Hope, healing & justice for abused children.

Will County Children's Advocacy Center

The Will County Children's Advocacy Center was founded in 1995 by State's Attorney James Glasgow to partner with multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) comprised of law enforcement, DCFS investigators, medical personnel, prosecutors, and Will County CAC forensic interviewers, family advocates, and trauma therapists in response to reports of severe physical abuse, sexual abuse, commercial exploitation, neglect, and exposure to violence of children, in Will County, IL. Our Will County CAC intake/MDT coordinator, forensic interviewers, family advocates, and trauma therapists provide the following services: * Forensic Interviews: After a child is referred to the Will County CAC by law enforcement or the IL Dept. of Family Services (DCFS), our Intake Coordinator schedules a forensic interview for the child. One of our 4 forensic interviewers listens to the child’s story and asks non-leading, developmentally-appropriate questions as the child talks about the trauma he/she has experienced. Law enforcement, prosecution, DCFS, and mental health professionals observe the interview from a separate room. This reduces trauma for the child and provides a stronger foundation if the case goes to court. * Family Advocacy: Our family advocates are committed to helping each family navigate the complex systems that a family enters when a child makes an outcry of abuse. As each case goes through the investigation, prosecution and healing process, the team is there to help the family understand the process, learn about their rights and successfully access resources that will help their family during crisis. * Trauma-Focused Therapy: Our team of licensed clinical social workers provide short-term, trauma informed therapy to children who have received a forensic interview. Since child abuse affects the whole family, the services are available at no cost to both the child and their non-offending family members. Individual and group therapy is offered in English and Spanish.

Will County

Will

Crest Hill

Illinois

The Will County Children's Advocacy Center was founded in 1995 by State's Attorney James Glasgow to partner with multidisciplinary teams (MDTs)...

Become a Volunteer Meal Driver: Just 2 Hours a Week

Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois

For thousands of older adults across Illinois, a knock at the door is more than just a food delivery—it is a vital lifeline. At Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois (MOWFNI), we are dedicated to helping our senior neighbors live independently, safely, and with dignity in the homes they love. We achieve this through nutritious food, wellness checks, and the power of human connection, but we cannot do it alone. The Power of Our Volunteers Our volunteers are the heartbeat of MOWFNI. If you have just two hours a week to spare, you can make a profound difference. Delivering meals fits seamlessly into a midday routine or lunch break. As a volunteer driver, you do far more than hand over a meal; you provide a friendly smile, a warm conversation, and a crucial safety check for a senior who might not see anyone else that day. We offer flexible scheduling that allows you to volunteer weekly, monthly, or as part of a team with coworkers or friends. Our Core Programs: Home-Delivered Meals: We provide hot, medically tailored, and nutritious meals delivered directly to the doorsteps of those who cannot cook or shop for themselves. Community Cafes: Beyond home delivery, our vibrant Community Cafes offer a welcoming space for active older adults to gather, enjoy a delicious lunch, socialize, and build meaningful friendships that combat senior isolation. Make a Local Impact Today When you support or volunteer with MOWFNI, you are directly investing in the health and happiness of older adults right here in our neighborhood. Whether you are looking to give back during retirement, connect with your community, or get your local business involved in a meaningful cause, there is a place for you in our volunteer family. Join us in delivering more than a meal. Visit mowfni.org/volunteer-sign-up to fill out a brief volunteer application, or call us today to learn how you can start changing lives—one hour, one smile, and one senior at a time.

Andrea Earnest

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Bolingbrook

For thousands of older adults across Illinois, a knock at the door is more than just a food delivery—it is a vital lifeline. At Meals on Wheels for...

Naperville’s Own Award-Winning Auto & Work Injury Advocates

Marker Law, LLC

Marker Law proudly serves Naperville and the greater Chicagoland area, providing experienced, results-driven representation in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Founded by attorney Jason Marker, the firm is built on a simple mission: to stand up for injured individuals and guide them through difficult moments with clarity, compassion, and strength. What sets Marker Law apart is its hands-on, client-first approach. Every client works directly with an experienced attorney from start to finish, receiving clear guidance, honest communication, and personalized attention—never left wondering what comes next. While no one can undo the harm caused by an accident, Marker Law is committed to securing maximum financial recovery while helping clients access medical care and return to normalcy. As Mr. Marker says, “We are in the business of putting lives back together.” The firm understands recovery is both physical and financial, helping connect clients with trusted medical providers—even without insurance or immediate resources—so they can focus on healing while the legal team handles the case. With over 25 years of experience, Jason Marker brings valuable insight from his early career representing insurance companies. He now uses that knowledge to anticipate defense strategies and fight for maximum results. The firm has recovered millions for clients and maintains a 97% win rate. Marker Law handles car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, workplace injuries, slip and falls, and other negligence claims. The firm is well known among insurance companies, defense attorneys, and judges. In 2023, Mr. Marker received the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, recognizing the highest level of professional excellence. Consultations are free, and there are no fees unless compensation is recovered. Call 33-INJURED or visit Marker Law on social media to learn more.

