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It's devastating to imagine the terror of a child or vulnerable adult who is being trafficked, and it's painful to think that these crimes may be taking place in our communities.
So in January, during National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, I think it's important to remember that there are things we can do to identify vulnerable women and children who are victims of trafficking.
This has been an important issue for me during my time in office, and I have worked to create new protections for victims and survivors. My bill to protect the confidentiality of survivors during court proceedings, SB0593, went into effect in January 2022. In 2019, I was proud to sponsor the Lodging Establishment Human Trafficking Recognition Training Act, which provides training to hotel workers to help them identify likely cases of trafficking and report them quickly and safely to law enforcement.
It's important that everyone know the warning signs and ways to help. To learn more, please click here. If you suspect someone might be a victim of trafficking please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or the DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-252-2873.
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Talking about Illinois' investments (and finding cash) with Treasurer Michael Frerichs
Treasurer Michael Frerichs came to our district this week, to talk about the ways we can work together to keep our state's investment portfolio healthy and to discuss his office's work to promote financial literacy.
I was very proud to introduce him to the great food and great staff at Blackberry Market in Glen Ellyn (that's General Manager Jeanine Perla in the photo).
During our lunch, Treasurer Frerichs talked about some recent successes with the I-CASH program, which helps people find and collect unclaimed cash from forgotten bank accounts, insurance policies, uncashed checks, and other sources.
My office has helped many constituents recover money through I-CASH. You can click here to search for any unclaimed funds. If your name turns up and you have questions or need help, feel free to reach out to my office at 630-812-9292 or reptch42@gmail.com. We'd be happy to help you recover your funds!
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New name, same inspiring mission: Meet the Glen House Food Pantry
Meet the Glen House Food Pantry! Now that the former Glen Ellyn Food Pantry has settled into its new home, a renovated former parsonage at 55 N. Park Blvd. in Glen Ellyn, they're changing their name to reflect their new, homey location.
Although the name and logo are new, their mission remains the same – to provide essential groceries and support to DuPage County neighbors at risk of hunger through a collaboration of local churches and the broader community.
You can make an appointment to shop once a month at the pantry for a robust selection of fresh produce, baked goods, milk, eggs, frozen meat, and shelf-stable food, as well as non-food items including shampoo, soap, toilet paper, paper towels, and laundry detergent. You can walk in once a week without an appointment to choose fresh produce, baked goods, and shelf-stable food. Please bring a utility bill or piece of mail to validate your address on your first visit.
For more information, you can visit here or call 630-469-8668.
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Enjoy Arcade Night at Ackerman TOMORROW
Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center is transforming into an arcade adventure for a one-night-only family event tomorrow (Friday, Jan. 26) from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
You can test your skills at arcade games, including Battleship, LED foosball, and classic Pac-Man, play glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, and snack on popcorn and cotton candy.
This event is open to all ages. Pre-registration includes access to all games, snacks, and one entry to a raffle prize of your choosing. The fee is $25 for residents and $35 for non-residents. You can click here to register today.
Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center is at 800 St. Charles Road in Glen Ellyn.
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DuPage County Health WIC Mobile Clinic visits Lombard TOMORROW
No child should ever go to bed hungry. If you have young children and are struggling to keep food on the table, please check in with the DuPage County Health Department's Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Mobile Clinic, which will be at the Helen Plum Library, 411 S. Main St. in Lombard, from 9:30 a.m. to noon tomorrow (Friday, Jan. 26).
WIC is a food assistance program focused on pregnant women, infants, and young children. The mobile clinic offers access to all WIC services:
- WIC EBT cards to purchase special healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, milk, juice, eggs, cheese, cereal, whole grains, dry beans or peas, and peanut butter
- Information about nutrition to help you and your family eat well and be healthy
- Information and help about breastfeeding
- Help in finding health care and other services in your area
For more information and future events, you can visit here.
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Become one of Pluggie's Pals and help the Downers Grove Fire Department
Meet Pluggie. He's looking for friends to help his pals at the Downers Grove Fire Department.
As helpers in the Pluggie's Pals program, school-aged children care for a fire hydrant in their neighborhood to keep it visible and free of snow. This program offers a great service project opportunity to Scout troops and other youth organizations.
For more information, please call 630-434-4990. You can click here to sign up for the Pluggie's Pals Program.
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Nominate someone special to the Department of Aging Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame
Do you know an outstanding older adult who deserves recognition for their achievements and contributions? Nominate them for the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
The Illinois Department on Aging is accepting nominations through June 1. To nominate someone, you can click here.
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Learn how to fix household items at SCARCE's Repair Fair SATURDAY
There's something really satisfying about fixing something broken and putting it back into use.
You can get help with basic repairs and even learn how to fix things yourself at the SCARCE Repair Fair from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 800 S. Rohlwing Road (Route 53) in Addison.
Experts will be on-site to perform simple repairs on household items. Stop by to see how a simple and affordable repair can make treasured items feel like new.
The event is free, but most repairs will require a small fee. You can click here for more information.
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DuPage's Free Scam Awareness Event WEDNESDAY
It's sad but true – there are a number of scammers out there who prey on seniors, and even smart, independent older people can be vulnerable.
To learn how to avoid scams and frauds aimed at seniors, you're invited to a free informational session from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31, in the first floor Auditorium of the JTK Administration Building, 421. N County Farm Road in Wheaton.
DuPage County officials will talk about how to spot common scams, including phone, internet, dating, and social media schemes, and offer tips on keeping money secure and reporting financial fraud.
