Danita Morgan attends the Problem Solving Court Graduation, along with State’s Attorney William Glasgow. –Photo submitted.
Glasgow Announces 27 Participants Graduate Will County Problem Solving Court
Alumna tells audience that before entering program,
“I was absolutely certain my addiction was the end for me.”
State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced 27 people graduated from the Will County Problem Solving Courts in a January 19 ceremony at the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet. To date, 796 individuals have turned their lives around through the diversionary court program.
“The 27 individuals graduating today are to be commended for successfully embarking on their roads to recovery. In reading the biographies of these dedicated graduates, it struck me how they all talked about plans for their futures. Through this program, they have a renewed hope,” Glasgow said. “Although they are now alumni, we will continue to support them as they continue in their lifetime journeys. They are members of the Problem Solving Courts family.”
The ceremony honored five Veterans Court graduates, from Joliet, Aurora, Beecher, Wilmington, and Plainfield; 11 Drug Court graduates hailing from Joliet, Marseilles, Crete, Bolingbrook, and New Lenox; and 11 Mental Health Court graduates, who hail from Lockport, Romeoville, Joliet, Shorewood, Plainfield, Braidwood, and Homer Glen.
In addition to remarks by Glasgow and Associate Circuit Court Judge Fred Harvey, Problem Solving Courts alumna Danita Morgan of Braidwood spoke about her experience. Morgan graduated from Mental Health Court in January 2022. Here is an excerpt of her speech:
“There once was a point in my life that I was absolutely certain my addiction was the end for me. I felt worthless. I messed up too much to be forgiven. There was no going back. It was my life and would be my death. After suffering the greatest pain any human being could feel with the death of my son, I wanted it to end me. I tried to end me. I failed. When I was lost, I didn’t think I could be found, and I didn’t want to be. Then I was introduced to the problem solving court….
“Once someone takes the first steps to reconnect themselves to who they truly are and get clear, it’s scary. To feel emotions again. To not know what they are anymore. To doubt every thought and action. To go ahead on into uncomfortability and the absolute unknown. To face the horrible things we have done to those who love us so much. To relearn the coping skills needed for a healthy and happy life. The program assists in that process. However, the support doesn’t stop after graduation.
“Some of you are probably planning your relapse at this very moment. To those who are, I beg of you to reconsider. Fully trust the support you have received from this program will continue after graduation. You are absolutely worth more than becoming another statistic.”
Morgan has worked with the Will County Substance Use Initiatives Team in the Will County Health Department since graduating from the program. She also is working to complete her internship with the Braidwood Health Area Community Coalition to become a Certified Recovery Support Specialist.
Illinois News
Classifieds
Area News
Magnet School Honors Coretta Scott King
Spread the loveCoretta Scott King Magnet School event honors the legacy of author, activist, and civil rights leader Coretta Scott King. On April 27, students at Coretta Scott King Magnet School will honor the legacy of its namesake – author, activist, and civil rights leader Coretta Scott King. The day will feature many activities, beginning…
‘It’s Spring at the Museum’
Spread the loveExhibit at 1950s Park Forest House Museum The 1950s Park Forest House Museum, 227 Monee Road (inside St. Mary’s Catholic Church), Park Forest, invites residents to “It’s Spring at the Museum” exhibit, through April 30. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., with other times by appointment. One…
Crete Library News
Spread the loveThursday, April 14 Preschool Art Play Kit, for children ages four/five; Register to reserve a kit. Anime Club, featuring anime screenings, from 3-4:30 p.m., for ages 11-18; Snacks and bottled water provided, with registration requested. New Computer Buying Guide, from 6-7 p.m., adults; Learn the different options available when purchasing a new desktop…
Spring Shred Day April 9
