Joliet Township Proclaims Disability Pride Month

At the July 8, 2025, Board Meeting, the Joliet Township Government Board unanimously passed a proclamation recognizing Disability Pride Month, observed throughout the month of July. This proclamation reflects the Township’s ongoing commitment to promoting inclusion, acceptance, and the recognition of disability as a natural part of human diversity. It also honors the achievements, contributions, and resilience of individuals with disabilities in our community and beyond.

The full text of the proclamation is as follows:

“Proclamation: Disability Pride Month 2025

WHEREAS, July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of individuals with disabilities, and to promote inclusion, acceptance, and understanding of disability as a natural part of human diversity; and

WHEREAS, people with disabilities make up a significant and valuable portion of our communities, and their unique perspectives, talents, and experiences enrich our society and contribute to our collective progress; and

WHEREAS, Disability Pride Month provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the accomplishments of individuals with disabilities in various fields, including education, employment, arts, sports, science, and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, Joliet Township Government acknowledges the barriers and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, including societal attitudes, built and architectural barriers, lack of accessibility, discrimination, and unequal opportunities; and

WHEREAS, it is essential to promote a society that embraces disability as an integral and valued part of human diversity, where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and equality, and where barriers to participation and inclusion are eliminated; and

WHEREAS, we appreciate the efforts of disability rights activists, organizations, and advocates who work tirelessly to advance the rights, independence, and well-being of individuals with disabilities, and to create a more inclusive and accessible world for all.

NOW THEREFORE BE RESOLVED that the Board of Joliet Township Government, hereby proclaims July 2025 as Disability Pride Month in Joliet Township.

ADOPTED this 8th day of July 2025.”

To view this and all other proclamations from Joliet Township Government, please visit the Proclamations and Ordinances page.

En la reunión de la Junta del 8 de julio de 2025, el Gobierno del Municipio de Joliet aprobó por unanimidad una proclamación para reconocer el Mes del Orgullo por la Discapacidad, que se celebra durante todo el mes de julio. Esta proclamación muestra el compromiso del Municipio de apoyar la inclusión, el respeto y la aceptación de las personas con discapacidades, y de reconocer sus logros, contribuciones y fortaleza en nuestra comunidad y en todo el país.

A continuación se encuentra el texto completo de la proclamación:

“Proclamación: El Mes del Orgullo por la Discapacidad 2025

CONSIDERANDO que julio es el Mes del Orgullo por la Discapacidad, un momento para celebrar los logros, las contribuciones y la fuerza de las personas que tienen discapacidad, y para promover la inclusión, la aceptación y la comprensión de la discapacidad como parte natural de la diversidad humana; y

CONSIDERANDO que las personas con discapacidad forman una parte valiosa de nuestras comunidades, y que sus perspectivas, talentos y experiencias únicos enriquecen nuestra sociedad y contribuyen a nuestro progreso colectivo; y

CONSIDERANDO que el Mes del Orgullo por la Discapacidad brinda la oportunidad de reconocer y honrar los logros de las personas con discapacidad en diversos sectores, como la educación, el empleo, las artes, los deportes, la ciencia y la defensa de los derechos; y

CONSIDERANDO que el Municipio de Joliet reconoce las barreras y los retos a los que se enfrentan las personas con discapacidad, como las actitudes sociales, las barreras arquitectónicas y de construcción, la falta de accesibilidad, la discriminación y la desigualdad de oportunidades; y

CONSIDERANDO que es esencial promover una sociedad que reconozca la discapacidad como parte integrante y valorada de la diversidad humana, en la que todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e igualdad, y en la que se eliminen las barreras a la participación y la inclusión; y

CONSIDERANDO que apreciamos los esfuerzos de los activistas, organizaciones y defensores de los derechos de las personas con discapacidad, que trabajan incansablemente para promover los derechos, la independencia y el bienestar de estas personas, y para crear un mundo más integrador y accesible para todos.

AHORA POR LO TANTO SE RESUELVE que la Junta del Municipio de Joliet, proclama julio de 2025 como el Mes del Orgullo por la Discapacidad en el Municipio de Joliet.

