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. 

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.