Maine Township Continues Success at Annual State Conference

Known for excellence among more than 1,400 townships across Illinois, Maine Township continues to strive to be the best township in the state and was recently honored with multiple awards at the annual conference of Township Officials of Illinois (TOI). This year’s conference was held Nov. 11 – 13 in Springfield. The township received three statewide honors in total.

The MaineStay Youth & Family Services mentoring program won the TOI Mighty Message award for “Best Township Program” and MaineStay Director, Richard Lyon, won “Director of the Year” along with Samantha Lovett who won the “Volunteer Award” for leadership and commitment in the mentoring program. The individual awards were given through the Association of Illinois Township Committees of Youth (AITCOY).

“These awards are tangible evidence of the high quality of service we deliver every day to make the lives of our residents better,” said Laura J. Morask, Supervisor, Maine Township.

MaineStay, which has been serving the mental health needs of the Maine Township community and working with at-risk youth for over 40 years, offers this on-site evening mentoring program at Town Hall in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago.

“Young people need to be surrounded by individuals who love, care, appreciate and accept them,” said Anne Camarano, MaineStay Youth Program Coordinator. “Our mentoring program is designed to help young people develop the skills needed to better deal with life’s challenges.”

Participation is open to students in grades 4-8 who live or attend school in Maine Township. The program, which involves a combination of group activities and one-on-one time with mentors and youth, is designed to help students enhance their social skills, confidence and self-esteem.

“Our highly skilled staff and dedicated volunteers are the true value of the program,” said Director Lyon.

For more information about MaineStay or to volunteer with the mentoring program, call 847-297-2510, stop by Town Hall at 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge or visit www.mainetown.com to explore all the resources and services available to residents.

Caption 1:

Singled out from among more than 1,400 townships across Illinois, Maine Township staff members, volunteers and programs were recognized with three awards at the annual conference of the Township Officials of Illinois (TOI). This photo features (front row, left to right) Anne Camarano, Samantha Lovett, Richard Lyon at Town Hall with Maine Township elected officials.

Caption 2:

Township Supervisor, Laura J. Morask has the honor of presenting the TOI “Volunteer Award” to Samantha Lovett at Town Hall.