DuPage County

Lisa Marie Farver

Naperville

Marker Law proudly serves Naperville and the greater Chicagoland area, providing experienced, results-driven representation in personal injury and...

Kobi's Massage Therapist 

Joliet Spring Massage Special: Release Winter Tension &amp; Reset Your Body Spring Reset for Your Body 🌿 Release. Restore. Realign. Winter tension doesn’t belong in your body anymore. Step into spring feeling lighter, looser, and recharged.Spring Renewal Massage Special ✨ 120 Minutes – $140 (Regular $175) New Clients Welcome! Your body has been carrying stress, tightness, and fatigue all winter long. This season, give yourself permission to reset. ✔ Relieve muscle tension ✔ Improve circulation ✔ Boost energy &amp; mood ✔ Reconnect with your body This isn’t just a massage — it’s your spring reset. Appointments Available for Joliet residents &amp; Surrounding Areas 👉 Book Now: https://www.massagebook.com/KMT/massage/deals/New-Client-Special/186056 📅 Limited Spring Availability

John Ferak

Joliet

Joliet Spring Massage Special: Release Winter Tension & Reset Your Body Spring Reset for Your Body 🌿 Release. Restore. Realign. Winter tension...

Compassionate Funeral Service and Cremation Provider

Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory

Our staff is here to help you through a difficult time and to help ease the burden of a stressful situation. We are knowledgeable in every aspect of funeral services, including the different types of burial, cremation, memorial services and life celebrations. Our philosophy is to honor you and your family with compassion and respect, and provide comfort and care during a difficult time.

Our staff is here to help you through a difficult time and to help ease the burden of a stressful situation. We are knowledgeable in every aspect...

Voted Best Senior Care Community in Will County for 4 Years!

Timbers of Shorewood

For the fourth consecutive year, the Timbers of Shorewood has been voted "Best Senior Care Community in Will County" by readers of the Herald-News. In addition, The community has been recognized with the “Best Independent Living Award” and the “Best Assisted Living Award” in U.S. News &amp; World Report’s 2026 Best Senior Living ratings. The Timbers of Shorewood is an award-winning rental retirement community which provides senior independent living and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Residents whose needs may change are able to stay in the same place and receive appropriate and compassionate care. Senior Living Designed for seniors who want to live independently in an active community with freedom, choices and security. Leave the burdens of household maintenance behind and enjoy a fulfilling life. Assisted Living Assisted Living is for seniors whose needs have changed. Residents enjoy living in a safe and secure community with supportive care specifically designed to meet their personal needs. Short-Term Stay A Short-Term Stay or Respite is a great way to sample life in our community. Stay in a fully furnished apartment and enjoy retirement living anywhere from a weekend to a month, or longer. Senior Living Awards - Best Independent Living Award – U.S. News &amp; World Report (2026 - 2025) - Best Assisted Living Award – U.S. News &amp; World Report (2026) - Best Senior Care Facility in Will County – Herald-News’ Readers’ Choice (Four-Years Running 2025 - 2022) - Best of Senior Living – National Senior Living Placement Service (2025) - Best of Senior Living – National Senior Living Placement Service (All Star) (2024) - Most Friendly in Senior Living – National Senior Living Placement Service (2023) - Best of Senior Living – National Senior Living Placement Service (2023)

Shorewood

For the fourth consecutive year, the Timbers of Shorewood has been voted "Best Senior Care Community in Will County" by readers of the Herald-News....

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Police Department has announced that they are no longer seeking the community's help in finding a missing teenager because she has been found safely. Fifteen-year-old Claudia Contreras was last seen around 8:30 p.m. Nov. 30 in the 200 block of Ross Street."Missing juvenile has been located. Thank you for your assistance," police said.

