Joliet Township Hosts Ribbon-Cutting at Renovated Forest Park Community Center Food Pantry

Ceremony Celebrates Investment in Community Services and Food Access 

JOLIET, IL – April 21, 2025 – Joliet Township hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Forest Park Community Center Food Pantry, located at 1017 Woodruff Road, on Monday, April 21, 2025.  

Plans are underway to open the food pantry in May to address food insecurity in the area. The new food pantry will be accessible to all residents by filling out an application. Micro pantries are already available at the Township’s administrative office and the Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center.  

The Forest Park neighborhood is home to nearly 3,000 residents, over a quarter of whom are children. With a poverty rate 1.5 times higher than Joliet’s, it is estimated that 1,758 individuals will benefit from the pantry’s services. A majority of local residents are expected to qualify for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which provides emergency food to those with low incomes 

According to United Way’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data, 37% of households in Illinois are below the ALICE threshold, further highlighting the need for food security services in the community. 

“Our community has a real and growing need for food access. Too many of our neighbors are facing food insecurity, and opening this food pantry became not just a goal but a responsibility,” said Supervisor Alicia Morales. “Today we cut a ribbon not just on a building, but on hope, on dignity, and on the belief that when we invest in our community, we all rise. This space represents so much more than food on shelves. It represents care and neighbors refusing to let one another go hungry in silence.”

 In addition to Joliet Township Government Supervisor Alicia Morales, elected officials in attendance at the ribbon cutting included City of Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy, City Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, Senator Rachel Ventura, Plainfield Township Clerk-Elect David Lozano, District 86 At-Large Board Member Sandra Aguirre, Joliet Township Clerk Estefany Bonilla, and Joliet Township Trustees Tanya Arias and Antione J. Edwards. Local residents also attended to celebrate the reopening and learn more about the upcoming food pantry. 

For questions, please email contact@joliettownship.net. 

Joliet Township Government hosts 175th Annual Town Meeting

The 175th Annual Town Meeting of Joliet Township Government was a success. From beginning to end, the evening was marked by thoughtful dialogue, strong voter turnout, and a deep sense of civic duty demonstrated by both Electors and attendees.
The Joliet Township Clerk, Estefany Bonilla, expressed heartfelt pride in seeing many Electors come together in a true democratic spirit, asking questions, offering insights, and shaping the future of the Joliet community with care.
Special recognition goes to Ms. LeShae Hudson, who served as the nominated Moderator by the Electors and did an outstanding job presenting each item on the 175th Annual Town Meeting agenda with clarity and professionalism. Sincere gratitude to the Joliet Township Government staff for their unwavering support in managing check-in, recording, and overall coordination. Their dedication behind the scenes ensured a smooth and successful event.
This 175th Annual Town Meeting of Joliet Township Government stands as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when Joliet residents come together in service of their community.
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La 175ª Asamblea Anual del Gobierno del Municipio de Joliet fue todo un éxito. Desde el principio hasta el final, la noche estuvo llena de diálogo respetuoso, buena participación de votantes y un fuerte sentido de responsabilidad cívica por parte de los Electores y asistentes.
La Secretaria del Municipio de Joliet, Estefany Bonilla, expresó con mucho orgullo lo significativo que fue ver a tantos Electores reunidos con verdadero espíritu democrático, haciendo preguntas, compartiendo ideas y ayudando a construir un mejor futuro para la comunidad de Joliet.
Un reconocimiento especial para la Sra. LeShae Hudson, quien fue elegida por los Electores como Moderadora. Ella hizo un excelente trabajo presentando cada punto de la agenda de la 175ª Asamblea Anual con claridad y profesionalismo.
También agradecemos sinceramente al personal del Municipio de Joliet por su gran apoyo en el registro, la grabación y toda la organización del evento. Su trabajo hizo posible que todo saliera bien.
Esta 175ª Asamblea Anual es un gran recordatorio de lo que se puede lograr cuando los residentes de Joliet se unen para servir a su comunidad.

