You might even call it “teamwork.” In our last issue, we detailed the assistance that we received from all around the community to help us get the township building back on its feet. But I am proud to say that community and teamwork are a routine part of our Township’s fabric thanks to the value we place on inter-agency communication and collaboration.
Support goes both ways and makes us stronger.
On a regular basis, Township staff works with the local health community, our local Police, Fire Departments, Park Districts, School Districts and Municipalities as well as Non-Profit organizations.
Most recently, the Township board recognized the ongoing needs of those suffering from mental illness and the difficult challenges presented to police officers and firefighters in working with this population. That’s why we worked with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to hold a Crisis Intervention Awareness seminar. Although our first responders have already had some training in this area, the goal was to provide the latest theory and best practices for deescalating a situation and making sure the unique needs of those suffering from mental illness in our community are met.
In addition, West Deerfield Township works with these non-profits on a continual basis to help provide health and well being benefits to our residents. We are truly appreciative of all they do:
Angles, Cancer Wellness Center, Career Counseling Center, Center for Enriched Living, Family Services, Il Northern Food Bank, TopBox, Glenkirk, Il Legal Aid , JCYS, The Josselyn Center, PADS, Faith In Action, Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center, National Alliance on Mental Health, Friends For Health, Community Partners for Affordable Housing, Glenkirk, Nicasa, and NSSRA.
Community and teamwork keep your township efficient and effective. A college sports coach I once heard made an acronym out of the word “TEAM”– Together Everyone Accomplishes More – I definitely believe that.