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Police Department has announced that they are no longer seeking the community's help in finding a missing teenager because she has been found safely. Fifteen-year-old Claudia Contreras was last seen around 8:30 p.m. Nov. 30 in the 200 block of Ross Street.

"Missing juvenile has been located. Thank you for your assistance," police said.

Joliet Teen Claudia Contreras Found Safe: Police 

Joliet police were trying to get the word out in hopes of finding the 15-year-old girl who has been missing since Nov. 30.

Crime & Safety

Homer Glen-Lockport

Lauren Traut

New Lenox

Channahon-Minooka

Emily Rosca

Plainfield

Romeoville

Manhattan

Mokena

Cook County

Lemont

Parks Place, 102 South IL RT. 53-Gardner, IL (I-55 Exit #227, next to Casey's)

The
celebration of our Nation's 250th
Birthday
is truly an historic moment in time. On Sunday July 5th come make our
Gardner Flea
Market
part of your
Independence Day weekend. A
wide variety of items
will
be for
sale at
Parks Place in Gardner from 9AM until 3PM. The easy to find Gardner
location is 102 South
IL Rt. 53, one block east of I-55 (Exit
#227),
next to Casey’s.
Vendor setup is 8AM, and the vendor fee is $15.
If
you would like to be a vendor in Gardner
this coming Sunday, or at any of our upcoming
Junk in the Trunk Morris events,
simply arrive at 8AM, pay the $15 vendor fee and take an available
spot. New
vendors are always welcome and reservations are not required. Junk in
the Trunk Morris is a charitable fundraiser, and proceeds from vendor
fees received at the Gardner event on July 5th

will
benefit the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Center of Minooka. For
additional information and
vendor rules,
visit Junk in the Trunk Morris on Facebook. You
can also
contact event manager George Bennett, <a href="mailto:morrissale@yahoo.com">morrissale@yahoo.com</a>
or
630-319-0289.

Local Event: July 5th Flea Market in Gardner

July 5th Flea Market in Gardner


The
celebration of our Nation's 250th
Birthday
is truly an historic moment in time. On Sunday July 5th come make our
Gardner...

Will County and the City of Joliet are teaming up with the Joliet Slammers to host Water Conservation Night on Tuesday, July 7, 2026! Gates open at 5:35 PM, and the baseball game versus the Mississippi Mud Monsters starts at 6:35 PM at Duly Health and Care Field in downtown Joliet.
Collect water conservation-themed baseball cards and enjoy fun, family-friendly water conservation activities and giveaways on the concourse. Learn easy ways to save water at home, and <a href="https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=UvewcEJyl0G5jiv1DP3J154EUKzzRYhCjj_i18QFfPNURVpURFpWOVdNNEE3TzI2RFYzRERZWElMSS4u" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">fill out a water pledge at the game</a> for a chance to win a rain barrel or water conservation kit. (Winners must be present at the game to collect their prizes.)
Tickets between $9 and $22 are available at the Joliet Slammers' will call (1 Mayor Art Schultz Drive, Joliet) or <a href="https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new//BuyNew.asp?EventID=356185#" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">online on the Joliet Slammers website</a>.&nbsp;
Many thanks to our partners joining us for the game!
<ul><li><a href="https://www.cityoflockport.net/937/BLOOM-Lockport" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #0063ff;">Bloom Lockport</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gpwc-il.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #0063ff;">Grand Prairie Water Commission</a></li><li><a href="https://ilenviro.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #0063ff;">Illinois Environmental Council</a></li><li><a href="https://epa.illinois.gov/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #0063ff;" target="_blank">Illinois Environmental Protection Agency</a></li><li style="outline: #73a9ff solid 0.8px !important;"><a href="https://www.isawwa.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association</a></li><li><a href="https://mayorscaucus.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Metropolitan Mayors Caucus</a></li><li><a href="https://extension.illinois.edu/mg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners</a></li><li><a href="https://willcounty.wildones.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Will County Wild Ones</a> </li></ul>Water conservation is a grand slam!

Local Event: Water Conservation Night with the Joliet Slammers

Water Conservation Night with the Joliet Slammers

Will County and the City of Joliet are teaming up with the Joliet Slammers to host Water Conservation Night on Tuesday, July 7,...

 25 Springfield Ave, Joliet,

The Joliet Moose Lodge 300 is celebrating its Grand Reopening with Bingo Night on Thursday, July 9!&nbsp; Doors open at 5 PM, with Early Bird Bingo at 6:15 PM and regular games starting at 6:30 PM. All regular games pay $100, plus jackpot raffles, bonus games, food, drinks, and fun for everyone. The event is open to the public at 25 Springfield Ave., Joliet — come join the excitement and win big!