ADOPTADA el 8 de julio de 2025.”

Para ver esta y otras proclamaciones del Gobierno del Municipio de Joliet, por favor visite la página de Proclamaciones y Ordenanzas.

A Message from Supervisor Cesar Guerrero – June 3, 2025

A Message from Supervisor Cesar Guerrero 

Dear Joliet Township residents and neighbors, 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Township Supervisor. As a lifelong resident here in Joliet, it means so much to me to give back to the community that helped shape who I am today. I care deeply about our neighborhoods, families, and the programs that support us all. 

You may wonder, what exactly does a Township Supervisor do? As the executive office of the township, I oversee important services like General Assistance, Animal Control, Transportation, and Community Violence Intervention. I also serve on the Township Board together with our trustees to manage the public funds that keep these services running for you. 

Before becoming Supervisor in May 2025, I worked hard to support working families, immigrant communities, and youth through local organizations. I served on the Joliet City Council and helped start a 501 (c) (6) nonprofit to promote and expand small businesses in underserved areas. These experiences shape my commitment to improving life for every Joliet Township resident. 

My goal is to build on the strong foundation already here, together with the expertise of our township staff. We will expand programs for seniors, youth, and families, and ensure these services are accessible through a robust transportation program. We are committed to continued efforts for violence prevention and mental health support. We will also keep our community centers welcoming and open to everyone. 

We want to keep you informed and involved. That means sharing clear information about meetings and decisions and inviting you to share your thoughts through town halls and conversations. Together, we can shape a township that works for all of us. 

I look forward to working alongside our Clerk, Trustees, staff, and residents to strengthen Joliet Township and serve you the best we can. 

Sincerely,
Cesar Guerrero
Supervisor, Joliet Township Government 

 —

Un mensaje del Supervisor César Guerrero 

Estimados residentes y vecinos del municipio de Joliet, 

Gracias por la oportunidad de servir como su Supervisor Municipal. Como residente de toda la vida de Joliet, es un honor poder contribuir a la comunidad que me ha ayudado formar mi carácter. Valoro profundamente nuestros vecindarios, las familias y los programas que nos apoyan a todos. 

Tal vez se pregunten: ¿Qué es lo que hace un Supervisor Municipal? Estoy a cargo de la oficina ejecutiva del municipio, que provee servicios importantes como Asistencia General, Control de Animales, Transporte y la Intervención Comunitaria contra la Violencia. También sirvo en la Mesa Directiva del Municipio junto con nuestros fideicomisarios para administrar los fondos públicos que mantienen a estos servicios para ustedes. 

Antes de asumir este cargo en mayo de 2025, trabajé duro para apoyar a las familias trabajadoras, las comunidades inmigrantes y a la juventud a través de organizaciones locales. Serví en el Consejo de la Ciudad de Joliet y ayudé a iniciar una organización sin fines de lucro 501 (c) (6) para fomentar y expandir las pequeñas empresas en áreas menos atendidas. Estas experiencias han influido mucho en mi dedicación a mejorar la vida de todos los residentes del municipio de Joliet. 

Mi meta es fortalecer los programas actuales, junto con el asesoramiento de nuestro personal. Ampliaremos los programas para los adultos mayores, los jóvenes y las familias, y nos aseguraremos de que estos servicios sean accesibles a través de un programa de transporte confiable. Seguimos comprometidos a prevenir la violencia y apoyar servicios a favor de la salud mental. También mantendremos nuestros centros comunitarios abiertos y disponibles a todos. 

Queremos mantenerlos informados e involucrados. Eso significa compartir información clara sobre las reuniones y decisiones e invitarlos a compartir sus opiniones a través de foros comunitarios y conversaciones. Juntos, podemos formar un municipio que funcione para todos nosotros. 

Espero con entusiasmo trabajar junto a nuestra Secretaria, los Fideicomisarios, el personal y los residentes para fortalecer el Municipio de Joliet y servirle de la mejor manera posible. 

Atentamente,  

César Guerrero  

Supervisor, Municipio de Joliet 

Special Board Meeting: May 23, 2025

This Special Board Meeting for Joliet Township Government will be held at 5:00 p.m. in the town hall meeting room, Joliet Township Government Offices, 175 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois.

