Statement on Recent Gun Violence in Our Community

Official Statement | Comunicado Oficial

Joliet Township Government is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life due to gun-related violence, including a mother and her young child, that occurred in our community on Sunday morning. Our hearts are with the family, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating incident. 

In this difficult time, we are working closely with our partners Illinois Youth & Family Services (IYFS), Will-Grundy Medical Clinic, and other local agencies to ensure the family is receiving immediate and ongoing support. IYFS is in direct contact with the family and is providing critical services, including trauma-informed care and support from their Violence Prevention Team. Costs for these critical services are being reimbursed by Joliet Township through RPSA funds to ensure there are no barriers to care. 

“Our hearts are broken for the family and loved ones affected by this senseless act of violence,” said Joliet Township Supervisor Cesar Guerrero. “Joliet Township Government stands with them during this unimaginable loss, and we remain committed to working with our partners to ensure they receive the care, support, and resources they need. We also reaffirm our responsibility to invest in prevention and in the well-being of our community.” 

We recognize that violence impacts not only individuals, but entire families and communities. Joliet Township Government remains committed to prevention, healing, and community safety, and we encourage residents to be part of these efforts. 

“In moments like this, it is critical that families are not left to grieve alone,” said Gabriel Garcia, Violence Prevention Community Convener for Joliet Township Government. “Our violence prevention partners, including IYFS and Will-Grundy Medical Clinic, are providing trauma-informed support right now, and we encourage anyone who needs help or wants to be part of prevention efforts to reach out. Healing and safety come from connection, support, and community.” 

Community members who would like to learn more about violence prevention resources or get involved may contact: 

Gabriel Garcia
Violence Prevention Community Convener
Joliet Township Government
815-593-3363
ggarcia@joliettownship.net 

Illinois Youth & Family Services (IYFS)
815-290-0970
VPservices@ilyouth.org 

Declaración sobre la reciente violencia con armas de fuego en nuestra comunidad 

El Municipio de Joliet lamenta profundamente la trágica pérdida de vidas debido a la violencia con armas de fuego, incluyendo una madre y su hijo pequeño, que ocurrió en nuestra comunidad el domingo por la mañana. Nuestros corazones están con la familia, los seres queridos y todos los afectados por esta tragedia. 

En este momento difícil, estamos trabajando con las agencias de Illinois Youth & Family Services (IYFS), la Clínica Médica Will-Grundy y otras agencias locales para asegurarnos de que la familia reciba apoyo inmediato y continuo. IYFS está trabajando directamente con la familia y ofreciéndoles servicios esenciales, incluyendo cuidado informado enfocado al trauma y apoyo de su Equipo de Prevención de la Violencia. Los costos de estos servicios están siendo cubiertos por el Municipio de Joliet a través de fondos RPSA, para garantizar que no haya barreras al recibir ayuda. 

“Nuestros corazones están con la familia y los seres queridos afectados por este acto de violencia sin sentido”, dijo el Supervisor del Municipio de Joliet, César Guerrero. “El Gobierno del Municipio de Joliet está con ellos durante esta pérdida tan terrible y seguimos comprometidos a trabajar con nuestros socios para asegurar que reciban la atención, el apoyo y los recursos que necesitan. También volvemos a afirmar nuestra responsabilidad de invertir en prevención y en el bienestar de nuestra comunidad.” 

Reconocemos que la violencia no solo afecta a personas individuales, sino a familias y a comunidades enteras. El Municipio de Joliet sigue comprometido con la prevención, la sanación y la seguridad de la comunidad, y animamos a los residentes a ser parte de estos esfuerzos 

“En momentos como este, es muy importante que las familias no se queden solas con su dolor,” dijo Gabriel Garcia, Coordinador Comunitario de Prevención del Municipio de Joliet. “Nuestros colaboradores en el trabajo de prevención de la violencia, incluyendo IYFS y la Clínica Médica Will-Grundy, están proporcionando ayuda especializada en traumas en este momento, y animamos a cualquiera que necesite asistencia o quiera formar parte de los esfuerzos de prevención, que se ponga en contacto con nosotros. La sanación y la seguridad provienen de la conexión, el apoyo y la comunidad.” 

