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)...

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory provides compassion

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory provides compassionate funeral and cremation services to families throughout Will, Grundy, and Kendall Counties in Illinois. With a deep commitment to supporting the community, the funeral home serves as a trusted partner for those navigating the loss of a loved one across the region and beyond. As an approved airline transportation specialist, they also facilitate nationwide and global funeral services with professional care. Beyond traditional funeral arrangements, the firm specializes in comprehensive preplanning and aftercare support. They offer an extensive online grief resource library developed in partnership with Dr. Alan Wolfelt, providing families with practical tools for healing. Additionally, the team actively engages in community outreach by offering public speaking services and specialized programs designed to support individuals and groups through the grieving process. Families can expect a personalized approach that prioritizes emotional well-being and meaningful remembrance. By combining professional funeral direction with ongoing educational resources, Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory ensures that every family receives the guidance and understanding necessary during their most difficult times.

John Ferak

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Joliet

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory provides compassionate funeral and cremation services to families throughout Will, Grundy, and Kendall...

New Leadership at Visiting Angels Plainfield

Visiting Angels Plainfield

A Life-Saving Legacy: Justin Settle Takes Ownership of Visiting Angels Plainfield For Immediate Release Plainfield, IL — Justin Settle, through Settle Healthcare LLC, is proud to announce the official acquisition of Visiting Angels Plainfield, effective February 13, 2026. While the transition marks a change in leadership, it is rooted in a recent event that defines the agency’s core mission: the relentless protection of the seniors they serve. Shortly before the closing, a situation unfolded that highlighted why this agency is a pillar of the community. Pat Verlee, the former owner, observed a client’s condition and strongly urged the daughter-in-law to take the mother-in-law to the Emergency Room. Despite the family’s hesitation, Pat’s insistence prevailed. At the hospital, doctors discovered two aneurysms. Because of that clinical intuition and persistent care, a life was saved. "This acquisition feels like it was meant to be," said Justin Settle, the new owner of Visiting Angels Plainfield. "The story of Pat saving that client’s life is the real heart of this organization. It extends far beyond financials or tax returns; it’s about the profound impact we have on families when they are most vulnerable. I am honored to carry that torch forward." Justin Settle brings extensive experience from the biopharmaceutical sector to the role, where he has spent years managing specialty accounts and focusing on patient outcomes. Under his leadership, the agency will continue to provide top-tier non-medical home care, including companion care and specialized support, while maintaining the "eagle-eyed" vigilance that saved a life this year. About Visiting Angels Plainfield: Located at 24014 W Renwick Rd, Ste 100, Visiting Angels Plainfield provides essential living assistance services to seniors in Plainfield, Joliet, and surrounding areas. The agency is dedicated to helping seniors maintain their independence and dignity in the comfort of their own homes.

Emily Rosca

Plainfield

A Life-Saving Legacy: Justin Settle Takes Ownership of Visiting Angels Plainfield For Immediate Release Plainfield, IL — Justin Settle, through...

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....

SHOREWOOD, IL - A 30-year-old woman from Joliet was charged with retail theft after Shorewood police said she stole several items from the Mariano's in the village on Tuesday. Police charged Amanda L. Schwartz with aggravated battery and retail theft after an alleged incident at the store at 950 Brookfest Avenue at 10:48 a.m. on Dec. 5. Schwartz was arrested after officers responded to a theft of formula, laundry detergent, white strips and other miscellaneous items. Patch file photo via John Ferak

SHOREWOOD, IL - A 30-year-old woman from Joliet was charged with retail theft after Shorewood police said she stole several items from the Mariano's in the village on Tuesday.

Police charged Amanda L. Schwartz with aggravated battery and retail theft after an alleged incident at the store at 950 Brookfest Avenue at 10:48 a.m. on Dec. 5. Schwartz was arrested after officers responded to a theft of formula, laundry detergent, white strips and other miscellaneous items.

Patch file photo via John Ferak

Retail Theft At Mariano's

Shorewood police say a Joliet woman stole multiple items from the Mariano's on Brookfest Avenue. 