  • Entrance to the Meeting Room: Located at the north end of the building, via the stairway adjacent to the parking lot.
  • Handicap Accessible: Parking located at the north end of the parking lot and access to the building via a ramp located at the north end of the parking lot.
  • Agenda, Minutes, and Recordings

Esta Reunión Especial de la Junta del Municipio de Joliet se llevará a cabo a las 5:00 p.m. en la sala de reuniones, Oficinas del Municipio de Joliet, 175 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois.

  • Entrada a la sala de reuniones: Ubicada en el extremo norte del edificio, por las escaleras junto al estacionamiento.
  • Acceso para personas con discapacidades: Estacionamiento disponible en el extremo norte del estacionamiento y acceso al edificio por una rampa en ese mismo lugar.
  • Agenda, Minutas y Grabaciones

Joliet Township Government Honors Trustee Raymond Slattery Upon His Retirement

On behalf of Supervisor Alicia Morales, the Joliet Township Government Board formally recognized longtime Trustee Raymond Slattery for two decades of dedicated service during the May 13, 2025, board meeting. Slattery, who is retiring this year, was honored with an honorary resolution adopted unanimously by the Board of Trustees. 

First elected in 2005, Slattery served five consecutive terms as Trustee. Over two decades, he played an essential role in guiding Township policies, supporting core services, and promoting transparent and accountable governance. 

Known for his attention to detail and collaborative spirit, Slattery earned the respect of fellow board members, Township staff, and residents. His leadership helped strengthen the Township’s foundation and uphold its mission of serving the public with fairness and respect. 

Slattery is a Certified Public Accountant with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Business Administration from Benedictine University. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve and was honorably discharged with the rank of E-5. 

A lifelong resident of Joliet, Slattery has been deeply involved in the community. His leadership includes serving as President of the Fox River Valley Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants, Treasurer for Easterseals Joliet Region, President of the Joliet Evening Lions Club, President of the Joliet Historical Museum, and President of the Irish American Society of County Will. He also previously served on the board of a rehabilitation center in Rockford and is currently the financial secretary for the Joliet Knights of Columbus Council #382. 

The resolution adopted by the Board extends appreciation for his exemplary service and best wishes for a fulfilling retirement. Raymond Slattery leaves behind a legacy of commitment, integrity, and meaningful contributions to the Joliet Township community. 

En nombre de la Supervisora Alicia Morales, la Junta del Municipio de Joliet reconoció oficialmente al miembro de la junta Raymond Slattery por sus 20 años de servicio durante la reunión del 13 de mayo de 2025. Slattery, quien se retira este año, fue honrado con una resolución especial aprobada por todos los miembros de la junta.

Slattery fue elegido por primera vez en 2005 y sirvió cinco mandatos seguidos como miembro de la junta. Durante esos años, ayudó a mejorar las políticas del Municipio, apoyó servicios importantes y trabajó por un gobierno justo y transparente.

Conocido por su dedicación y su buen trabajo en equipo, Slattery fue respetado por sus compañeros, el personal del Municipio y la comunidad. Su trabajo ayudó a fortalecer al Municipio y a cumplir su misión de servir con respeto y justicia.

Slattery es Contador Público Certificado. Estudió en la Universidad de Illinois en Urbana-Champaign y obtuvo una maestría en administración de empresas en Benedictine University. También sirvió en la Reserva del Ejército de los Estados Unidos y fue dado de baja con el rango de E-5.

Ha vivido toda su vida en Joliet y ha participado activamente en la comunidad. Ha sido presidente o miembro de varias organizaciones, como el Club de Leones de Joliet, el Museo Histórico de Joliet, Easterseals de la Región de Joliet y la Sociedad Irlandesa Americana del Condado de Will. También fue parte de la junta de un centro de rehabilitación en Rockford y ahora es el secretario financiero de los Caballeros de Colón en Joliet.

La resolución de la Junta agradece su gran servicio y le desea una feliz jubilación. Raymond Slattery deja un legado de compromiso, honestidad y servicio a la comunidad del Municipio de Joliet.

