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May 6, 2013

Will County Children’s Advocacy Center receives $2,000 donation from the Shorewood Police Department

JOLIET – The Shorewood Police Department recently presented Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow with a $2,000 donation to the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center to assist in the fight against child sexual abuse.

The Children’s Advocacy Center was chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the department’s annual charity golf outing, which was held last year. Commander Eric Allen and Officer Paul Hulbert of the Shorewood Police Department presented the contribution to State’s Attorney James Glasgow.

The Children’s Advocacy Center’s professionally trained staff interviews children who are the victims of sexual abuse. The children’s statements, which are recorded in a non-suggestive, non-threatening environment, have been used in the successful prosecution of hundreds of sexual predators over the past decade.

The state’s attorney established the Children’s Advocacy Center in 1995 as a 501-c-3 non-profit organization that relies on grants, local funding and fundraisers to fulfill its important mission. Glasgow, who serves as the chairman of the center’s board of directors, thanked Shorewood Police for a generous contribution that enables the center to continue its work on behalf of vulnerable children.

“We are grateful to the Shorewood Police Department for choosing the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center as a beneficiary of the funding it raised during its annual charity golf outing,” Glasgow said. “This funding not only enables the center to operate, it demonstrates that our local police departments value the important work performed by our trained and caring staff.”

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center is a member of the United Way of Will County. For more information, contact the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center at (815) 774-4565, or visit the Web site at http://www.willcountychildrensadvocacy.org.

 

April 22, 2013

State’s Attorney Glasgow thanks Naperville Exchange Club
for $5,300 contribution to Will County Children’s Advocacy Center

JOLIET – The Naperville Exchange Club recently donated $5,300 to the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center to assist in the fight against child sexual abuse.

Sean Kelley, a member of the Naperville Exchange Club’s Allocation Committee, presented the grant to Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow.

The Children’s Advocacy Center’s professionally trained staff interviews children who are the victims of sexual abuse. The children’s statements, which are recorded in a non-suggestive, non-threatening environment, have been used in the successful prosecution of hundreds of sexual predators over the past decade.

State’s Attorney Glasgow, who established the Children’s Advocacy Center in 1995, thanked the Naperville Exchange Club for a generous contribution that enables the center to continue its work on behalf of vulnerable children. The center is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization that relies on grants, local funding, foundations and fundraisers to operate.

“I am extremely grateful that the Naperville Exchange Club continues to partner with the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center in its critical mission,” Glasgow said. “This generous contribution validates the important work the center performs on behalf of law enforcement in the battle against child sexual abuse. Not only is the center instrumental in putting dangerous predators behind bars, it provides much-needed counseling and medical service to young victims and their families.”

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center is a member of the United Way of Will County. For more information, contact the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center at (815) 774-4565, or visit the Web site at http://www.willcountychildrensadvocacy.org.

 

December 4, 2012

Will County Children's Advocacy Center receives $7,500 donation
from Witches Night Out fundraiser

JOLIET – The Witches Night Out committee has presented Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow with a $7,500 donation to benefit the Will County Children's Advocacy Center.

The Children's Advocacy Center was chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the Third Annual Witches Night Out fundraiser, which was held Oct. 25 at the Joliet Renaissance Center.

State's Attorney Glasgow, who founded the Children's Advocacy Center and chairs its board of directors, accepted the donation from Witches Night Out committee co-chairs Kathy Mihelich and Judy Erwin.

"Thank you to the Witches Night Out committee for selecting the Will County Children's Advocacy Center as a beneficiary of its annual fundraiser," Glasgow said. "This year's event was a tremendous success. Everyone who attended had a great time and they raised a lot of money for local worthy causes. The donation to the Children's Advocacy Center will help us continue our important mission of protecting children."

At Witches Night Out, women dress as witches for a fun night on the town. The event's proceeds fund United Way agencies that serve women and children in need. This year's committee selected the Will County Children's Advocacy Center for its dedication to helping children and families hurt by child abuse. Lamb's Fold Center for Women and Children and Stepping Stones Treatment and Recovery Center also were selected as beneficiaries of this year's event.

The Will County Children's Advocacy Center is a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization. Founded by Glasgow in 1995, its professionally trained staff interviews children who are the victims of sexual or severe physical abuse in a non-threatening, non-suggestive setting. The children's recorded statements have been used to successfully prosecute literally hundreds of predators over the past 17 years.

For more information about the Will County Children's Advocacy Center, call (815) 774-4565.

