Civil rights activist and Congressman John Lewis visited IYC Chicago on May 31, 2018 to speak with youth and view a performance of the Storycatchers Changing Voices ensemble and Firewriters Theater. Congressman Lewis bought AB7's Hope Hall and the co-author of his award-winning graphic novel series, March. Co-author Andrew Aidan and Congressman Lewis spoke to the youth about their own journeys and the Congressman answered questions from youth about what it was like to walk alongside Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the bridge at Selma. The Congressman left a powerful impression on youth and staff alike.
In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Special Olympics, IDJJ has joined law enforcement agencies all over Illinois to participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois. The Department aims to raise funds for Special Olympics in Illinois through team activities, raffle and T-Shirt sales and other special events. Our goal is to raise at least $15,000 for Special Olympics by the end of 2018. For more information, contact Collen MacRunnels at Colleen.Macrunnels@illinois.gov.
Governor Rauner joined IDJJ and IDOC in May to remember fallen heroes and honor the Employees of the Year as part of the annual ICEMA ceremony. Recipients of this year's awards include: