Orland Township: A Community That Cares, A Future to Protect

By Joan Smith, Orland Park Resident

I was born and raised in Orland Park, and if there’s one thing I’ve always known, it’s that this is a community where people take care of each other. People stay here for generations not just because it’s home, but because they feel supported. And a huge part of that is because of Orland Township.

When I think about the township, I think about everything it does to bring people together. Seniors are active and engaged, families have support when they need it, and the services are there for anyone facing a tough time. That kind of support doesn’t just happen—it takes real commitment.

During COVID, I saw firsthand what it means to have a township that truly cares. While some places struggled to organize, Orland Township stepped up. Seniors were prioritized for vaccines, families received the help they needed, and no one was left wondering where to turn. Whether it was food assistance, social connection, or simply knowing that someone was looking out for you—it made all the difference.

As we head into this election, I can’t help but think about how easy it is to take all of this for granted. We’ve seen other townships lose funding, struggle to maintain services, or simply stop providing the level of care their residents deserve. That hasn’t happened here because we’ve had leadership that understands how to keep things running and how to put people first.
I’ve personally benefited from these programs. I’ve used the food and pet pantry when times were tough, I’ve attended senior events that keep me connected, and I know I can rely on the services Orland Township provides. And I want to make sure they remain in place for everyone who needs them.

That’s why I care about this election—not because of politics but because of the people in this community. The services we count on don’t continue on their own. It takes leadership that understands how to sustain them, improve them, and ensure they’re there for the next person who needs them.

I’ll be voting for Supervisor Paul O’Grady and the Orland Township Together team because I trust them to keep our community strong. I hope every resident takes a moment to think about the role these services play in their own lives and in the lives of their neighbors.

The work that has been done here matters. And it’s worth protecting.