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.