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/.

CREW April 2025 Monthly Meeting

Joliet Township Government is hosting the next Community Response Engagement Workgroup (CREW) meeting on Wednesday, April 30, 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 60436.
This monthly gathering includes a Comprehensive Training Module designed to strengthen community response and support systems. This meeting will be focusing on Emergency Response & Incident Command System (ICS), led by John Lukancic.
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 (Community Response Engagement Workgroup) el miércoles 30 de abril de 2025 a la 1:00 PM. La reunión será en persona en el Centro Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell, ubicado en 172 S Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60436.

Esta reunión mensual incluye un entrenamiento para fortalecer la respuesta comunitaria y los sistemas de apoyo. En esta ocasión, el enfoque será en Respuesta de Emergencia y el Sistema de Comando de Incidentes (ICS), dirigido por John Lukancic.

Si tiene preguntas, por favor contacte a LeShae Hudson, Coordinadora Comunitaria del Gobierno del Municipio de Joliet, al correo LHudson@joliettownship.net.

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

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.

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.

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’s LeShae Hudson to Receive 2024 Empowered Person Empowerment Award

JOLIET, IL – Dec. 9, 2024. Joliet Township Government is proud to announce that LeShae Hudson, MHS, Violence Prevention Council Coordinator (VPCC), will receive the 2024 Empowered Person Empowerment Award at the Community Stakeholders Holiday Breakfast. The event, hosted by Empowered People Church and the Empowerment Center, will take place on December 12, 2024, at the Empowerment Center in Park Forest. This celebration honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Southland community. The Empowerment Center provides vital services to strengthen the community, offering resources related to violence prevention, mental health, youth development, and more. 

LeShae is recognized for her exceptional efforts in building partnerships with the Greater Illinois Violence Prevention organizations. As VPCC for Joliet Township, she has led initiatives like the Racial Equity Impact Assessment League (REIAL), Municipality Tours, and Reimagine Village. 

In addition to this upcoming recognition, LeShae was awarded the Collaborative Excellence in Prevention Award by Prevention First in September 2024. This award acknowledged her leadership and efforts to foster collaboration across organizations working to reduce gun violence and improve community health. 

In response to the January 2024 Romeo Nance incident, LeShae mobilized the coalition to provide critical services and created the Emergency Response Protocol, which helps organizations work together during gun violence incidents. LeShae also coordinates Municipality Tours, where Illinois communities share best practices in violence prevention, and through Reimagine Village, she meets with fellow VPCCs to collaborate across municipalities. 

“An honor should never be received as ‘I’, but always as ‘US’ and ‘WE’!” said LeShae. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work of the many partners who are committed to making our communities safer and more resilient. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made through collaboration and look forward to continuing our efforts to prevent gun violence across Illinois.” 

The 2024 Empowered Person Empowerment Award recognizes LeShae’s leadership in creating lasting partnerships to reduce gun violence and improve community safety. 

For more information about Joliet Township Government’s efforts, visit Joliet Township CVI Council.