Joliet Township Animal Control to Host “Hogs & Dogs” Community Event 

Event to Feature Pet Adoptions, Motorcycle Displays, Live Demonstrations, and Local Vendors 

Get ready for a day of fun, food, and furry friends at Joliet Township Animal Control’s Hogs & Dogs event on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 12 PM to 3 PM at 2807 McDonough Street, Joliet, IL 60436. This exciting community gathering brings together motorcycle enthusiasts, pet lovers, and local vendors for an unforgettable experience that supports animal welfare. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from Joliet Township Animal Control and learn about responsible pet ownership. The event will also feature a stunning motorcycle display by the Chicago Viclero Motorcycle Club, as well as live demonstrations from Mallard Point Vet Clinic, Ty Ty the Reptile Guy, and Furiends of Manhattan Pet Pantry. 

In addition to the entertainment, attendees can browse various vendors, including Scentsy, Intermode (pet-friendly plants), and Best in Show Pet Grooming, which will be offering $5 nail trims. Food lovers can enjoy delicious eats from Hectic Tacos Taco Truck and sweet treats from Brook Bakes, with 10% of proceeds donated to JTAC. 

As part of its commitment to pet safety and well-being, JTAC is offering free microchips for the first 10 pets and $10 microchips all day. Guests can also support the shelter by donating $10 or a bag of dog food in exchange for two hot dogs and a drink. 

“This event is a fantastic way for the community to come together, enjoy great food and entertainment, and support local animals in need,” said Director of Joliet Township Animal Control Whitney McGill. “Whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, an animal lover, or just looking for a fun afternoon, Hogs & Dogs has something for everyone.” 

For more information, contact Joliet Township Animal Control at 815-725-0333 or animalcontrol@joliettownship.net. Follow JTAC on social media for event updates and sneak peeks of adoptable pets. 

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. 

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 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. 

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.

Toys for Tots Drive 2024

Bring a smile to children in need this Christmas! Joliet Township Government, in partnership with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated – Eta Chi Zeta Chapter – Joliet,IL, is a Toys for Tots drop-off location. Families can apply to receive toys through the Galowich Family YMCA.
Donate
Drop off new and unwrapped toys at our office at175 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL. Donations are accepted through December 13, 2024.
Apply
If your child is 12 or under, you can apply to receive a toy through the Galowich Family YMCA. Visit the following link to learn more: https://www.jolietymca.org/toys-for-tots-applications…/
Submit your application by 5:00 PM on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
Together, let’s make the holidays magical for children in our community!
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¡Haz Sonreír a un Niño Esta Navidad! El Gobierno del Municipio de Joliet, junto con Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated – Eta Chi Zeta Chapter – Joliet, IL, es un lugar para donar juguetes para Toys for Tots. Las familias pueden pedir juguetes a través del Galowich Family YMCA.
Donar:
Trae juguetes nuevos y sin envolver a nuestra oficina, en175 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL. Aceptamos donaciones hasta el 13 de diciembre de 2024.
Solicitar
Si us hijo tiene 12 años o menos, pueden pedir un juguete a través del Galowich Family YMCA. Visite este enlace para más información: https://www.jolietymca.org/toys-for-tots-applications…/
Envíe su solicitud antes de las 5:00 PM del jueves 5 de diciembre de 2024.
¡Hagamos que las fiestas sean especiales para los niños de nuestra comunidad!

Community Grant 2024: K-9 for Veterans

This Veterans Day, we’re proud to highlight K9s For Veterans, NFP, a nonprofit that Joliet Township Government has awarded with a community grant.

This incredible organization supports veterans with PTSD, helping them transition to civilian life with trained service dogs—all of whom are rescues.

We’re honored to support their lifesaving mission, providing veterans with loyal companions and essential care. Thank you to all who have served!

Community Grant 2024: Spanish Community Center’s Danza Azteca Xipe-Totec

JOLIET, IL – October 24, 2024. Supervisor Alicia Morales and Clerk Estefany Bonilla proudly presented a grant to the Spanish Community Center’s Danza Azteca Xipe-Totec, a remarkable multigenerational dance troupe dedicated to preserving and celebrating indigenous traditions.

This grant exemplifies Joliet Township’s commitment to investing in our community and uplifting organizations that inspire positive change. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are thrilled to highlight Danza Azteca Xipe-Totec’s passionate efforts to share their vibrant cultural heritage with Township residents.

Together, we are fostering a more inclusive and culturally rich community!