Los miembros de la comunidad que deseen obtener más información sobre los recursos para la prevención de la violencia o participar en esta iniciativa pueden ponerse en contacto con: 

Gabriel Garcia
Coordinador Comunitario de Prevención
Municipio de Joliet
815-593-3363
ggarcia@joliettownship.net 

Illinois Youth & Family Services (IYFS)
815-290-0970
VPservices@ilyouth.org 

December 2025 CREW Meeting

Joliet Township Government is hosting the next Community Response Engagement Workgroup (CREW) meeting on December 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The meeting will take place in person at the Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center, located at 172 S Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432. This monthly gathering includes a Comprehensive Training Module designed to strengthen community response and support systems.
If you have any questions, please contact Joliet Township Government’s Community Convener, Gabriel Garcia, at GGarcia@joliettownship.net.
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El Municipio de Joliet organizará la próxima reunión del Grupo de Trabajo CREW el miércoles 17 de diciembre de 2025 a la 1:00 PM. La reunión será en persona en el Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center, en 172 S Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432. Esta reunión mensual tendrá un entrenamiento para fortalecer la respuesta comunitaria y los sistemas de apoyo.
Si tiene preguntas, por favor contacte a Gabriel Garcia, Coordinador Comunitario del Municipio de Joliet, al correo GGarcia@joliettownship.net.

November 2025 CREW Meeting

Joliet Township Government is hosting the next Community Response Engagement Workgroup (CREW) meeting on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The meeting will take place in person at the Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center, located at 172 S Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432. This monthly gathering includes a Comprehensive Training Module designed to strengthen community response and support systems.
If you have any questions, please contact Joliet Township Government’s Community Convener, Gabriel Garcia, at GGarcia@joliettownship.net.
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El Municipio de Joliet organizará la próxima reunión del Grupo de Trabajo CREW el miércoles 19 de noviembre de 2025 a la 1:00 PM. La reunión será en persona en el Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center, en 172 S Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432. Esta reunión mensual tendrá un entrenamiento para fortalecer la respuesta comunitaria y los sistemas de apoyo.
Si tiene preguntas, por favor contacte a Gabriel Garcia, Coordinador Comunitario del Municipio de Joliet, al correo GGarcia@joliettownship.net.

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) and Kankakee Forgives to provide $15,000 in Flex Payment assistance to families affected by firearm violence. The support offered critical relief and helped promote stability and healing within the communities of Chicago Heights and Kankakee. 

To address the increase in firearm violence, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is providing resources to support Joliet Township Government’s Community Violence Intervention efforts. The Community Convener oversees the Emergency Victim Flex Fund, which gives short-term financial help and supportive services to victims of firearm violence and their immediate family members through the Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) Violence Prevention Services program. 

The support to Inner City Empowerment CDC was provided after a recent incident in Matteson, Illinois, where a 13-year-old was injured in a shooting involving another minor at a local recreation center. The incident underscores the ongoing need for community-based support and timely resources for victims and their families. 

“This partnership ensures individuals and families have access to the resources they need during difficult times,” said Pastor Kisia L. Coleman, Executive Director of Inner City Empowerment CDC. “Thanks to our Flex Fund Manager, Gabriel Garcia, and the Joliet Township Government staff for helping the family through this challenging period.” 

Kankakee Forgives also assisted two families in separate gun-related incidents. In one case, a 13-year-old boy was injured during a large altercation at a local apartment complex. In another, a mother and her children were displaced after their home was struck by gunfire. In both instances, Kankakee Forgives provided immediate emotional support, safety planning, and relocation assistance, then worked with Joliet Township to secure Flex Fund assistance to help the families regain stability and peace. 

“Joliet Township’s commitment to supporting victims of violence has been a lifeline for families in crisis,” said Portia Cephus, Interim Executive Director of Kankakee Forgives. “Working together allows us to bring healing, compassion, and real solutions when people need them most. This partnership shows that when local organizations unite, we can respond faster, prevent further harm, and help restore safety and hope in our community.”  

“The fact that our partnership and coordination serves communities across a wide region, from the Illinois-Indiana state line to the Illinois-Wisconsin state line, is an honor and a blessing,” said Gabriel Garcia, Community Convener for Joliet Township Government. “We are grateful to work with so many passionate partners who strive to create safer communities within their respective regions.” 

Locally, Joliet Township Government has approved three applications for victims of a recent shooting in partnership with Illinois Youth & Family Services and is in the process of distributing up to $15,000 in assistance for Joliet residents impacted by gun violence. 

