Spring Into Adoption: Reduced Fees All April & Special Saturday Hours at JTAC

Joliet Township Animal Control (JTAC) is making it easier for residents to welcome a new pet this spring. Throughout April, adoption fees are reduced to $40 for dogs and $20 for cats to help more animals find loving homes. Medical fees still apply.  

As part of its “Spring Into Adoption Saturdays” initiative, JTAC is extending its hours on select Saturdays—April 5, April 12, April 26, and May 3—from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accommodate families who may not be able to visit during the week.  

Please note, office staff will not be available to assist with other services on these Saturdays, including trap rentals, redemptions, and owner surrenders. For these services, please contact JTAC during regular business hours Monday through Friday. 

Joliet Township Animal Control is normally open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM and Wednesdays from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Joliet Township Animal Control is located at 2807 McDonough Street, Joliet, IL 60436. 

“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to connect more pets with loving families,” said Whitney McGill, Director of Joliet Township Animal Control. “Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start, and we hope these Saturday adoption events will help more animals find the homes they deserve.” 

To help streamline the adoption process, potential adopters are encouraged to visit the JTAC website www.joliettownshipanimalcontrol.net to print and complete an application before attending. Families with current dogs should also bring them for a meet-and-greet with prospective pets, as these introductions are required before finalizing adoptions. 

For more information, email animalcontrol@joliettownship.net or call 815-725-0333. 

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.

Transportation Department Celebrates One Year of Service

Our Transportation Department is celebrating one year of service! March 15 marked one year since the Joliet Township Government’s Transportation Department completed its very first trip!
What started with a single passenger to Family Guidance has now grown into a service completing 200 trips a week, totaling 5,839 completed trips and 72,254.93 miles logged in just one year!
Lead Transportation Coordinator Jacqueline Smith shares:”This incredible growth would not have been possible without the dedication of our staff, the support of township leadership, and the trust of the community we serve. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has played a role in making this program a success. It has been an amazing year, and I’m excited to see how much more we can grow in the future!”
Thank you to our riders and supporters for making this milestone possible! Here’s to another year of service and growth!

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.