 

October 15, 2012

Will County Children’s Advocacy Center chosen
as one beneficiary of Witches Night Out fundraiser

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow is pleased to announce that the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center has been chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the 3rd Annual Witches Night Out fundraiser to be held Oct. 25 at the Joliet Renaissance Center, 214 North Ottawa Street in Joliet.

Witches Night Out is a unique event during which women dress as witches for a fun night out on the town. The event’s proceeds fund United Way agencies that serve women and children in need. This year’s committee selected the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center for its dedication to helping children and families hurt by child abuse. Lamb’s Fold Women’s Center and Stepping Stones Treatment and Recovery Center also were selected as beneficiaries of this year’s event.

Witches Night Out activities will include a Witches Bazaar starting at 4:30 p.m., a buffet dinner, tours of the Joliet Area Historical Museum, ghost stories told by a Joliet Drama Guild member, fortune tellers, door prizes and a costume contest.

“I want to thank the Witches Night Out committee for selecting the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center as one of the beneficiaries of this year’s fundraiser,” said State’s Attorney Glasgow, who founded the Children’s Advocacy Center in 1995 and chairs its Board of Directors. “Participants are certain to have a lot of fun and the proceeds will enable the CAC to continue its crucial mission of protecting vulnerable children.”

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center is a 501-c-3 not-for-profit organization. Its professionally trained staff interviews children who are the victims of sexual or severe physical abuse in a non-threatening, non-suggestive environment. The children’s recorded statements have been used in the successful prosecution of literally hundreds of child predators over the past 17 years. Last year, the center interviewed 321 children.

Tickets for Witches Night Out cost $15. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit www.witchesnightout.com.  Tickets are also available by contacting the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center at (815) 774-4562.

 

September 13, 2012

State's Attorney Glasgow honored to present award to Jackson,
the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center’s first therapy dog

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow was pleased this week to present a medal of service to Jackson, the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center’s first therapy dog, on behalf of the Stone City Kennel Club.

State’s Attorney Glasgow presented the medal to Jackson and his owner Cheri Johnson during a ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at Lincoln-Way Central High School. The Stone City Kennel Club hosted the ceremony, “For Those Who Serve,” to recognize 14 dogs that assist the Will County community in various capacities. Therapy dogs, leader dogs, search and rescue dogs and assistance dogs for those with medical needs were among the canines honored Tuesday.

State’s Attorney Glasgow gladly placed the service medal around Jackson’s neck during the ceremony in recognition of his work comforting children at the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center. Johnson, who is the State’s Attorney’s administrative assistant, has been bringing Jackson to the center since early this year as part of the State’s Attorney’s new Paws 4 Kids pet therapy program.

Children come to the Center for victim senstive interviews when there are allegations of sexual abuse or extreme physical abuse. These interviews are conducted by trained and caring professionals and recorded in a neutral, non-suggestive, child-friendly environment. Glasgow established the Center in 1995 to improve the way these highly sensitive investigations are conducted. The interviews have been used to successfully prosecute literally hundreds of predators over the past 17 years.

Jackson is a 3-year-old, 63-pound Labrador Retriever that is licensed through Therapy Dog International. He welcomes children upon their arrival at the Children’s Advocacy Center, and he keeps them company while preparations are made for the interview. Jackson is not present when children are interviewed, but he stays to play with siblings and parents or caregivers while they wait for an interview to conclude. Jackson is also there to comfort children after interviews.

“I was thrilled to present this service award to both Jackson and Cheri for their compassionate work on behalf of vulnerable children who are struggling through the most traumatic time in their lives,” Glasgow said. “Jackson is a kind friend who comforts young victims and their families and helps us to obtain the truthful statements we need to put dangerous child predators behind bars.”

Johnson and her husband, Kurt Johnson, raise and train puppies for the Leader Dogs for the Blind organization. Jackson is their personal pet; he spent a great deal of time bringing joy and comfort to patients in local hospitals and nursing homes before beginning his work with the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Johnson makes Jackson available at no cost to taxpayers for all the petting, playing and hugging a child can squeeze in before and after a victim-senstive interview. Studies have shown that dogs and other pets can put people at ease during emotionally stressful situations.

Glasgow launched Paws 4 Kids because he knows first-hand about the happiness dogs bring to people’s lives. He and his family are the happy owners of Hobbs, a Great Dane the State’s Attorney named after Roy Hobbs in the movie, “The Natural.”

“PAWS 4 Kids celebrates the life-affirming bond between people and their pets,” he said. “Jackson’s presence at the Children’s Advocacy Center is the first step in the healing process for the victims of child abuse.”