For assistance or more information, contact Gabriel Garcia, Joliet Township Government Community Convener, at Ggarcia@joliettownship.net or 815-593-3363. 

October 2025 CREW Meeting

Joliet Township Government is hosting the next Community Response Engagement Workgroup (CREW) meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The meeting will take place in person at the Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center, located at 172 S Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432. This monthly gathering includes a Comprehensive Training Module designed to strengthen community response and support systems.
If you have any questions, please contact Joliet Township Government’s Community Convener, Gabriel Garcia, at GGarcia@joliettownship.net.
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El Municipio de Joliet organizará la próxima reunión del Grupo de Trabajo CREW el miércoles 15 de octubre de 2025 a la 1:00 PM. La reunión será en persona en el Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center, en 172 S Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432. Esta reunión mensual tendrá un entrenamiento para fortalecer la respuesta comunitaria y los sistemas de apoyo.
Si tiene preguntas, por favor contacte a Gabriel Garcia, Coordinador Comunitario del Municipio de Joliet, al correo GGarcia@joliettownship.net.

CREW Meeting – August 2025

Joliet Township Government is hosting the next Community Response Engagement Workgroup (CREW) meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The meeting will take place in person at the Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center, located at 172 S Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432. This monthly gathering includes a Comprehensive Training Module designed to strengthen community response and support systems.
If you have any questions, please contact Joliet Township Government’s Community Convener, Gabriel Garcia, at GGarcia@joliettownship.net.
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El Municipio de Joliet organizará la próxima reunión del Grupo de Trabajo CREW el miércoles 20 de agosto de 2025 a la 1:00 PM. La reunión será en persona en el Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center, en 172 S Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432. Esta reunión mensual tendrá un entrenamiento para fortalecer la respuesta comunitaria y los sistemas de apoyo.
Si tiene preguntas, por favor contacte a Gabriel Garcia, Coordinador Comunitario del Municipio de Joliet, al correo GGarcia@joliettownship.net.

Joliet Township to host June 2025 CREW Meeting

Joliet Township Government is hosting the next Community Response Engagement Workgroup (CREW) meeting on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The meeting will take place in person at the Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center at 172 S. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432.
This monthly gathering includes a Comprehensive Training Module, “Violence Intervention and Conflict Mediation,” which will be facilitated by Shelley Williams and Tiffany Williams, Founders of In Tandem Workforce.
If you have any questions, please contact Joliet Township Government’s Community Convener, LeShae Hudson, at LHudson@joliettownship.net.

For more information, visit www.joliettownship.net/services/community-violence-intervention-cvi/cvi-council/.
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El Municipio de Joliet organizará la próxima reunión del Grupo de Trabajo CREW el miércoles 18 de junio de 2025 a la 1:00 PM. La reunión se llevará a cabo en persona en el Centro Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell, ubicado en 172 S. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432.
Esta reunión mensual incluirá un Módulo de Capacitación Integral titulado “Intervención contra la Violencia y Mediación de Conflictos”, que será facilitado por Shelley Williams y Tiffany Williams, fundadoras de In Tandem Workforce.
Si tiene preguntas, por favor contacte a LeShae Hudson, Coordinadora Comunitaria del Municipio de Joliet, al correo LHudson@joliettownship.net.

Para más información, visite www.joliettownship.net/services/community-violence-intervention-cvi/cvi-council/.

Joliet Township CVI Team Recognized as Part of City’s First CERT Graduating Class

Earlier this month, we celebrated our team’s participation — now we’re proud to join the City of Joliet in recognizing the full graduating class of the first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program!

Congratulations to the 28 community members who completed this 9-week, 27-hour disaster preparedness course coordinated by the City’s Office of Emergency and Disaster Management.

Special shoutout again to LeShae Hudson, Community Convener, and Magdalena Campos, Community Liaison/Organizer with Joliet Township’s Community Violence Intervention (CVI) team, who were among those honored at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

The training covered:

  • Fire safety
  • Medical response
  • Weather spotting
  • Disaster mental health
  • Light search and rescue
  • And more

The next FREE CERT class begins June 10, 2025, with a Saturday session on June 14.

Register at: www.joliet.gov/cert

A principios de este mes, celebramos la participación de nuestro equipo — ahora nos enorgullece unirnos a la Ciudad de Joliet para reconocer a toda la primera clase graduada del programa de Respuesta Comunitaria a Emergencias (CERT, por sus siglas en inglés).