Local Event: Moose bingo

Moose bingo

The Joliet Moose Lodge 300 is celebrating its Grand Reopening with Bingo Night on Thursday, July 9!  Doors open at 5 PM, with...

The Boat Regatta Bash is back! 
Join us for Cardboard Boat Races, followed by Live Music at Towne Center Park. Not interested in participating? Bring a picnic and a cooler to watch the excitement while staying nice and dry on shore. There will be a kids' water slide and foam party, food trucks, and more!
Please note that boats participating in the Boat Regatta Bash must be made entirely from cardboard and duct tape. Families, neighborhoods, businesses, and non-profit groups are encouraged to enter and sail away with prizes and glory!
Prizes Awarded for the Best Theme, Fastest Time, and Most Spectacular Sink
Boat Races begin at 4:00 pm
Performance by The StingRays 5:30-8:00 pm
Food Trucks:&nbsp; Backdraft BBQ &amp; Catering Flight Deck (The Dock on Front Street) Tacos Before Vatos Banana Pudding Twist

Local Event: Boat Regatta Bash

Boat Regatta Bash


The Boat Regatta Bash is back! 
Join us for Cardboard Boat Races, followed by Live Music at Towne Center Park. Not interested...

New Lenox Soccer Association

The New Lenox Soccer Association's recreational division is the premier rec soccer league in the Lincoln Way area. Our mission is to provide quality soccer instruction and education in a fun filled, positive and supportive environment. The NLSA prides itself on creating a soccer experience where positive coaching, sportsmanship and friendship are paramount. &nbsp;


Teams are coached by dedicated parents that have passed annual background checks, with practices occurring 2 times a week until games begin and then are reduced to once a week. All NLSA recreational games are played on fields located in New Lenox, Illinois, including a special tournament at the new Crossroads Sports Facility! We encourage parents to bring their lawn chairs, sit back and watch their children enjoy the game of soccer.

Local Event: Fall Soccer Registration Closes

Fall Soccer Registration Closes

The New Lenox Soccer Association's recreational division is the premier rec soccer league in the Lincoln Way area. Our mission...

OPA!&nbsp;&nbsp;Come join us for Joliet&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;Fest, presented by All Saints&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;Orthodox Church,&nbsp;102 N Broadway St in&nbsp;Joliet!&nbsp; Saturday,&nbsp;July 18th noon to 9pm and Sunday, July 19th noon to 8 pm!&nbsp; Enjoy traditional&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;food, refreshing cold drinks and&nbsp;slushies,&nbsp;homemade pastries, amazing&nbsp;loukoumades,&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;coffee and frappes,&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;wine and beer, and much more!&nbsp;&nbsp;For the first time we are also offering delicious baklava sundaes!&nbsp;&nbsp;Outdoor and indoor seating is available, and free shuttle service from nearby parking at Bicentennial Park.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mark your calendars, we can't wait to see you!

Local Event: Joliet Greek Fest at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church

Joliet Greek Fest at All Saints Greek Orthodox...

OPA!  Come join us for Joliet Greek Fest, presented by All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 102 N Broadway St in Joliet! ...

Joliet Greek Fest at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church

God be with you or as the Irish would say Dia Duit!! From the lush&nbsp;meadows of its countryside to the cobblestone streets of its cities,&nbsp;there is something to delight the senses everywhere we turn in Ireland.&nbsp;So journey with us to Emerald Crossing: An Irish Adventure Through Psalm&nbsp;23.&nbsp;Every stop along our path will teach us about the Good Shepherd and how&nbsp;he cares for his sheep. Like David discovered throughout his life, first&nbsp;as a shepherd and later as a king, we'll discover important truths such&nbsp;as:








*I can be a child of God and have the Lord as my shepherd.
*I need the Lord to lead me on the right path through His Word.
*I can turn to the Lord for comfort when I'm feeling anxious or afraid.
*I can have an attitude of gratitude in every situation.
*I need to be on the lookout for God's goodness and mercy, my traveling&nbsp;companions through life.

Beauty and adventure await - so grab your work boots and your walking&nbsp;staff and get ready for a grand ol' time at Emerald Crossing!

Local Event: Emerald Crossing VBS @ Faith Bible Church

Emerald Crossing VBS @ Faith Bible Church

God be with you or as the Irish would say Dia Duit!! From the lush meadows of its countryside to the cobblestone streets of its...

