Author: Isabel Gloria

A REIAL ERA Event Highlights Community Violence Intervention Efforts and Grant Renewal

A REIAL ERA was more than just a gathering. We are a Firearm Response Team for Joliet and Greater Joliet, and A REIAL ERA was a powerful moment of connection, reflection, and momentum for Community Violence Intervention in Joliet and across Illinois. Together, we shared insights, celebrated our impact, and strengthened our resolve to build safer, stronger communities.

We are excited to announce that our grant has been renewed, ensuring that this vital work continues. This means more resources, more collaboration, and continued leadership from our Community Convener, LeShae Hudson, who will keep driving this mission forward with the community. This renewal is not just funding—it’s a commitment to real change and a safer future for all.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to support this movement. The work is far from over, and with this renewed support, we are ready to make an even greater impact.

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UNA ERA REIAL fue más que una reunión. Somos un equipo que responde a la violencia con armas en Joliet y sus alrededores. UNA ERA REIAL fue un momento especial para unirnos, pensar en nuestro trabajo y seguir adelante con la Intervención en la Violencia Comunitaria en Joliet y en todo Illinois. Juntos, compartimos ideas, celebramos nuestros logros y reforzamos nuestro compromiso de hacer nuestras comunidades más seguras y fuertes.

Estamos felices de anunciar que nuestra subvención ha sido renovada. Esto nos permite seguir con este trabajo importante. Tendremos más recursos, más apoyo y la guía de nuestra Coordinadora Comunitaria, LeShae Hudson, quien seguirá liderando esta misión con la comunidad. Esta subvención no es solo dinero, es un compromiso para hacer un cambio real y lograr un futuro más seguro para todos.

Gracias a todos los que participaron y siguen apoyando este esfuerzo. Aún hay mucho por hacer, y con este apoyo renovado, estamos listos para seguir haciendo una gran diferencia.

Spring Into Adoption: Reduced Fees All April & Special Saturday Hours at JTAC

Joliet Township Animal Control (JTAC) is making it easier for residents to welcome a new pet this spring. Throughout April, adoption fees are reduced to $40 for dogs and $20 for cats to help more animals find loving homes. Medical fees still apply.

As part of its “Spring Into Adoption Saturdays” initiative, JTAC is extending its hours on select Saturdays—April 5, April 12, April 26, and May 3—from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accommodate families who may not be able to visit during the week.

Please note, office staff will not be available to assist with other services on these Saturdays, including trap rentals, redemptions, and owner surrenders. For these services, please contact JTAC during regular business hours Monday through Friday.

Joliet Township Animal Control is normally open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM and Wednesdays from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Joliet Township Animal Control is located at 2807 McDonough Street, Joliet, IL 60436.

“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to connect more pets with loving families,” said Whitney McGill, Director of Joliet Township Animal Control. “Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start, and we hope these Saturday adoption events will help more animals find the homes they deserve.”

To help streamline the adoption process, potential adopters are encouraged to visit the JTAC website www.joliettownshipanimalcontrol.net to print and complete an application before attending. Families with current dogs should also bring them for a meet-and-greet with prospective pets, as these introductions are required before finalizing adoptions.

For more information, email animalcontrol@joliettownship.net or call 815-725-0333.

A REIAL ERA Community Event on March 28, 2025

Join us on March 28, 2025, at 3:00 PM for A REIAL ERA, a gathering dedicated to reflection, connection, and progress in our shared commitment to Community Violence Intervention in Joliet and across the State of Illinois. Held at Merichka’s Restaurant, 604 Theodore Street, Crest Hill, IL 60403, this event invites members and the broader community to come together, share insights, and celebrate the progress we’ve made.

Together, we are part of a larger movement working to break cycles of violence, uplift those affected, and create lasting change. We’ll also take time to close out the 2024 fiscal year and look ahead to the future of this vital work.

This is a free event, but space is limited, so we encourage you to register in advance.

To RSVP, please contact LeShae Hudson at lhudson@joliettownship.net. You may also register online. We look forward to gathering with you in support of a safer, stronger community.

Transportation Department Celebrates One Year of Service

Our Transportation Department is celebrating one year of service! March 15 marked one year since the Joliet Township Government’s Transportation Department completed its very first trip!

What started with a single passenger to Family Guidance has now grown into a service completing 200 trips a week, totaling 5,839 completed trips and 72,254.93 miles logged in just one year!

Lead Transportation Coordinator Jacqueline Smith shares:”This incredible growth would not have been possible without the dedication of our staff, the support of township leadership, and the trust of the community we serve. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has played a role in making this program a success. It has been an amazing year, and I’m excited to see how much more we can grow in the future!”

Thank you to our riders and supporters for making this milestone possible! Here’s to another year of service and growth!

Joliet Township Government and IYFS Partner to Strengthen Violence Intervention

JOLIET, IL – March 12, 2025 – Joliet Township Government and Illinois Youth and Family Services (IYFS) have provided Community Violence Intervention (CVI) services since 2023. Now partnering, they ensure families and former CVI clients maintain access to case management, advocacy, outreach, and interventions. This collaboration strengthens violence prevention, behavioral health, and community engagement.

In February 2025, the state selected IYFS as the regional CVI services provider, ending Joliet Township’s CVI Services (also known as Peace Over Violence program) at the Mitchell Center. While IYFS now leads intervention efforts, Joliet Township continues its commitment to violence prevention through its CVI Community Convener and CVI Behavioral Health programs.