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 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. 

Democratic Caucus Results 2024: A message from Supervisor Alicia Morales

JOLIET, IL – Dec. 3, 2024. Following the results of the Democratic Caucus, the current Joliet Township Government Supervisor, Clerk, and Trustees will not be continuing on the Democratic slate for the upcoming April election. The current Highway Commissioner and Assessor will remain in their positions on the new Democratic slate.

This upcoming election gives voters the opportunity to choose between the new Democratic slate and the Republican slate. The final decision will be made by voters in April.

We are proud of the progress we’ve made in this administration, introducing and expanding initiatives that are making a real difference. Some of these key programs include:

  • Transportation Program: Providing rides for seniors and residents with disabilities, in partnership with local agencies.
  • Free Auto Repair: Helping low-income families with essential vehicle repairs.
  • Free Income Tax Filing: For individuals earning under $65,000.
  • Free Notary Services: Available in both English and Spanish.
  • Building Acquisitions: Two newly renovated buildings in high-need areas.
  • Behavioral Health Services: Offering mental health support for youth ages 6-24.
  • Community Violence Intervention Programs: Recognized with a state award and represented at the White House.

We would like to thank those who have made our progress possible, including our dedicated team, partners and collaborators, and community members whose support and efforts have been vital in bringing these initiatives to life.

We are hopeful for the future and for the new administration to continue to build on these efforts. We are open to supporting a smooth transition, working together to ensure stability and growth for the community.

JOLIET, IL- 3 de diciembre de 2024 – Según los resultados de la Asamblea Demócrata, la Supervisora, la Secretaria y los Fideicomisarios actuales no continuarán en la lista de candidatos demócratas para las elecciones de abril. El Comisionado de Carreteras actual y el Asesor actual permanecerán en sus posiciones en la nueva lista demócrata. 

En estas próximas elecciones, los votantes tienen la oportunidad de elegir entre la nueva lista demócrata y la republicana. La decisión final la tomarán los votantes en abril. 

Nos sentimos orgullosos de los avances que hemos logrado en esta administración, al introducir y desarrollar iniciativas que marcan una diferencia notable. Algunos de estos programas son: 

  • Programa de transporte: Transporte para personas mayores y residentes discapacitados, y colaboramos con agencias locales. 
  • Reparación gratuita de automóviles: Ayudando a familias de bajos ingresos con reparaciones esenciales de sus vehículos. 
  • Preparación de impuestos gratis: Para personas con ingresos menos de $65,000 dólares al año. 
  • Servicios de notario gratis: Disponible tanto en inglés como en español. 
  • Expansión: Dos edificios recién renovados en zonas muy necesitadas. 
  • Servicios de salud mental: Se ofrece apoyo de salud mental para jóvenes de 6 a 24 años. 
  • Programa de prevención de la violencia: Reconocido con un premio estatal y representados a nivel nacional y en la Casa Blanca. 

Agradecemos a todos los que contribuyeron a nuestro progreso: a nuestro equipo, a nuestros socios y colaboradores, y a los miembros de la comunidad, cuyo apoyo y esfuerzo han sido fundamentales para realizar estas iniciativas. 

Tenemos esperanza para el futuro y para que la nueva administración siga desarrollando estos esfuerzos. Estamos dispuestos a apoyar una buena transición, trabajando juntos para garantizar la estabilidad y el crecimiento de la comunidad. 

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

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

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.” 

We are Hiring

Now Hiring

Position Summary: General Assistance Caseworker- Bilingual
Department: General Assistance
Reports: General Assistance Director
Position Summary
Assist in the day-to-day operations of the General Assistance Department by administering comprehensive programs and services for Joliet Township low-income residents. Includes researching, planning, organizing, coordinating and directing required action on policies and/or projects directly related to General Assistance that have been defined by the Township Supervisor. Responds to and interacts with residents, employees and/or others within and outside the department in a courteous, professional, and effective manner. Performs other duties as required for the successful operation of the Joliet Township General Assistance Department.

Click on the link to be taken to the application on Indeed

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