Joliet Township Government partners with American Red Cross to host community blood drive

Joliet, IL — July 25, 2024  — Joliet Township Government will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Building Community Room, located on 172 S Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60433. As a token of appreciation for their contributions, donors will receive up to $40 in gift cards for their blood donations. 

For more information or to make an appointment to donate, call Call 1-800-RED CROSS or sign up online at redcrossblood.org with sponsor code joliettown. 

“Joliet Township Government is committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations,” said Keshia Ellis, Violence Prevention Director of Joliet Township Government. “This blood drive is our way of giving staff, colleagues and neighbors an opportunity to help save lives.” 

Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross. 

“We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs. There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life.” 

According to the Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. 

New Services and Accomplishments Highlighted in Joliet Township Government’s Summer Newsletter

JOLIET, IL – July 24, 2024 – The Joliet Township Government has issued its Summer Quarterly Newsletter, detailing recent developments and initiatives within the township. Key updates include: 

White House Invitation: The Joliet Township Government recently participated in a national network on violence prevention at the invitation of the White House. This invitation acknowledges the township’s commitment to enhancing community safety through effective violence prevention strategies. 

Forest Park Community Center Acquisition: The township is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Forest Park Community Center. This facility will serve as the operational base for the transportation and behavioral health teams, facilitating the delivery of critical services to the community. 

Transportation Services: The Transportation Department continues to provide essential services to senior and disabled residents, with ongoing collaborations with agencies in the Joliet area. The demand for these services remains high, highlighting their importance in ensuring residents have access to reliable transportation. Some of our agency partners include: 

  • Greater Joliet Area YMCA 
  • Holsten Human Capital Development 
  • Will-Grundy Medical Center 

Ongoing Resident Services: The township offers a range of services, including senior services, general assistance, a medical loan closet, and animal control. The staff is dedicated to delivering these services efficiently and effectively, supporting the community’s diverse needs. 

Supervisor Alicia Morales stated, “We remain focused on improving the quality of life for all residents of Joliet Township. The community’s continued support and involvement are crucial to our success, and we value the trust placed in us.” 

For more detailed information on these updates and other news, residents are encouraged to read the full Summer Quarterly Newsletter available on the official website: Joliet Township Summer Newsletter 2024. 

Alicia Morales Appointed as First Latina Supervisor of Joliet Township Government

Alicia Morales, Joliet Township Government Supervisor, holding flowers, standing between the American flag and the Joliet Township flag

Joliet, IL – July 16, 2024 – The Joliet Township Board of Trustees is proud to announce the appointment of Alicia Morales as the first Latina Supervisor of Joliet Township Government, effective July 16, 2024. Alicia Morales brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and dedication to her new role, marking a historic milestone in our community’s governance. 

Morales is a lifelong resident of Joliet and Will County, deeply rooted in our community’s fabric. She holds a degree from Joliet Junior College and an MBA from the University of St. Francis. Morales’s commitment to education and community service is evident through her career as a licensed bilingual teacher and her current role as Vice Chairwoman of the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees. 

In addition to her contributions in education, Alicia Morales is an accomplished entrepreneur, having founded her own Allstate Insurance agency in 2020, where she assists clients in protecting their investments. 

Alicia Morales had been serving as Joliet Township Government Clerk since 2021. During her tenure as Clerk of Joliet Township, Joliet Township Government has expanded through numerous initiatives that have significantly enhanced our community. Key accomplishments include: 

  • Expansion of programs and services 
  • Community Violence Intervention (CVI) initiatives 
  • CVI Council 
  • CVI Services: Victim Advocacy, Case Management & Outreach 
  • CVI Behavioral Health and wrap-around services 
  • Transportation Department that offers rides to senior residents, residents with disabilities, and for partner agency clients. 
  • VITA tax preparation helping low-income residents and senior residents with free income tax preparation services. 
  • Summer internship program since 2022 
  • Availability of free notary services more than doubled 
  • Ensured Senior Tax Levy funds distributed to diverse senior clubs  
  • Acquisition of Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center (formerly Peter Claver Center) in 2022 
  • Acquisition of Forest Park Community Center in 2024 

These were accomplished through additional funding awarded through state and federal grants over the last two years totaling $3,783,190, not through increasing taxes on local taxpayers. 

Morales said, “I am excited to continue the work that this administration has started. The foundation of all our programs has been established. I’m ready to see them through with our team to fruition in serving our Township residents.”  

With Alicia Morales transitioning to the role of Supervisor, the position of Joliet Township Clerk is now vacant. We invite all interested and qualified individuals to apply for this important role. Application details and forms can be found on our website https://www.joliettownship.net/public-info/board-vacancy/. The deadline for applications is Friday, August 2, 2024.