Lake County State's Attorney's Office hosts victims' rights event

The Lake County State's Attorney's Office hosts a victims' rights event Thursday, April 10, at the College of Lake County, Grayslake Campus, Building C, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The event is in honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 6-12.

"My office is committed to supporting victims. This year's event is designed to be more open to the community as a whole so that we can provide information to the public and help foster an increased awareness of the effects of crime on our victims and our community," Lake County State's Attorney Mike Nerheim said in a news release.

The theme is "30 Years: Restoring the Balance of Justice." The U.S. Department of Justice has made extraordinary advances in the advocacy realm since the passage of the Victims of Crime Act in 1984, the release stated.

The keynote speaker for the Lake County event is Milton Coronado. He is the fourth of 10 children born of Mexican immigrants who experienced the difficulties of life at an early age. In September 2001, his father was murdered. After reeling from this devastating loss and spiraling out of control, Milton regained his footing.

He uses his gift and talent in art to sustain himself financially and to reach out to others. With a diverse palate of watercolors, aerosols, and acrylics, Milton's clients have included the Chicago Office of Special Events, John Marshall School of Law, and McDonald's.

He also uses art to mentor and redirect lives of troubled youth through his Street Art Ministry, which seeks to encourage positive expression through the arts.

The state's attorney's office invites and encourages the community to attend the event. Resource tables from various social service agencies will be present. Victims of all crimes will have the opportunity to receive resource information.

An awards ceremony will be held recognizing professionals from the community. The various awards that will be presented are:

• Law Enforcement: A person or organization in the law enforcement community who performs their duties in a matter that demonstrates respect, care and compassion for victims of crime and their families.

• Justice Award: A person working or volunteering in the criminal justice system whose efforts have furthered or improved the services for victims of crime in Lake County.

• Ruth H. Rosengarden Award: A person or organization who has demonstrated leadership and initiative in the field of victims services and whose efforts demonstrate compassion, commitment, and sensitivity to crime victims and their families.

For more information, contact Sandra Bankston at (847) 377-3000.