Hanover Township named 'Township of the Year'

Hanover Township was presented with the "Township of the Year" Award by the Illinois Township Association of Senior Citizen Services Committees (ITASCSC) during the Board of Trustees meeting on November 2 at the Senior Center.

"While we often hear from residents about their positive experiences with our programs and services, it is nice to receive statewide praise from our peers," said Brian McGuire, Hanover Township Supervisor. "The last year was extremely challenging for many but I am especially proud of our volunteers, officials and staff that adapted our service delivery to ensure programs continued while implementing programs that specifically addressed the public health and safety needs of the community."

When in-person dining for the Senior Center's congregate meal program was suspended during the height of the pandemic, the Township immediately adapted to provide curbside pick-up for residents. The Township's Home Delivered Meal continued without interruption and met the increase in demand from older adults.

To increase socialization and prevent senior isolation, the Township's Aging Services programming team launched dozens of virtual activities last spring. Though the center resumed in-person clubs and activities in June, many virtual programs remain to accommodate residents' comfort level.

The Township's Aging Services Caseworkers shifted to phone and virtual appointments while also meeting residents in-person to assist with accessing benefit programs. In the past year, the Township's mental health therapy program expanded to full-time allowing for seniors to see a licensed therapist at the center at no cost.

Transportation services continued without interruption over last year while safety measures were introduced to provide rides for residents with dialysis and medical appointments as well as grocery shopping.

The Township also hosted a mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the center targeting the most vulnerable seniors in the community as well as coordinating secondary clinics to assist residents with limited language capability, mobility difficulty, or other challenges in obtaining a vaccine.

"Townships in general, especially Senior Services Departments, distinguished themselves over the past year in facing pandemic challenges head-on," said Megan Conway, ITASCSC President. "The association is proud to recognize and honor the outstanding Townships, individuals, and programs that serve older adults of Illinois."

The Illinois Township Association of Senior Citizen Services Committee (ITASCSC) is a division of the Township Officials of Illinois that promotes cooperation, resource, and programming sharing information among Township senior service providers.

Hanover Township serves over 101,000 residents in portions of the Cook County communities of Streamwood, Elgin, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg.