Renovated Sugar Creek Bridge Officially Opened with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Joliet, IL — August 26, 2024 — The Joliet Township Road District announced the official opening of the newly renovated Sugar Creek Bridge following a ribbon-cutting ceremony held earlier today. The event marked a significant milestone in the Road District’s commitment to taking on big projects that benefit the community. The project includes vast improvements in neighborhood drainage and walkways.  

 

The Sugar Creek Bridge, located at Sugar Creek Drive and Sugar Valley Lane, has long served as a critical link within the community. The renovation project, managed by Highway Commissioner Vincent Alessio, was completed after years of planning in coordination with Will County. This project highlights the benefits of using multiple sources of funding and expanding the way in which the Road District serves its residents.  

Highway Commissioner Vincent Alessio emphasized the project’s impact and the Road District’s dedication to road improvements noting, “The completion of the Sugar Creek Bridge is a part of a year that includes a nearly 2.3-million-dollar investment into Joliet Township Road District infrastructure this year, which is significantly more than our 1.8-million-dollar levy. This is done by utilizing Motor Fuel Tax dollars and Rebuild Illinois dollars.” 

The renovation of the Sugar Creek Bridge was executed with a focus on safety, accessibility, walkability, and drainage. 

  • Completely renovated bridge from footing to pavement 
  • Improved pedestrian walkways and safety features 
  • Enhanced drainage systems to prevent flooding 

This project underscores the Joliet Township Road District’s dedication to maintaining and improving the essential infrastructure that supports the community’s growth and well-being. 

With the successful completion of the Sugar Creek Bridge renovation, the Joliet Township Road District remains committed to maintaining and upgrading the township’s infrastructure. Future projects will continue to prioritize the safety and accessibility of roadways for all residents. 

Joliet Township Government partners with American Red Cross to host community blood drive

Joliet, IL — July 25, 2024  — Joliet Township Government will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Building Community Room, located on 172 S Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60433. As a token of appreciation for their contributions, donors will receive up to $40 in gift cards for their blood donations. 

For more information or to make an appointment to donate, call Call 1-800-RED CROSS or sign up online at redcrossblood.org with sponsor code joliettown. 

“Joliet Township Government is committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations,” said Keshia Ellis, Violence Prevention Director of Joliet Township Government. “This blood drive is our way of giving staff, colleagues and neighbors an opportunity to help save lives.” 

Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross. 

“We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs. There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life.” 

According to the Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. 

New Services and Accomplishments Highlighted in Joliet Township Government’s Summer Newsletter

JOLIET, IL – July 24, 2024 – The Joliet Township Government has issued its Summer Quarterly Newsletter, detailing recent developments and initiatives within the township. Key updates include: 

White House Invitation: The Joliet Township Government recently participated in a national network on violence prevention at the invitation of the White House. This invitation acknowledges the township’s commitment to enhancing community safety through effective violence prevention strategies. 

Forest Park Community Center Acquisition: The township is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Forest Park Community Center. This facility will serve as the operational base for the transportation and behavioral health teams, facilitating the delivery of critical services to the community. 

Transportation Services: The Transportation Department continues to provide essential services to senior and disabled residents, with ongoing collaborations with agencies in the Joliet area. The demand for these services remains high, highlighting their importance in ensuring residents have access to reliable transportation. Some of our agency partners include: 

  • Greater Joliet Area YMCA 
  • Holsten Human Capital Development 
  • Will-Grundy Medical Center 

Ongoing Resident Services: The township offers a range of services, including senior services, general assistance, a medical loan closet, and animal control. The staff is dedicated to delivering these services efficiently and effectively, supporting the community’s diverse needs. 

Supervisor Alicia Morales stated, “We remain focused on improving the quality of life for all residents of Joliet Township. The community’s continued support and involvement are crucial to our success, and we value the trust placed in us.” 

For more detailed information on these updates and other news, residents are encouraged to read the full Summer Quarterly Newsletter available on the official website: Joliet Township Summer Newsletter 2024. 

Alicia Morales Appointed as First Latina Supervisor of Joliet Township Government

Alicia Morales, Joliet Township Government Supervisor, holding flowers, standing between the American flag and the Joliet Township flag

Joliet, IL – July 16, 2024 – The Joliet Township Board of Trustees is proud to announce the appointment of Alicia Morales as the first Latina Supervisor of Joliet Township Government, effective July 16, 2024. Alicia Morales brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and dedication to her new role, marking a historic milestone in our community’s governance. 

Morales is a lifelong resident of Joliet and Will County, deeply rooted in our community’s fabric. She holds a degree from Joliet Junior College and an MBA from the University of St. Francis. Morales’s commitment to education and community service is evident through her career as a licensed bilingual teacher and her current role as Vice Chairwoman of the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees. 

In addition to her contributions in education, Alicia Morales is an accomplished entrepreneur, having founded her own Allstate Insurance agency in 2020, where she assists clients in protecting their investments. 

