Donations to The Bloc enable the program to expand its programs to other schools and communities. “This grant will help impact the after-school landscape of Chicago by providing high-quality mentoring and tutoring services to the youth who will benefit the most,” continues Cannon. “The Bloc is so much more than a boxing club,” said Matt Aven, SBBRG’s COO. “It is transforming lives with innovative and multifaceted programs.” For more information about The Bloc, visit theblocchicago.org. To apply for a grant from SBBRG, please visit sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is encouraged to apply, and donations are awarded to different organizations each month. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire.

While many people are familiar with the United States Census every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution, over 100 different surveys are conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau each year. SBB Research Group summarizes vital information from Census.gov about these lesser-known—but significant—surveys in this educational series. What are the Community Resilience Estimates? The Census Bureau created the Community Resilience Estimates (CRE) in the summer of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The CRE estimates the extent to which counties are at risk of disease and disaster by combining data from existing datasets across the United States (i.e., American Community Survey microdata and Population Estimates Program). Each household falls into one of three groups: low risk (0 risk factors), medium risk (1-2 risk factors), and high risk (3 or more risk factors). The Census Bureau defines risk factors that decrease resilience within a household as: an income-to-poverty ratio of less than 130% one or fewer individuals between 18-64 years old living in the house greater than 0.75 persons per room of the home a communication barrier (i.e., no one completed high school and/or no one speaks English fluently) residents 65 years or older no one under 65 years of age is employed a disability no health insurance no access to a vehicle no internet access The Census Bureau created a data visualization application to explore the percentages and counts of at-risk groups by county within states. These data can also be used to compare between states. For example, comparing two states prone to natural disasters, such as Florida and California, provides valuable information. In Florida, 30% of the households have 3 or more risk factors, 47% have 1-2 risk factors, and 22% have 0 risk factors. In Sumter and Glades counties, the plurality of households (>45%) have more than 3 risk factors making these the most vulnerable counties in Florida. Whereas in California, 27% of the households have 3 or more risk factors, 58% have 1-2 risk factors, and 15% have 0 risk factors. Even though the proportion of households with increased risk factors was greater in California compared to Florida, all the California counties were more resilient. How are these Data Used? Disasters and disease outbreaks happen and will continue to happen anywhere; therefore, measuring the resilience of areas is essential for reducing the devastation caused by these events. Federal and local government agencies, disaster relief foundations, and businesses use this dataset to identify areas most vulnerable to disaster. For example, the Census Bureau helps the Federal Emergency Management Agency by estimating vulnerable communities before hurricanes, flooding, tornados, etc. cause destruction. Because these data come from multiple sources, the Bureau estimates the impact of inequity on a community’s resilience, which helps explain why disasters have a more significant negative impact on minority communities. These data also provide essential information for health agencies to prepare for outbreaks and pandemics like COVID-19. These estimates are relatively new and therefore, primarily used for emergency preparedness. However, as the methods and data collection improve, these estimates could drive economic and legislative change to increase community resilience. Source: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/community-resilience-estimates.html