Hanover Township earns 5 awards at state conference
Hanover Township received five awards at the annual Township Officials of Illinois conference in Springfield on Nov. 15.
The Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth presented Hanover Township Supervisor Brian McGuire with the Friend to Youth Award. The honor is bestowed to a township elected official who has shown an outstanding commitment to youth.
The Hanover Township Department of Youth & Family Services received the association's Organization of the Year Award for their contributions to the township's youth community through their family therapy services, in-school drug prevention and youth leadership programs and their dynamic special events.
Streamwood resident Tee Wiley received the Volunteer of the Year Award at the conference. A sophomore at Streamwood High School, Wiley began volunteering with the township in 2021, and quickly took on additional leadership opportunities to recruit other volunteers and lead efforts in the township's youth outreach activities such as Hanover Haunts and Hoppin' for Hanover.
"The high quality and breadth of township services is reflected by the outstanding effort of our officials, staff and volunteers," said Brian McGuire, Hanover Township supervisor.
"Individual awards are always representative of the larger group, and this year was no different."
The Illinois Township Association of Senior Citizen Services Committees presented Hanover with the Innovative Program of the Year Award for the Home Care Services Program. Launched in November 2021, the program assists older adults who need additional services and support to remain in their homes and prevent unnecessary nursing facility placement.
Funded in part by the Hanover Township Foundation and Mental Health Board, township staff offer assistance with bathing and dressing, light housekeeping, meal preparation and companionship. Coordination and connection with transportation and medical services is also offered. Over the last 12 months, 970 visits have been conducted with township seniors.
McGuire was also presented with the Supervisor of the Year Award from the Illinois Township Association of General Assistance Caseworkers for his leadership in adapting the township's service delivery to the most vulnerable residents during, and following the pandemic.
The Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth is a statewide resource for community-based human service agencies with the purpose to promote improved services for youth and families.
The Illinois Township Association of Senior Citizen Services Committees is a division of the Township Officials of Illinois that promotes cooperation, resource and programming sharing information among township senior service providers.
The Illinois Township Association of General Assistance Case Workers is comprised of General Assistance staff as authorized by each township supervisor. Its mission is to educate General Assistance staff and to ensure consistent implementation of General Assistance programs throughout the state of Illinois.
The Township Officials of Illinois Educational Conference occurs annually in Springfield, where more than 1,000 township officials and staff gather to attend educational seminars and trainings.
• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.