¡Felicidades a los 28 miembros de la comunidad que completaron este curso gratuito de preparación para emergencias de 9 semanas y 27 horas, coordinado por la Oficina de Manejo de Emergencias y Desastres de la ciudad!

Un reconocimiento especial nuevamente a LeShae Hudson, Coordinadora Comunitaria, y Magdalena Campos, Enlace/Organizadora Comunitaria del equipo de Intervención contra la Violencia Comunitaria (CVI) del Municipio de Joliet, quienes fueron honradas durante la reunión del Concejo Municipal el martes por la noche.

La capacitación incluyó:

  • Seguridad contra incendios

  • Respuesta médica

  • Observación de condiciones climáticas severas

  • Salud mental en situaciones de desastre

  • Búsqueda y rescate ligero

  • Y más

La próxima clase GRATUITA de CERT comenzará el 10 de junio de 2025, con una sesión adicional el sábado 14 de junio.

Inscripciones disponibles en: www.joliet.gov/cert

Joliet Township’s Community Violence Intervention (CVI) team completes Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training

Congratulations to Joliet Township’s Community Violence Intervention (CVI) team: LeShae Hudson, Community Convener, and Magdalena Campos, Community Liaison/Organizer, on completing the inaugural Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.
This valuable training is led by retired Joliet Fire Department Captain John Lukancic, now serving as Director of the City of Joliet’s Emergency and Disaster Management Office. Classes are held at the Ozzie and Peggy Mitchell Center, located at 172 S. Chicago Street in Joliet.
This marks the first of many free 9-week CERT courses offered to residents of Joliet and Will County. Participants receive FEMA and Weather Spotting certification and hands-on training in medical operations, search and rescue, and triage.
Registration is ongoing: https://www.joliet.gov/
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Felicitaciones al equipo de Intervención Contra la Violencia Comunitaria (CVI) del Municipio de Joliet: LeShae Hudson, Coordinadora Comunitaria, y Magdalena Campos, Enlace y Organizadora Comunitaria, por completar el primer curso del Equipo Comunitario de Respuesta a Emergencias (CERT).
Este curso fue enseñado por John Lukancic, capitán retirado del Departamento de Bomberos de Joliet. Ahora él es el Director de la Oficina de Manejo de Emergencias y Desastres de la Ciudad de Joliet. Las clases se dan en el Centro Ozzie y Peggy Mitchell, en el 172 S. Chicago Street en Joliet.
Este es el primero de muchos cursos GRATUITOS de 9 semanas para los residentes de Joliet y el Condado de Will. Las personas que asisten al curso reciben certificaciones de FEMA y de observación del clima. También aprenden sobre primeros auxilios, búsqueda y rescate, y cómo ayudar en una emergencia.
La inscripción sigue abierta: https://www.joliet.gov/

Joliet Township to host May 2025 CREW Meeting

Joliet Township Government is hosting the next Community Response Engagement Workgroup (CREW) meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The meeting will take place in person at Illinois Youth and Family Services, located at 200 S. Larkin Avenue, Joliet, IL 60436. Lunch will be provided.
This monthly gathering includes a Comprehensive Training Module designed to strengthen community response and support systems. This month’s training, “Victim & Family Assistance in Crisis Situations,” will be led by Illinois Youth and Family Services.
If you have any questions, please contact Joliet Township Government’s Community Convener, LeShae Hudson, at LHudson@joliettownship.net.

For more information, visit www.joliettownship.net/services/community-violence-intervention-cvi/cvi-council/.
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El Municipio de Joliet organizará la próxima reunión del Grupo de Trabajo CREW el miércoles 21 de mayo de 2025 a la 1:00 PM. La reunión será en persona en Illinois Youth and Family Services, en 200 S. Larkin Avenue, Joliet, IL 60436. Se proporcionará almuerzo.
Esta reunión mensual tendrá un entrenamiento para fortalecer la respuesta comunitaria y los sistemas de apoyo. El entrenamiento de este mes será sobre “Asistencia a Víctimas y Familias en Situaciones de Crisis,” y será presentado por Illinois Youth and Family Services.
Si tiene preguntas, por favor contacte a LeShae Hudson, Coordinadora Comunitaria del Municipio de Joliet, al correo LHudson@joliettownship.net.

Para más información, visite www.joliettownship.net/services/community-violence-intervention-cvi/cvi-council/.