Woman Accused Of Stealing From Shorewood Mariano's

Crime & Safety

Channahon-Minooka

Andrea Earnest

Homer Glen-Lockport

Romeoville

Lauren Traut

New Lenox

Bolingbrook

Manhattan

Kendall County

Oswego

Yorkville

Forest Preserve District of Will County, Sugar Creek Administration Center

The Forest Preserve District of Will County's fall <a href="https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/be-a-trailblazer-campaign" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Be a Trailblazer</a> experience is underway!
The first mission drop landed on Wednesday, Sept. 23, and the second will come during the week of Nov. 1.
Each drop includes a combination of GPS-based missions in preserves, photo missions and trivia questions. Some photo missions must be completed at specific locations, while others can be done anywhere outdoors.
Missions will be sprinkled across more than a dozen locations.
The fall session of Be a Trailblazer runs through Saturday, Dec. 12. To join, download the free Goosechase app to your smartphone and search for 2026 Be a Trailblazer or enter the code JYBKK4.
Prize pool
Participants are randomly selected to receive prizes funded by <a href="https://www.willcountynature.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Nature Foundation of Will County</a> and donated by more than 30 local businesses. Nearly 200 prizes worth more than $15,000 will be awarded during the 2026 challenge.
Foundation-funded items include a Fitbit Charge 6, Yeti Roadie 48 cooler and Bonfire 19-inch Solo Stove. 
Donated items include bird-feeding prize packs from Wild Birds Unlimited in Joliet, gift cards from West52 BBQ in Shorewood, wine from Goat &amp; Vine Restaurant and Winery, and golf passes from Prairie Bluff Golf Club in Crest Hill and X-Golf in Shorewood.
For more information, visit <a href="https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">ReconnectWithNature.org</a>.

Local Event: Explore Nature: Join the Be a Trailblazer Experience

Explore Nature: Join the Be a Trailblazer...

The Forest Preserve District of Will County's fall Be a Trailblazer experience is underway!
The first mission drop landed on...

Explore Nature: Join the Be a Trailblazer Experience

Settlers' Park

Join us for an unforgettable festival experience right here in Plainfield!

MUSIC . FOOD . DRINKS . ARTHead on over to <a href="https://www.thegreatgettogether.com/?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeH5-EuOkurzCbl7eH_pgaDu-oLo85-8ZhROYve5MGogfJCdiu-vn8ptVjml8_aem_-PKqOidDepSVyhntHb6q0w" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.thegreatgettogether.com</a> to check it out!Saturday October 3, 2026 from 12-10pm Settlers' Park, Plainfield IL<ul><li>6 Bands</li><li>Beer &amp;&nbsp;Wine</li><li>Delicious Food</li><li>Arts Vendors and Immersive Experiences</li></ul>The Great Get Together Music &amp; Arts Festival exists to unite the Plainfield community through the transformative power of music and the arts. Our mission is to celebrate local creativity, foster cultural connection, and create an inclusive space where artists, performers, and neighbors come together on common ground.$10 TICKETS: <a href="https://thegreatgettogether.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">thegreatgettogether.com/</a>

Local Event: The Great Get Together Music & Arts Festival

The Great Get Together Music & Arts Festival

Join us for an unforgettable festival experience right here in Plainfield!

MUSIC . FOOD . DRINKS . ARTHead on over to...

Across Illinois

Rain, Storm Chances Begin Mid-Week For Chicago...

Dense fog will start the week on Monday, before dry conditions on Monday and Tuesday turn to rain by Wednesday.

Rain, Storm Chances Begin Mid-Week For Chicago Area

Weather

🌱 Patch AM: Man and Gull A Complex Relationship...

Be sure to catch Explore Nature: Join the Be a Trailblazer Experience on the Shorewood Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Man and Gull A Complex Relationship and 13 more events

Community Corner

Ta Canijo Family Reveals Tacos R Us On Route 6...

To everyone who came through McDonough St over the last 10 years, thank you.

Ta Canijo Family Reveals Tacos R Us On Route 6 Has Served Its Last Taco

Restaurants & Bars

Also, don’t miss Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame Induction  on the Shorewood Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Man and Gull A Complex Relationship and 12 more events

🌱 Patch AM: Tour Channahon's Premier 55+...

Spotted on the Shorewood calendar: Multi-vendor Yard Sale/Flea Market 

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Crime & Safety

Woman Accused Of Stealing From Shorewood Mariano's

Shorewood police say a Joliet woman stole multiple items from the Mariano's on Brookfest Avenue.

Tim Moran, Patch Staff

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

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

More from Shorewood

Obituary: Joseph W. Rainford

obituary: Mary Ellen Mitchell

Obituary: Shirley Jeanette Evans Lang

Explore Nature: Join the Be a Trailblazer Experience

The Great Get Together Music & Arts Festival

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory

Visiting Angels Plainfield

Will County Children's Advocacy Center

Timbers of Shorewood

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Woman Accused Of Stealing From Shorewood Mariano's

Shorewood police say a Joliet woman stole multiple items from the Mariano's on Brookfest Avenue.

Tim Moran, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles-module-scss-module__AKw7-a__Badge" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

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

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

Tim Moran, Patch Staff