Alicia Morales had been serving as Joliet Township Government Clerk since 2021. During her tenure as Clerk of Joliet Township, Joliet Township Government has expanded through numerous initiatives that have significantly enhanced our community. Key accomplishments include: 

  • Expansion of programs and services 
  • Community Violence Intervention (CVI) initiatives 
  • CVI Council 
  • CVI Services: Victim Advocacy, Case Management & Outreach 
  • CVI Behavioral Health and wrap-around services 
  • Transportation Department that offers rides to senior residents, residents with disabilities, and for partner agency clients. 
  • VITA tax preparation helping low-income residents and senior residents with free income tax preparation services. 
  • Summer internship program since 2022 
  • Availability of free notary services more than doubled 
  • Ensured Senior Tax Levy funds distributed to diverse senior clubs  
  • Acquisition of Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center (formerly Peter Claver Center) in 2022 
  • Acquisition of Forest Park Community Center in 2024 

These were accomplished through additional funding awarded through state and federal grants over the last two years totaling $3,783,190, not through increasing taxes on local taxpayers. 

Morales said, “I am excited to continue the work that this administration has started. The foundation of all our programs has been established. I’m ready to see them through with our team to fruition in serving our Township residents.”  

With Alicia Morales transitioning to the role of Supervisor, the position of Joliet Township Clerk is now vacant. We invite all interested and qualified individuals to apply for this important role. Application details and forms can be found on our website https://www.joliettownship.net/public-info/board-vacancy/. The deadline for applications is Friday, August 2, 2024. 

Joliet Township Government joins national violence prevention network visit to White House

Joliet Township Government joins national violence prevention network visit to White House

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On May 22, 2024, Supervisor Angel Contreras and Peace Over Violence Director Keshia Ellis of Joliet Township Government joined other members of the National Offices of Violence Prevention Network (NOVPN) by participating in an event hosted by the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention focused on community violence intervention and collaborative work to build an ecosystem of Offices of Violence Prevention (OVPs) to keep our communities safe. 

OVPs, also known as offices of neighborhood safety and other names, are premised on the notion that community safety should not be the exclusive province of policing and the criminal justice system. Charged with addressing public safety through the lens of public health, OVPs typically focus on the application of community-based strategies to intervene in or prevent violence for those at highest risk of engaging in or being the victim of gun violence.  

Joliet Township Government’s Violence Prevention Program includes Peace Over Violence (POV), a comprehensive program focused on reducing incidents of gun violence through case management, street outreach, and victim advocacy. Operating out of the Joliet Township Ozzie and Peggy Mitchell Center (formerly Peter Claver), POV is located at 172 S. Chicago, Joliet, Illinois 60432. Joliet Township Government’s Violence Prevention program also offers trauma-informed behavioral health services to aid those suffering in our community. The third component of the Violence Prevention Program is the Racial Equity Impact Assessment League (REIAL). Comprising community leaders, the league meets monthly to discuss collaborative opportunities that positively impact the community, coordinate emergency community engagement efforts, and assess the implementation of violence prevention programs. 

Numerous local and state governments have recently established OVPs in response to nationwide surges in violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with this momentum, in September 2023, President Biden established the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention to reduce gun violence and implement and expand upon key executive and legislative action which has been taken to save lives. This White House gathering of NOVPN members from more than 40 jurisdictions represents an exciting next step in President Biden’s commitment to ending gun violence in our country. 

Joliet Township Government Supervisor Angel Contreras said, “I’m very proud of the work our violence prevention team on the ground is doing in the Joliet area. Their commitment and passion often go unnoticed, but their impact is profound, shaping our community for the better. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity extended to us by the White House to participate in the NOVPN initiative. This recognition underscores the significance of our work. We look forward to increased funding to elevate our efforts, ensuring the continued support of our community, its initiatives, and organizations, all viewed through the critical lens of public health investment.”  

Peace Over Violence Director Keshia Ellis said, “Visiting the White House in representation of gun violence prevention was nothing short of amazing. The Biden administration is doing an amazing job of tackling the issues that surround gun violence. I am excited about the new funding opportunities, and their abilities to further help impacted individuals.” 

“The NOVPN team is excited to have Network members from across the country join us at the White House in this first of its kind discussion in our nation’s history,” said NOVPN Director Shantay Jackson. “These leaders are at the forefront of their local jurisdictions, working tirelessly with their communities and partner agencies in the reduction of gun violence and, as we head into the summer months, this conversation is necessary, timely, and invaluable.” 

Joliet Township Government and City of Joliet Forge Historic Partnership for African American Context Study

Joliet, Illinois – February 29, 2024 – Joliet Township Government proudly announces the approval of an intergovernmental agreement between the Township government and the City of Joliet, marking a significant stride forward in the Joliet African American Context Study. This momentous decision was unanimously supported by the Joliet Township Government Board, comprised of Supervisor Angel Contreras and Trustees Tanya Arias, Cesar Escutia, Ray Slattery, and Antione Edwards, during their meeting on February 13, 2024. 

The City of Joliet has received a $21,000 grant for a historic context study focused on African American heritage. The grant will be administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) through an intergovernmental agreement between the Township government and City. 

