Hanover Township recognized at state conference
Hanover Township received four awards at the annual Township Officials of Illinois conference in Springfield on Nov. 13.
The Illinois Township Association of General Assistance Case Workers presented Hanover with the Township of the Year Award for launching several new programs in 2024, including the Home Emergency Response Program.
In operation 24 hours per day, the program works with local police and fire departments to assist residents experiencing housing insecurity following an emergency.
The association also lauded the township’s commitment to serving veterans through casework in filing claims and outreach and assistance programs.
“We are very proud not only in the wide variety of our services and the efficiency in which they are managed, but also in our officials, volunteers, and staff, who consistently go above and beyond in serving the community,” said Brian McGuire, Hanover Township Supervisor. “We are truly honored to be recognized by our peers from across the state.”
The Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth (AITCOY) presented Trustee Alisa “Lee” Beattie with the Friend of Youth Award.
Each year, AITCOY presents the award to an elected official who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to youth. Appointed to the township board in 2019, and elected to a full term in 2021, Trustee Beattie serves as the board liaison to the Hanover Township Committee on Youth and spends countless hours mentoring student athletes in the Bartlett and Streamwood communities.
AITCOY also presented its Volunteer of the Year Award to Jordan Wildermuth.
A resident of Elgin, Jordan has served as the chair of the Township’s Committee on Youth since 2021 and co-chaired the township’s Community Education Support Task Force. His advocacy and enthusiasm have had a positive impact on improving systems for youth and the township’s relationships in the community.
The Illinois Township Senior Services Association (ITSSA) presented Diana Gomez with the Senior Services Staff Member of the Year Award.
In her role as the Hanover Township Social Services Manager in the Aging Services Department, Gomez oversees a staff of social services specialists, a therapist, and the Township’s Home Care Program.
Last year, Gomez and her team oversaw the township’s Adopt-A-Senior Program that served a record 140 residents with care packages during the holiday season. She has been with the Township since 2014.
The Illinois Township Association of General Assistance Case Workers is comprised of General Assistance staff as authorized by each township supervisor. Their mission is to educate General Assistance staff and to ensure consistent implementation of General Assistance programs throughout the State of Illinois.
The Association of Township Committees on Youth is a statewide resource for community-based human service agencies with the purpose of promoting improved services for youth and families. Its overall mission is to enhance the quality of life for youth and families in townships throughout Illinois.
The Illinois Township Senior Services Association is a division of the Township Officials of Illinois that promotes cooperation, resource, and programming sharing information among Township senior service providers.
The Township Officials of Illinois Educational Conference occurs annually in Springfield where over 1,000 township officials and staff gather to attend educational seminars and training courses.