Toys for Tots Toy Drive Through December 12, 2025

Joliet Township Government is proud to support this year’s Toys for Tots campaign by serving as an official drop-off location. Community members are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys to help bring joy to children in need this holiday season.

Donations can be delivered to our office at 175 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. We will be accepting toys through December 12, 2025.

Together, we can help make the holidays magical for children in our community.


Colecta de Juguetes de Toys for Tots hasta el 12 de diciembre del 2025

El Municipio de Joliet se enorgullece de apoyar la campaña de Toys for Tots este año como un lugar oficial de donación. Invitamos a la comunidad a donar juguetes nuevos y sin envolver para llevar alegría a los niños que lo necesitan durante esta temporada festiva.

Las donaciones pueden llevarse a nuestra oficina en 175 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL, de lunes a viernes de 8:30 a.m. a 12 p.m. y 1 p.m. a 4 p.m. Aceptaremos juguetes hasta el 12 de diciembre de 2025.

Juntos, podemos hacer que estas fiestas sean especiales para los niños de nuestra comunidad.

Save the Date for LIHEAP 2025-2026

Joliet Township Government will host Will County Center for Community Concerns (WCCCC) as they administer the Home Energy Assistance Program that helps income-eligible households with their utility bills and furnace assistance. Assistance is available to households whose 30 day gross income is at or below 60% of the state median income level. Assistance for utilities will be available from October 1, 2025 through August 15, 2026, or until funds have been exhausted, whichever comes first.

Applications will be taken at Joliet Township Government, located at 175 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432 on the following dates from 9am to 1pm:

  • Wednesday, December 17
  • Wednesday, January 21
  • Wednesday, February 18
  • Wednesday, March 18
  • Wednesday, April 15
  • Wednesday, May 20
  • Wednesday, June 17
  • Wednesday, July 15

To submit an application, you bring ALL required documentation:

  1. Social Security Card for everyone in the household
  2. ID or Driver’s License
  3. Income for all household members for the last 30 days from all sources
  4. Any Household member age 18 or older will need proof they are or are not receiving benefits from DHS (Public Aid) or IDES (Unemployment) if there is no proof of income provided
  5. Gas and Electric bill issued within the last 30 days
  6. All printouts from other agencies, like Notice of decision packet from DHS, Social Security, TANF, General Assistance, Veterans Assistance
  7. Mortgage statement and tax bill or Deed and tax bill, if applying for Furnace assistance.
  8. Other documents may be needed based on your household situation

To contact Joliet Township Government, please call us at (815) 726-4781, email contact@joliettownship.net, or visit us at 175 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432.

In addition, applications are taken at various locations throughout the Will County area. For more information and the nearest location to apply for assistance, please call Will County Center for Community Concerns at 815-722-0722 or visit www.wcccc.net.


El Municipio de Joliet recibirá al Centro para Asuntos Comunitarios del Condado de Will (WCCCC), que administra el Programa de Asistencia de Energía para el Hogar, el cual ayuda a los hogares con ingresos elegibles a pagar sus facturas de servicios públicos y les brinda asistencia para la calefacción. La asistencia está disponible para los hogares cuyos ingresos totales de 30 días sean iguales o menos del 60% del nivel de ingresos medios del estado. La ayuda para los servicios públicos estará disponible desde el 1 de octubre de 2025 hasta el 15 de agosto de 2026, o hasta que se agoten los fondos, lo que ocurra primero.

Las solicitudes se aceptarán en el Municipio de Joliet, en 175 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432, en las siguientes fechas, de 9:00 AM a 1:00 PM:

  • Miércoles, 17 de diciembre
  • Miércoles, 21 de enero
  • Miércoles, 18 de febrero
  • Miércoles, 18 de marzo
  • Miércoles, 15 de abril
  • Miércoles, 20 de mayo
  • Miércoles, 17 de junio
  • Miércoles, 17 de julio

Para presentar una solicitud, DEBE traer TODA la documentación requerida:

  • Tarjeta de la Seguridad Social de todos los miembros del hogar.
  • Documento de identidad o licencia para manejar.
  • Ingresos de todos los miembros del hogar durante los últimos 30 días, de todas las fuentes.
  • Cualquier miembro del hogar mayor de 18 años necesitará una prueba de que recibe o no recibe beneficios del DHS (Ayuda Pública) y del IDES (Desempleo) si no se proporciona una prueba de ingresos.
  • Factura de gas y electricidad de los últimos 30 días.
  • Todos los documentos de otras agencias, como el paquete de notificación de decisión del DHS, la Seguridad Social, TANF, Asistencia General, Asistencia a Veteranos.
  • Declaración hipotecaria y factura de impuestos o Escritura y factura de impuestos, si solicita asistencia para la calefacción.
  • Es posible que se requieran otros documentos según la situación de su hogar.

Para ponerse en contacto con el Gobierno del municipio de Joliet, llámenos al (815) 726-4781, envíenos un correo electrónico a contact@joliettownship.net o visítenos en 175 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432.

Además, se aceptan solicitudes en varios lugares del condado de Will. Para obtener más información y conocer el lugar más cercano donde solicitar asistencia, llame al Centro de Asuntos Comunitarios del Condado de Will al 815-722-0722 o visite www.wcccc.net.

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: 

  1. 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. 
  1. 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. 
  1. 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. 
  1. 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. 

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. 

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.    

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. 

Toys for Tots Toy Drive Through December 12, 2025

Toys for Tots Toy Drive Through December 12, 2025

Joliet Township Government is proud to support this year’s Toys for Tots campaign by serving as an official drop-off location.…
Joliet Township Government Partners with Kankakee & Chicago Heights regions to Deliver Victim Assistance

Joliet Township Government Partners with Kankakee & Chicago Heights regions to Deliver Victim Assistance

Joliet Township Government, through its Violence Prevention Community Convener (VPCC) program, partnered with Inner City Empowerment Community Development Corporation (CDC)…
Joliet Township Proclaims Native American Heritage Month 2025

Joliet Township Proclaims Native American Heritage Month 2025

At the October 14, 2025 Board Meeting, the Joliet Township Government Board unanimously passed a proclamation recognizing November as Native…

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. 

Toys for Tots Toy Drive Through December 12, 2025

Toys for Tots Toy Drive...

Joliet Township Government is proud to support this year’s Toys for Tots campaign by serving as an official drop-off location.…
Joliet Township Government Partners with Kankakee & Chicago Heights regions to Deliver Victim Assistance

Joliet Township Government Partners with...

Joliet Township Government, through its Violence Prevention Community Convener (VPCC) program, partnered with Inner City Empowerment Community Development Corporation (CDC)…
Joliet Township Proclaims Native American Heritage Month 2025

Joliet Township Proclaims Native American...

At the October 14, 2025 Board Meeting, the Joliet Township Government Board unanimously passed a proclamation recognizing November as Native…