“At IYFS, we are honored to continue serving Joliet-area residents with essential violence prevention and intervention services,” said Dr. Nauteia Brass, CEO of Illinois Youth and Family Services. “By partnering with Joliet Township, we are ensuring a seamless transfer of all Joliet Township Government’s CVI clients, guaranteeing uninterrupted services and continuous support for individuals and families affected by violence.”

“Violence prevention is a shared responsibility, and real change happens when we work together,” said Alicia Morales, Supervisor of Joliet Township. “Joliet Township Government remains committed to strengthening partnerships and ensuring residents have access to critical resources. By working alongside IYFS, we are reinforcing our commitment to a safer, healthier, and more resilient community.”

Joliet Township continues leading violence prevention through the CVI Community Convener and CVI Behavioral Health programs. Led by LeShae Hudson, the Community Convener unites organizations and stakeholders to develop community safety action plans. CVI Behavioral Health is expanding mental health services, recruiting therapists to meet growing demand, especially among youth ages 6-24. In 2024, 76 young people received therapy, and 346 residents attended trauma awareness workshops.

Together, Joliet Township Government and IYFS remain committed to strengthening community safety, healing, and resilience. By maximizing resources and expanding service access, this partnership ensures continued support for those most in need. For more information about ongoing services or to learn more about the partnership, visit the IYFS website and Joliet Township Government’s CVI webpage.

Joliet Township Government Proclaims African American History Month 2025

Joliet, Illinois – February 18, 2025 – Joliet Township Government proudly proclaimed February 1-28, 2025, as African American History Month in Joliet Township at the January 14, 2025 Board Meeting. This proclamation honors the significant contributions of African Americans to U.S. history and culture and acknowledges the valuable role of African American residents of Joliet Township Government.

In addition, Joliet Township Government demonstrates its commitment to honoring African American history through its support for the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study since February 2024. This important initiative, made possible through an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Joliet, as well as funds from Lockport Township, Will County, and the State of Illinois, is focused on preserving and documenting Black history in the region.

Supervisor Alicia Morales stated, “This month, we celebrate the important contributions of African Americans to our community and country. Our support of the African American Context Study shows our commitment to preserving and sharing the history of Joliet’s Black community for future generations.”

Currently, the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study is seeking input from community members on places, people, and events significant to the history of the region’s Black community. Share your memories and contribute to the study by visiting www.joliet.gov/blackhistory, or contact us at (708) 683-9121 or blackhistory@joliet.gov.

Additionally, the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study, Joliet Area Historical Museum, and History on Wheels Museum are collecting photos, artifacts, and archival material on Joliet’s Black history. Attend the Community Collections Scan on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N. Ottawa St. For more details, contact collections@jolietmuseum.org or call 815-723-5201.

Office Closure – Severe Weather

Our offices will be closed due to severe weather on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Regular hours resume Thursday, February 13. Please be safe

Estaremos cerrados debido al clima severo el miércoles, 12 de febrero de 2025. Abriremos de nuevo el jueves, 13 de febrero.

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

Joliet, IL — January 23, 2025 — Joliet Township Government, in partnership with the American Red Cross, invites the community to participate in a blood drive on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Building, 172 S Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60433. To schedule an appointment or learn more about the donation process, visit redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code: joliettown, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

“By hosting this blood drive, Joliet Township continues its commitment to supporting our community’s health and well-being,” said Keshia Ellis, Violence Prevention Director of Joliet Township Government. “This event offers a chance for neighbors, staff, and friends to make a real difference by donating blood and helping to save lives.”

Blood is a life-saving resource that can only be replenished through volunteer donations. The American Red Cross emphasizes the importance of maintaining a steady supply, with someone in the U.S. requiring blood every two seconds.

“Donating blood is an act of kindness that can directly impact local hospitals and patients in need,” added Ellis. “We encourage all eligible individuals to come forward, knowing that their contribution could provide a second chance for someone else.”

The Red Cross is seeking donations from all blood types, with special urgency for those with O negative, A negative, and B negative blood types.

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC LOTTERY

For the April 1st, 2025 Consolidated Election Per (10 ILCS 5/7-60.1)

The Established Political Party Ballot Placement Lottery will be held on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025, at 9:30 A.M. at the Town Hall Meeting Room on the First Floor in the Joliet Township Government Offices at 175 West Jefferson Street in Joliet, IL 60432.

Entrance to the meeting room is located at the north end of the building, accessible via the stairway adjacent to the parking lot.

Handicap accessible parking is available at the north end of the parking lot. Access to the building is provided via a ramp in the same area.

For further information call 815-726-5239 or email clerk@joliettownship.net.

Estefany Bonilla, BFA

Joliet Township Clerk

Get Your Taxes Prepared for Free with Joliet Township’s VITA Program

Joliet, IL – January 9, 2025 – Tax season is upon us, and Joliet Township Government is excited to offer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the fourth consecutive season. In partnership with 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 $65,000.

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 electronically review and sign their prepared documents. If eligible, they can expect their refund via direct deposit within 7-10 business days.

For assistance or inquiries, individuals can contact:

Patricia Venziano
Phone: 815-726-4781 ext. 301

Alejandra Zamudio (Spanish assistance)
Phone: 815-726-4781 ext. 304

The VITA program is designed with convenience in mind. Taxpayers are encouraged not to let tax season stress them out. Let Joliet Township Government take care of tax preparation needs for free. Interested individuals can call 815-726-4781 or visit https://www.joliettownship.net/services/tax-preparation/ and take the first step toward securing their financial future with confidence.