Spread the loveUniversity Park Public Library will host a community Spring Shred Day, on Saturday, April 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the library – 1100 Blackhawk Drive in University Park. Proshred will safely and securely shred and dispose of documents, with a limit of three boxes or bags per person. No businesses,…
Crete Library News
Spread the loveThursday, April 7 Preschool Art Play, kit for children ages four/five; Register to reserve a kit. Knot Just for Knitters, from 1-2 p.m., adults and teens; Share camaraderie, while working on knitting, crocheting, or any other type of needlework. Drop-in. Friday, April 8 Babies and Books, kit for children ages birth-23 months; Register…
Building Bridges through Mentoring
Spread the love“Wagging fingers and suspensions don’t work,” Supt. Coglianese says, as School District 201-U’s new Community Mentoring Program seeks to improve student behavior by building relationships. Dr. Kara Coglianese was joined by members of the district’s staff and four communities at the recent inaugural meeting of the Community Mentoring Program. This new district-wide initiative…
Crete Library News
Spread the loveMonday, April 4 The Ultimate Presentation for Cubs Nation, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., adults; Join us on Zoom for a fun, enlightening program that covers the most interesting and greatest teams, players, moments, and events in Cubs’ history. Sports fans will enjoy hearing engaging stories, seeing historic photos, watching exciting game highlights, and answering…
Panther Softball 2-0 after First Week!
Spread the loveOn Tuesday, March 15, the Manteno Panthers began their softball season with a whopping 12-0 non-conference win against Grant Park. “We played a good game tonight, and I was happy with our efforts in our first game of the year,” said an elated Coach Josh Carlile. All three pitchers – winning pitcher Alyssa…
Seniors Make Cards for Hospitalized Children
Spread the loveVillage Woods Retirement and Assisted Living Community’s Craft Club recently made extra special greeting cards for some very special people. To celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Week, Village Woods partnered with Cards for Hospitalized Kids to make homemade cards. Each card was unique and filled with love for brave children facing serious…
ILS to Host Open House
Spread the loveIllinois Lutheran Schools (ILS) invite families to its spring open house on Sunday, April 3, from 1-3 p.m., at the elementary school, 448 Cass Street in Crete (grades preschool-sixth). Parents, caregivers, relatives, and friends are welcome to attend and meet administration and teachers, in addition to taking a tour of the campus. New…
Crete Unified Basketball Game
Spread the loveIn a recent fundraising game for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, Crete Police Department faced the Crete Fire Department, along with the athletes. It was a fun time for the players and all who attended. Both departments assisted the Special Olympics participants with making baskets. Spread the love
Crete Library News
Spread the loveThursday, March 24 Film Club, from 5:30-8 p.m., for adults; Watch Belfast, followed by a brief discussion. Drop-in. Friday, March 25 Babies and Books: Kit for children, ages birth-23 months. Register to reserve a kit. Monday, March 28 CBD 101, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., for adults; Learn about the human body’s endocannabinoid system, the…
High Praise for CMHS NJROTC Program
Spread the loveNaval Commander calls CMHS Cadets “best I’ve ever seen,” at recent Area Management Inspection (AMI). On February 22, the annual manager inspection (AMI) was conducted at Crete-Monee High School. The AMI is a yearly inspection for Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) and serves as a type of report card for high…
Monee Historical Society Hosts Scrapbooking Night
Spread the loveThe Monee Historical Society invites residents to Friday Night Scrapbooking, at the Monee Heritage Center, 5210 W. Court Street in Monee. The event, hosted by Debbie Martin, will be held on the first Friday of each month, beginning April 1, from 6 to 11:45 p.m. Come and preserve your family photos and memories.…
AAS Ruck Walk May 29; Register Now!
Spread the loveAdopt-a-Soldier is offering an alternative to its 22k this year. Bring family and friends, young and old, strollers and wheelchairs and join the battle to eliminate veteran suicide. Organizers encourage participants to gather pledges or donations to support their walk, with proceeds benefitting Adopt-a-Soldier. Stroll one lap or 10 around the Will County…