The Stone City Kennel Club ceremony included a short video presentation called “Hero Dogs of 9/11.” It chronicled the impressive work performed by more than 300 service dogs on September 11, 2001 at Ground Zero. The President of the Stone City Kennel Club, Len Lundh, said that the club chose this important day to honor our community’s heroic canine companions and their handlers as well.

 

 

September 12, 2012

State’s Attorney Glasgow thanks Truth Restaurant
for helping Children’s Advocacy Center through golf outing

JOLIET – Truth Restaurant selected the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center as the beneficiary of the proceeds from its Sixth Annual Golf Outing held August 19.

Truth owners Kate and Doug Mohundro recently presented a check in the amount of $5,500 to Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow, who established the center in 1995 to improve the way allegations of child sexual abuse are investigated.

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization. Its professionally trained staff interviews children who are the victims of sexual or severe physical abuse in a non-threatening, non-suggestive environment.

The children’s recorded statements have been used in the successful prosecution of literally hundreds of sexual predators and child abusers over the past 17 years. Last year, the center’s staff interviewed 321 children.

“We are grateful to Kate and Doug Mohundro for choosing the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center as the beneficiary of the money they raised at their annual golf outing,” State’s Attorney Glasgow said. “Truth is a wonderful local restaurant owned and operated by people who care deeply about their community.”

The State’s Attorney added: “We’re also thankful to all the participating golfers and sponsors who came to play this year. This funding will enable the center to continue its crucial mission of protecting vulnerable children in our local community.”

Truth is located at 808 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet. For information about Truth, call (815) 744-5901. For information about the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center, call (815) 774-4565.

Above: Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow with Truth Restaurant owners Kate and Doug Mohundro.

 

 

February 29, 2012

Naperville Exchange Club awards $5,880 grant to
the Will County Children's Advocacy Center

JOLIET – The Naperville Exchange Club has awarded the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center a $5,880 grant to assist in the fight against child sexual abuse.

Sean Kelley, a representative of the Naperville Exchange Club and a member of the organization’s Allocation Committee, recently presented the grant to Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow at the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center.

The grant will enable the center’s professionally trained and compassionate staff to continue conducting forensic interviews of children who are the victims of sexual abuse. The children’s statements, which are recorded in a non-suggestive, non-threatening environment, have been used in the successful prosecution of hundreds of sexual predators over the past 17 years.

State’s Attorney Glasgow, who established the Children’s Advocacy Center in 1995, thanked Kelley and the Naperville Exchange Club for a generous contribution that recognizes the important work the staff performs on behalf of vulnerable children. The center is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization that relies solely on grants, local funding, foundations and fundraisers to operate.

“The Naperville Exchange Club’s continued support for the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center is greatly appreciated and enables us to accomplish our critical mission of protecting children,” Glasgow said. “Statements recorded at the center have helped us put hundreds of predators behind bars where they belong. In addition, we have been able to direct abused children and their families toward important social services so the healing process can begin.”

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center is a member of United Way of Will County. For more information, contact the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center at (815) 774-4565.

January 11, 2012

Will County Children's Advocacy Center seeking sponsors
for annual Men Who Cook culinary competition

JOLIET – The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center is seeking sponsors at all levels for what is expected to be the biggest and the best Men Who Cook culinary competition.

Men Who Cook will be held from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at the Pipefitters Local #597 Training Center at 10850 187th Street in Mokena. The wildly popular cooking competition moved to the Pipefitter’s Hall last year to accommodate the large number of guests and amateur cooks who attend annually.

“Men Who Cook is truly the most exciting local fundraiser with cooks coming from throughout Will County to give hungry guests a taste of their favorite home-cooked dishes,” said State’s Attorney James Glasgow, who chairs the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center’s Board. “This marks our fourth year, and we’re expecting the biggest crowds and the toughest competition yet.”

Men Who Cook gives local guys a chance to don a chef’s hat and serve up their favorite home recipes for public tasting. It is an affordable, fun and casual competition that draws hundreds of guests and amateur cooks to benefit the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center. The center’s trained staff has been working to protect abused children for the past 17 years.

Men Who Cook provides excellent sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and organizations. Sponsorships range from $250 to $3,000 and offer escalating levels of recognition for your business or organization, both in advance promotional materials as well as during the event.

Proceeds benefit the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center, which was established by State’s Attorney Glasgow in 1995 to improve the way child abuse cases are investigated. The center’s staff performs child-sensitive interviews when there are allegations of sexual or severe physical abuse. These interviews are conducted by trained and caring professionals in a non-suggestive, child-friendly environment. The children’s recorded statements have been used in the successful prosecution of hundreds of child predators.