Spring Creek Gospel Hall

Embark on an unforgettable journey at The Seeker’s Quest, a FREE one-week Vacation Bible School (VBS) adventure centered on the powerful theme of “Seeking.” Designed for children of all ages, this immersive experience invites participants to discover what it truly means to seek God with all their heart through games, songs, and engaging lessons.
At the end of the week, (Friday) kids will also have a chance to win PRIZES for attending consistently.
AgendaMonday, July 27-Friday, July 31 &nbsp;•&nbsp; 6:30 PM-8 PM
<ul><li>6:30-6:45pm Check-in</li><li>6:45-7pm Singing</li><li>7-7:30pm Bible lesson</li><li>7:30-7:45pm Games</li><li>7:45-8pm Check-out + Snack</li></ul>
The Seeker's Quest VBS is a FREE event open to children ages 6 and up. Children 5 and under are welcome to attend but should be accompanied by an adult. Unfortunately, we do not offer transportation services for this event. If you have additional questions, our volunteers are happy to address them during the event. Alternatively you can reach us by phone or email:
Phone: 779-379-9919 Email: support@springcreekgospelhall.com

Local Event: The Seeker's Quest 2026 VBS

The Seeker's Quest 2026 VBS

Embark on an unforgettable journey at The Seeker’s Quest, a FREE one-week Vacation Bible School (VBS) adventure centered on the...

🌱 Patch AM: Pepper Spray Deployed As Teens Spit...

Make time for July 5th Flea Market in Gardner on the Joliet Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Pepper Spray Deployed As Teens Spit At, Push, Kick Officers During Joliet Fireworks Show Disturbance: JPD

Community Corner

Stay Off DuPage River After Rescue Of Kayakers,...

Rescue crews had to be called out for river rescues on Friday and Saturday.

Stay Off DuPage River After Rescue Of Kayakers, Tubers: Forest Preserve

Pepper Spray Deployed As Teens Spit At, Push,...

Police said some teens also lit off fireworks in the direction of officers and other attendees at Bicentennial Park.

Pepper Spray Deployed As Teens Spit At, Push, Kick Officers During Joliet Fireworks Show Disturbance: JPD

🌱 Patch AM: Route 59 Walmart Fire In Toy Aisle...

Also check out Joliet's America 250 Fireworks Spectacular on the Joliet Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Route 59 Walmart Fire In Toy Aisle Caused By This Man: Joliet Police

Route 59 Walmart Fire In Toy Aisle Caused By...

Plainfield police notified Joliet that he was in custody on an unrelated case. Here's what police said he ate before lighting the fire.

Route 59 Walmart Fire In Toy Aisle Caused By This Man: Joliet Police

Multiple Bomb Threat For Joliet's Hollywood...

Saturday night's caller stated they would be remotely detonated, Joliet police announced. 

Multiple Bomb Threat For Joliet's Hollywood Casino 

Angry Gunman Confronts Homeowner On Ingalls: Cops 

Joliet police say 47-year-old Brian Stuart came to Joliet to confront a homeowner who is acquainted with a woman Stuart knows.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Crime & Safety

Joliet Teen Claudia Contreras Found Safe: Police

Joliet police were trying to get the word out in hopes of finding the 15-year-old girl who has been missing since Nov. 30.

John Ferak, Patch Staff

Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

More from Joliet

Pepper Spray Deployed As Teens Spit At, Push, Kick Officers During Joliet Fireworks Show Disturbance: JPD

Route 59 Walmart Fire In Toy Aisle Caused By This Man: Joliet Police

Obituary: Beverly A. Miklic (nee Zbacnik)

July 5th Flea Market in Gardner

Water Conservation Night with the Joliet Slammers

Moose bingo

Boat Regatta Bash

Fall Soccer Registration Closes

Joliet Greek Fest at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church

Emerald Crossing VBS @ Faith Bible Church

Emerald Crossing VBS @ Faith Bible Church

The Seeker's Quest 2026 VBS

Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois

Marker Law, LLC

Kobi's Massage Therapist

Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory

Will County Children's Advocacy Center

Timbers of Shorewood

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Joliet Teen Claudia Contreras Found Safe: Police

Joliet police were trying to get the word out in hopes of finding the 15-year-old girl who has been missing since Nov. 30.

John Ferak, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles_Badge__np_hU" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

John Ferak, Patch Staff