The event will be livestreamed on the County’s YouTube channel. If you can't make it on Wednesday morning, you can watch it on YouTube afterward. For more information, contact Virginia Underwood at 630-407-5425 or virginia.underwood@dupagecounty.gov.
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Glenbard Parent Series Webinar on preventing substance abuse WEDNESDAY
If you want to learn more about understanding substance abuse and its devastating impacts on families, please join the Glenbard Parent Series at noon or 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31 for a webinar by author and advocate David Sheff.
Sheff is the author of Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction. He also is the founder of the Beautiful Boy Fund, devoted to supporting quality, evidence-based treatment for substance-use disorders and research to further the field of addiction medicine.
Sheff will be in conversation with Jessica Lahey, author The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence.
As you may know, GPS is a locally based educational consortium dedicated to presenting distinguished, relevant, high-profile authors, clinicians, and educators who share research-based knowledge and practical wisdom. The group's mission is to enhance the resilience and well-being of all students by helping them build relationships, develop coping strategies, and forge responsible decision-making skills.
You can go to glenbardgps.org for further information and the link to these webinars. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events or to submit a question in advance, send an email to Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator, at gilda_ross@glenbard.org.
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Lisle Township will help senior residents apply for RTA Reduced Fare Permit
If you are 65 or older and live in Lisle Township, you can apply for the RTA Senior Citizen Reduced Fare Permit at the Supervisor’s office.
The RTA card allows seniors to ride Metra trains, PACE buses, and CTA trains and buses in the six-county RTA service area for free or at a reduced fare.
You can apply in person at the office, 4711 Indiana Ave., from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To apply for a card, you'll need to present a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport.
No appointment is necessary. For more information, call 630-968-2087 or visit here.
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Join my (virtual) Town Hall on Feb. 6
To let you know what we're working on, and to get your input on your top legislative priorities for our communities, I'll be hosting a virtual Town Hall from Springfield at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6.
Throughout my years as your State Representative, I've made it a priority to listen to my constituents and advocate for the issues that matter most to you. So I hope you'll take time to join us on Feb. 6, share your ideas, and ask questions about state and local issues.
You can register for my town hall here. If you'd like to submit a question in advance, please send it to reptch42@gmail.com. I look forward to (virtually) seeing you there!
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Learn 'Silver CPR' in Naperville on Feb. 8
When someone has a heart attack, seconds count – and it's never to late to learn how to save a life.
The Naperville Senior Task Force is inviting seniors to take the Silver CPR class, designed to teach basic CPR, proper use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED), and choking intervention.
Silver CPR classes are free to participants and are taught in a relaxed setting by Naperville Fire Department paramedics. The classes follow newer guidelines issued by the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross, using compression-only CPR with no mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
The next Silver CPR classes are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8 at the A. George and Patricia Pradel Safety Town of Naperville, 1320 Aurora Ave. Click here to register for the 10 a.m. class or here to register for 12:30 p.m.
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Donate new or gently used winter wear to Lisle's Hat, Glove, Scarf, and Socks Drive
From now through Feb. 6, the Lisle Police Department and organizations throughout the Village are partnering with the Rotary Club of Lisle by collecting hats, gloves, scarves, and socks for the homeless.
There is a collection box in the vestibule area near the Police Department lobby that's open 24/7. You can also drop off donations at any of the locations listed in the graphic at right.
Please only donate the specified items in new or gently used condition.
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Spice up someone's life with our January Donation Drive for local food pantries
Cinnamon-spiced baked apples. Spaghetti sauce fragrant with basil and oregano. Chili with a kick of cumin and cayenne.
Spices are integral to our cooking and our cultural heritage, but they're often overlooked when people make donations to our food pantries.
In an effort to help provide a full range of ingredients for all, my office is collecting spices for the month of January. Donations will benefit Glen Ellyn Food Pantry, The Outreach House, and West Suburban Community Pantry.
To donate, you can shop our Amazon Wishlist to deliver spices directly to our office, or you can pick up an extra jar or two on your next trip to the grocery store. Contact our office at (630)812-9292 or email reptch42@gmail.com to schedule a time to drop off donations.
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Upcoming Events
We have lots of events coming up, so please take a look and mark your calendars today!
Now-Feb. 10: DuPage Care Center hosting fundraiser to send Valentine baloons to Center residents. For more information, you can visit here. Balloons will be delivered on Feb. 14.
Feb. 3: Winter Fest from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Sunset Knoll Recreation Center, 820 S. Finley Road, Lombard
Feb. 3: Ice-A-Palooza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Central Athletic Complex, 500 S. Naperville Road, Wheaton
Feb. 3: Free Public Stargazing from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Naperville Astronomical Association's Astronomy Education Center, 3712 Plainfield-Naperville Road, Naperville
Feb. 6: Lombard Community Blood Drive from 2:30 to 7 p.m. in the Lombard Community Building Commons, 433 E. St. Charles Road
Feb. 9: Getting Started on Medicare, a free class from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove
Feb. 10: &Rise's 5th Annual Galentine's Brunch: Loving your Authentic Self from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 837 S. Westmore Ave., Lombard
Feb. 11: Downers Grove Park District's Arctic Adventures from 10 to 11 a.m. at Lyman Woods, 901 31st St.
If you have any questions about pending legislation or other issues related to your state government, please don't hesitate to contact my office at 630-812-9292 or RepTCH42@gmail.com.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay strong,
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Terra Costa Howard
State Representative
42nd District
913 S. Main St.
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 812-9292
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