State’s Attorney James Glasgow Receives Lifetime Achievement Award From Senior Services Of Will County
March 9, 2020
JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Senior Services of Will County at its annual meeting March 9. The longest-serving Will County State’s Attorney, Glasgow was recipient of the award for contributions to the community spanning nearly three decades.
“Serving as State’s Attorney has given me the incredible opportunity to help those who are the most vulnerable in our communities – including our seniors, who are victims of crimes ranging from physical abuse to financial fraud by criminals who prey on the elderly,” Glasgow said. “As someone who was adopted at birth, I understand firsthand the importance of a sense of community and of reaching out to help others. That’s why I have stressed not only prosecution, but counseling and rehabilitative services, and have worked closely with members of our community to find creative solutions to help address the challenges faced by vulnerable people who need our help.”
A few of Glasgow’s initiatives contributions to the Will County community include:
· Will County Children’s Advocacy Center. Glasgow fought to establish the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center in 1995. Currently celebrating its 25th anniversary year, the CAC has helped nearly 9,800 physically and sexually abused children since its inception.
· Will County Problem Solving Courts. To help provide defendants a second chance, Glasgow wrote and obtained the grants spearheading the creation of the Will County Drug and Adult Redeploy Illinois Courts, petitioned the court for the formation of the Will County Veterans Court, and along with former Chief Judge Gerald Kinney established the Mental Health Court in 2010.
· Unprecedented Residential Facilities for Problem Solving Court Participants. State’s Attorney Glasgow has established three residential facilities to help Problem Solving Court participants on the path to reentry: the Miller Taylor House and Julie Ann House, which provide temporary housing; and the Connor Kelly Residence, which provides longer-term transitional housing.
· Animal Cruelty, Abuse, and Neglect Initiative. Recognizing that violence against humans often begins with animal cruelty and neglect, Glasgow established the League of Extraordinary Canines & Friends as a countywide initiative designed to combat animal cruelty and abuse. Glasgow received a national award as one of the nation’s Top Ten Animal Defenders for 2020 from the Animal Legal Defense Fund for his work in establishing the League.
· Needed Transportation to Assist At-Risk Youth. Using money forfeited by criminals and in partnership with the local business community, Glasgow donated vehicles at no cost to taxpayers to the Veterans Assistance Commission, Boys & Girls Club of Joliet, the Spanish Community Center, and the Forest Park Community Center. He also provided the “Hidden in Plain Sight” vehicle and trailer to the Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization to educate parents on where teens may hide drugs and alcohol in their own homes.
“It is especially meaningful for me to receive this recognition from Senior Services of Will County, an organization that enriches the lives of seniors throughout Will County and works with selfless dedication to ensure our seniors receive the assistance they need in all facets of their daily life,” Glasgow said. “I look forward to working with Senior Services as it expands to its new facility in Romeoville. We are in discussions exploring how our office can further assist our seniors by joining forces with Senior Services at this location.
”Senior Services of Will County’s Executive Director Barry Kolanowski presented Glasgow with the award at the organization’s annual meeting. Glasgow was introduced by Will County Auditor Duffy Blackburn. Each year, the Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual over the age of 60 who has provided a lifetime of service while continuing to be engaged in the community.
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