Joliet Township Government joins national violence prevention network visit to White House

Joliet Township Government joins national violence prevention network visit to White House

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On May 22, 2024, Supervisor Angel Contreras and Peace Over Violence Director Keshia Ellis of Joliet Township Government joined other members of the National Offices of Violence Prevention Network (NOVPN) by participating in an event hosted by the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention focused on community violence intervention and collaborative work to build an ecosystem of Offices of Violence Prevention (OVPs) to keep our communities safe. 

OVPs, also known as offices of neighborhood safety and other names, are premised on the notion that community safety should not be the exclusive province of policing and the criminal justice system. Charged with addressing public safety through the lens of public health, OVPs typically focus on the application of community-based strategies to intervene in or prevent violence for those at highest risk of engaging in or being the victim of gun violence.  

Joliet Township Government’s Violence Prevention Program includes Peace Over Violence (POV), a comprehensive program focused on reducing incidents of gun violence through case management, street outreach, and victim advocacy. Operating out of the Joliet Township Ozzie and Peggy Mitchell Center (formerly Peter Claver), POV is located at 172 S. Chicago, Joliet, Illinois 60432. Joliet Township Government’s Violence Prevention program also offers trauma-informed behavioral health services to aid those suffering in our community. The third component of the Violence Prevention Program is the Racial Equity Impact Assessment League (REIAL). Comprising community leaders, the league meets monthly to discuss collaborative opportunities that positively impact the community, coordinate emergency community engagement efforts, and assess the implementation of violence prevention programs. 

Numerous local and state governments have recently established OVPs in response to nationwide surges in violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with this momentum, in September 2023, President Biden established the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention to reduce gun violence and implement and expand upon key executive and legislative action which has been taken to save lives. This White House gathering of NOVPN members from more than 40 jurisdictions represents an exciting next step in President Biden’s commitment to ending gun violence in our country. 

Joliet Township Government Supervisor Angel Contreras said, “I’m very proud of the work our violence prevention team on the ground is doing in the Joliet area. Their commitment and passion often go unnoticed, but their impact is profound, shaping our community for the better. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity extended to us by the White House to participate in the NOVPN initiative. This recognition underscores the significance of our work. We look forward to increased funding to elevate our efforts, ensuring the continued support of our community, its initiatives, and organizations, all viewed through the critical lens of public health investment.”  

Peace Over Violence Director Keshia Ellis said, “Visiting the White House in representation of gun violence prevention was nothing short of amazing. The Biden administration is doing an amazing job of tackling the issues that surround gun violence. I am excited about the new funding opportunities, and their abilities to further help impacted individuals.” 

“The NOVPN team is excited to have Network members from across the country join us at the White House in this first of its kind discussion in our nation’s history,” said NOVPN Director Shantay Jackson. “These leaders are at the forefront of their local jurisdictions, working tirelessly with their communities and partner agencies in the reduction of gun violence and, as we head into the summer months, this conversation is necessary, timely, and invaluable.” 

Joliet Township Government and City of Joliet Forge Historic Partnership for African American Context Study

Joliet, Illinois – February 29, 2024 – Joliet Township Government proudly announces the approval of an intergovernmental agreement between the Township government and the City of Joliet, marking a significant stride forward in the Joliet African American Context Study. This momentous decision was unanimously supported by the Joliet Township Government Board, comprised of Supervisor Angel Contreras and Trustees Tanya Arias, Cesar Escutia, Ray Slattery, and Antione Edwards, during their meeting on February 13, 2024. 

The City of Joliet has received a $21,000 grant for a historic context study focused on African American heritage. The grant will be administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) through an intergovernmental agreement between the Township government and City. 

Under the approved intergovernmental agreement, Joliet Township Government and the City of Joliet will each contribute an additional $20,000 to the project, complementing the grant funds. These funds will be exclusively dedicated to covering project expenses. 

The objectives of the project are comprehensive, aiming to accurately document Black history, confront past racial injustices through historical narratives, identify and preserve historically significant properties related to the Black community, dispel misinformation regarding the Black experience, and safeguard Black voices for future generations. 

A steering committee will be formed, with Joliet Township Government appointing a Township resident, to actively participate in the project’s decision-making processes. 

Additionally, the project will feature public education events, hosted at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, to disseminate findings derived from the context study.  

The grant agreement with IDNR is slated to expire upon the final project report and deliverables’ approval, or by January 31, 2026, unless otherwise extended. 

This collaborative endeavor underscores the commitment of both Joliet Township Government and the City of Joliet to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of African Americans in the region, paving the way for a more inclusive and enlightened community.  

Free Tax Preparation with Joliet Township Government’s VITA Program for Qualifying Individuals

Tax season is upon us, and Joliet Township Government is excited to offer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the third consecutive season, in partnership with the Will County Center for Community Concerns. Qualifying individuals can get their taxes prepared for free.  Understanding that tax preparation can be daunting, Joliet Township’s VITA program aims to make it easy and accessible for those in need. To qualify for this invaluable service, individuals must meet the following criteria: 
  • Income Limit: The program is available to individuals with a total income of less than $60,000. 
  • Residency: There are no residency restrictions. Individuals from any town, county, or region are welcome to participate. 
  • Seniors: The program is free for all seniors, regardless of income level. 
Here’s how individuals can take advantage of this opportunity in just four simple steps: 
  • Pick up Their Tax Packet: Individuals can visit the Joliet Township Government Office located at 175 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432, to collect their tax packet. 
  • Complete the Intake Form: They can fill out the intake form and submit it along with their tax documents in the provided packet. The completed packet should be returned to the designated location. 
  • Sit Back While Their Taxes Are Prepared: The team will meticulously review their documents and prepare their taxes. Once done, individuals will be contacted for a review. 
  • Review and Sign Electronically: Upon completion, individuals will review and sign their prepared returns, at which time they will be filed electronically. If eligible, they can expect their refund via direct deposit within 7-10 business days. 
For assistance or inquiries, individuals can contact Patricia Venziano at 815-726-4781 ext. 301 for English assistance and Alejandra Zamudio at 815-726-4781 ext. 304 for Spanish assistance. Interested individuals may also walk into the Joliet Township Government Office at 175 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432, or visit Joliet Township’s website to learn more.