JOLIET— The Will County Board recently voted unanimously to increase funding for the Children’s Advocacy Center. The funding comes from a grant the center received from the Department of Justice, called the The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant. The grant will go into effect for the FY2017 budget.
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“The Children’s Advocacy Center’s work is essential, and we were more than happy to approve further funds for its good work,” said Will County Board minority leader Herb Brooks (D-Joliet). “As a member on the Children’s Advocacy Center’s board, I know that every penny is well spent on programs for children that need help.”
 
The Children’s Advocacy Center was awarded $151,204 through the VOCA Grant. Both Brooks and Will County Board Member Mike Fricilone (R-Homer Glen) sit on the Children’s Advocacy Center’s board.
 
“Children, especially those that have experienced some sort of trauma, sometimes don’t know how to express what they need and seek help,” said Fricilone. “That’s why the Center’s work is so important. It gives a voice to those who need it most.”
 
The Children’s Advocacy Center is a nonprofit that works with children who have been sexually or physically abused, or who have witnessed a violent crime. Each year, the Center serves more than 450 new children. It was first opened in 1995.
 
“These additional funds will allow the Children's Advocacy Center to expand critical  services for sexually abused children throughout Will County who turn to us for hope, healing, justice,” said State's Attorney Jim Glasgow, who founded the Center in 1995 and chairs its Board of Directors. “I would like to thank the Board for its approval and continuous support of our mission.”

​JOLIET— After hearing safety concerns from residents about traffic flow on Weber Road, the Will County Board has voted to support a temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Weber Road and South Carillon Drive.  Weber Road is one of the busiest highways in the County and is slated for construction projects in 2018.  

JOLIET— Will County Board Speaker Jim Moustis (R-Frankfort) and Minority Leader Herb Brooks (D-Joliet) congratulated the Will County Veteran's Assistance Commission (VAC) on its role in helping to eliminate homelessness among veterans in the county.
 
"There are a number of resources out there for veterans, but the VAC is where most veterans go for help first," said Moustis. "The VAC has made it possible for Will County to make sure each and every veteran has a place to stay. They're the real boots on the ground."
 
Earlier this summer, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed that the Will County Continuum of Care had effectively eliminated veteran homelessness in the county.
 
The VAC, which was first established by the Will County Board in 1991, works closely with the Continuum of Care, as well as a number of other organizations, to assist veterans. The VAC is a separate County Governmental Agency operated by and for veterans. The Will County Board allocates a portion of its budget each year to fund the VAC.
 
"Veterans deserve the utmost respect for their service to our county," said Brooks. "I'm extremely proud of the VAC's work and know they will keep up the hard work."

JOLIET— Members of the Will County Board toured the new Public Safety Complex today as the building enters its final phases of construction. Construction is slated for completion in December, and some offices will move into the building as soon as September 1, 2017.
 
“It’s exciting to see the building take shape after so many months of planning and deliberation,” said Ray Tuminello (R-New Lenox), Chair of the Capital Improvements Committee. “Everyone has been working hard and is eager to see the Complex open in December.”

JOLIET— Will County Board members from District 7 will host an informational session on Opium Awareness and Suicide Prevention on Thursday, August 31. Dr. Kathleen Burke, Will County's director of Substance Use Initiatives, will lead the session at Homer Township Public Library, starting at 6:30 p.m. The session is open to the public.
 
"Opioid abuse is a national crisis affecting people across the country, including here in Will County," said District 7 representative Steve Balich (R-Homer Glen). "Hopefully through discussions like this one people will learn how to spot addiction and learn what to do if they need help."
 
The Will County Board recently approved the second year of funding from a grant from a five-year grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) to fight opioid addiction. Will County hired Dr. Kathleen Burke earlier this year as the director of Substance Use Initiatives to assist with coordinating programs associated with the grant.
 
"Dr. Burke is extremely knowledgeable and a great resource for the County," said Mike Fricilone (R-Homer Glen), also of District 7. "I encourage anyone with questions or concerns about opioid addiction or suicide prevention to come on out. Help us by attending our event. Every life matters."