The state’s attorney founded the Children’s Advocacy Center as a 501-c-3 non-profit organization so it would not impact Will County taxpayers. As a result, the center has relied on grants, foundations and fundraisers like “Men Who Cook” to fulfill its important mission.

Be sure to keep March 24 open for Men Who Cook. The cost to taste bite-sized samples of fine cuisine from local chefs is $35 per person; $60 per couple.

Guests this year will receive the Red Carpet treatment when they are greeted by WJOL’s Lynne, Mary and Natalie, who will serve as the evening’s hostesses. All cooks will be interviewed for local cable television.

For details on how to sponsor this exciting event, call the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center at (815) 774-4565. Or you can visit the center on the Web at willcountychildrensadvocacy.org, menwhocook.info or on Facebook at facebook.com/menwhocook.

 

November 3, 2011

The Will County Children's Advocacy Center extends a big thank you to Will County Take Back the Night for their recent donation!

October 26, 2011

Will County Children's Advocacy Center Holds Successful Bake Sale
at Joliet Exchange Club's Spaghetti Lunch & Dinner

The Will County Children's Advocacy Center held a successful bake sale at the Joliet Exchange Club's 2011 Spaghetti Lunch & Dinner. All proceeds from the event went to support the Children's Advocacy Center.

 

August 26, 2011

Lewis University students volunteer for "Annual Day of Caring"

A special thank you to the students from Lewis University – Kristen Yarka, Shar Brea Scott, Kendra English and Paula Herrera – for volunteering their time with the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center! As part of Lewis University’s "Annual Day of Caring," the students helped the Children’s Advocacy Center by sanitizing and deep cleaning the toys used in our waiting room. The students also received a tour of the facility and learned about the services that the Children’s Advocacy Center provides, such as performing child-sensitive interviews when there are allegations of sexual or severe physical abuse.

 

May 24, 2011 

Will County Children's Advocacy Center receives $5,000 grant from the City of Naperville to fund forensic interviews  

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the City of Naperville to assist in the fight against child sexual abuse.

The City of Naperville selected the Children’s Advocacy Center to receive its Forensic Interviewing for Abused Children Social Services grant.  The grant will enable the center’s professionally trained staff to continue conducting forensic interviews of children who are the victims of sexual abuse.

The children’s statements, which are recorded in a non-suggestive, non-threatening environment, have been used in the successful prosecution of hundreds of sexual predators over the past decade.

State’s Attorney Glasgow, who established the Children’s Advocacy Center in 1995, thanked the city for recognizing the important work the center’s staff performs on behalf of vulnerable children. The center is a 501-c-3 non-profit organization that relies solely on grants, local funding, foundations and fundraisers to operate.

“I want to thank the entire Naperville City Council and Police Chief Dial for their support of the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center and its critical mission,” Glasgow said. “The Children’s Advocacy Center provides services that are critical to the investigation and prosecution of these extremely sensitive criminal cases. Financial support from the communities we serve is essential if we are to continue providing these services.”

 The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center is a member of the United Way of Will County. For more information, contact The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center at (815) 774-4565, or visit the Web site at www.willcountychildrensadvocacy.org.

 

July 14, 2010

 Bolingbrook man gets 76 years for sexually assaulting little girl

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that a Bolingbrook man who repeatedly sexually assaulted a 10-year-old family member in 2007 was sentenced to 76 years in prison today (Wednesday, July 14, 2010).

Coy Russell, 40, was convicted in December of three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, a Class X Felony. Circuit Judge Carla Alessio Policandriotes sentenced Russell. He must serve 85 percent of that sentence before he will be eligible for parole.

Russell sexually assaulted the girl on three occasions between May 1, 2007 and Aug. 23, 2007. However, testimony by the victim at trial revealed she had been assaulted on even more occasions. The abuse occurred in an upstairs bedroom while other children were in or around the house.

 “Coy Russell is a brazen degenerate who will spend the rest of his life in prison where he can never harm another innocent child,” said State’s Attorney Glasgow. “Although the damage from these vile assaults can never be undone, this sentence puts every child predator on notice that justice in Will County is relentless and unforgiving.”

Assistant State’s Attorneys Matt Guzman and Christine Vukmir prosecuted the case. The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center, which Glasgow established in 1995 to investigate child sexual abuse cases, interviewed the victim and recorded her statement, which also was played at the trial.