Under the approved intergovernmental agreement, Joliet Township Government and the City of Joliet will each contribute an additional $20,000 to the project, complementing the grant funds. These funds will be exclusively dedicated to covering project expenses. 

The objectives of the project are comprehensive, aiming to accurately document Black history, confront past racial injustices through historical narratives, identify and preserve historically significant properties related to the Black community, dispel misinformation regarding the Black experience, and safeguard Black voices for future generations. 

A steering committee will be formed, with Joliet Township Government appointing a Township resident, to actively participate in the project’s decision-making processes. 

Additionally, the project will feature public education events, hosted at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, to disseminate findings derived from the context study.  

The grant agreement with IDNR is slated to expire upon the final project report and deliverables’ approval, or by January 31, 2026, unless otherwise extended. 

This collaborative endeavor underscores the commitment of both Joliet Township Government and the City of Joliet to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of African Americans in the region, paving the way for a more inclusive and enlightened community.  

Free Tax Preparation with Joliet Township Government’s VITA Program for Qualifying Individuals

Tax season is upon us, and Joliet Township Government is excited to offer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the third consecutive season, in partnership with the Will County Center for Community Concerns. Qualifying individuals can get their taxes prepared for free.  Understanding that tax preparation can be daunting, Joliet Township’s VITA program aims to make it easy and accessible for those in need. To qualify for this invaluable service, individuals must meet the following criteria: 
  • Income Limit: The program is available to individuals with a total income of less than $60,000. 
  • Residency: There are no residency restrictions. Individuals from any town, county, or region are welcome to participate. 
  • Seniors: The program is free for all seniors, regardless of income level. 
Here’s how individuals can take advantage of this opportunity in just four simple steps: 
  • Pick up Their Tax Packet: Individuals can visit the Joliet Township Government Office located at 175 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432, to collect their tax packet. 
  • Complete the Intake Form: They can fill out the intake form and submit it along with their tax documents in the provided packet. The completed packet should be returned to the designated location. 
  • Sit Back While Their Taxes Are Prepared: The team will meticulously review their documents and prepare their taxes. Once done, individuals will be contacted for a review. 
  • Review and Sign Electronically: Upon completion, individuals will review and sign their prepared returns, at which time they will be filed electronically. If eligible, they can expect their refund via direct deposit within 7-10 business days. 
For assistance or inquiries, individuals can contact Patricia Venziano at 815-726-4781 ext. 301 for English assistance and Alejandra Zamudio at 815-726-4781 ext. 304 for Spanish assistance. Interested individuals may also walk into the Joliet Township Government Office at 175 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432, or visit Joliet Township’s website to learn more.    

LIHEAP

       

LIHEAP: Providing Financial Assistance for Utilities.

The Joliet Township Government Office will be partnering with Will County Center for Community Concerns to offer LIHEAP Assistance for clients at our location 175 W. Jefferson St. Joliet, Il 60432. The LIHEAP program helps pay the high cost of utilities (Water, Gas, Electricity).

The event will take place on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.

Anyone who is interested in applying for assistance will be required to submit the following documents.

  • Photo Identification
  • Proof of Gross Income for all households’ members for the past 30 days
  • Copy of current utility bill
  • Copy of SS Cards/ ITINS for all households ‘members in the home

Attached to this email is the flyer for the event. Please encourage anyone who may need assistance to attend.  We encourage to share details to other members who attend your designated programs. If anyone has any additional questions, I can be contacted at (815)726-4781 ext. 304.

Outreach at Healthy Neighbors Resource Fair

Not even the rain could stop us

Our General Assistance Caseworker Soledad Ruiz and Sue Bustin participated in the Healthy Neighbors Resource Fair this past Saturday June 25th. The organization Warehouse Workers for Justice orgaized the event for the local community to learn about available services and enjoy some food and refreshments. We are thankful for the local organizations that continuously uplift our residents. 

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Proclamation: World Day of Social Justice 2026

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Proclamation: Black History Month 2026

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At the February 10, 2026 Board Meeting, the Joliet Township Government Board unanimously passed a proclamation recognizing this February as…
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Celebrating 20 years of Service

Congratulations to Sue Bustin in 20 year anniversary

Medical Caseworker Suzanne Bustin celebrated 20 years of service at Joliet Township on June 17th. We are very grateful of the contributions Sue has made to the Township in order to better serve our residents. Sue has been managing our Medical Loan Closet and has been able to assist hundreds of individuals through this program. We look forward to many more years of great achievements. 

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
Proclamation: World Day of Social Justice 2026

Proclamation: World Day of Social...

At the February 10, 2026 Board Meeting, the Joliet Township Government Board unanimously passed a proclamation recognizing this February 20…
Read More
Monthly Food Pantry Pop-Up: March 2026

Monthly Food Pantry Pop-Up: March...

Joliet Township Government is partnering with Holsten Human Capital Development to help families stretch their food budgets with a free…
Read More
Proclamation: Black History Month 2026

Proclamation: Black History Month 2026

At the February 10, 2026 Board Meeting, the Joliet Township Government Board unanimously passed a proclamation recognizing this February as…
Read More