New Lenox Safe Community Coalition

10/22/2026

Last night, the New Lenox Safe Community Coalition's Domestic Violence Prevention Task Group hosted our annual Speak Up, Speak Out event, focusing this year on "Understanding Intimate Partner Violence Within the Veteran Community."

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this powerful program brought together professional expertise, personal experiences, and valuable community resources to shine a light on an issue that deserves greater awareness and understanding.

👏 A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR TWO OUTSTANDING SPEAKERS!

💜 Erin Hanrahan, LCSW, of Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, provided valuable insight into intimate partner violence within the veteran community, its impact, and the programs and resources available to support veterans and their families.

💜 Sonya Ebhotemen, Veteran & Peer Specialist, courageously shared her personal journey as a domestic violence survivor, offering an incredibly moving and powerful perspective on resilience, strength, and hope.

Erin and Sonya, THANK YOU! Your knowledge, honesty, compassion, and willingness to have these difficult but necessary conversations made a lasting impact. We are incredibly grateful for the powerful messages you shared with our community!

🤝 THANK YOU TO OUR RESOURCE FAIR VENDORS!

A heartfelt thank you to all of the wonderful organizations and service providers who participated in our Resource Fair! Your dedication to connecting individuals and families with information, assistance, and support is such an important part of what makes events like this meaningful.

🏠 A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO VFW POST 9545!

We are so appreciative of VFW Post 9545 for generously opening their doors and allowing us to utilize their wonderful facility. Your hospitality and support helped make this event possible!

💻 EXCITING NEWS — WE'RE NOT DONE YET!

We recognize how important this conversation is, and we want to make it accessible to even more people! We are excited to announce that we plan to offer a VIRTUAL session of this program after the holidays!

Stay tuned for additional details and registration information as plans are finalized!

SPEAK UP. SPEAK OUT. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Domestic violence awareness doesn't end when an event is over. By continuing these conversations, sharing resources, and supporting one another, we can help break the silence and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Because strength begins with speaking up. 💜

10/22/2026

📣 COALITION MEMBER EVENT SPOTLIGHT:

📣Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County

__________________________________________________________________

🚨 FREE Veterans Mental Health Screening & Community Resource Fair!

In recognition of National Mental Health Screening Month, the Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County is hosting a FREE event for veterans, caregivers, and surviving spouses!

Attendees can receive free, 15-minute mental health screenings and connect with local organizations offering:

✅ Mental health and wellness resources
✅ Financial assistance and legal aid
✅ Veteran benefits and disability assistance
✅ Case management and supportive services

📅 Friday, October 30, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County
1300 Copperfield Avenue, Joliet, IL

☕ Complimentary snacks and beverages provided!

All screenings and services are completely FREE!

📧 For registration information or to RSVP, contact Gabriella Marcinowski at [email protected].

💙 Support is available, and no veteran should have to face life's challenges alone!

10/20/2026

SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT: Understanding Intimate Partner Violence Within the Veteran Community

Domestic violence can affect anyone — including those who have served our country.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the New Lenox Safe Community Coalition invites you to an important evening of education, awareness, resources and real-life perspective focused on intimate partner violence (IPV) within the veteran community.

📅 TOMORROW, October 21, 2026
📍 VFW Post 9545 | 323 Old Hickory Road, New Lenox
⏰ Event: 5:00–8:00 p.m.
🤝 Resource Fair: Begins at 5:00 p.m.
🎤 Presentation: 6:00–7:00 p.m.

This FREE community event will bring together professional expertise and the powerful voice of lived experience.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

🎤 Erin Hanrahan, LCSW | Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital

Erin works with the VA’s Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program and will provide an important professional perspective on IPV within the veteran community. Her presentation will explore the prevalence and impact of intimate partner violence among veterans, while highlighting VA programs, services and resources available to veterans and their families.

🎤 Sonya Ebhotemen | Veteran & Peer Specialist

Sonya brings an incredibly important perspective to the conversation as both a veteran and survivor of domestic violence. Through her personal story and lived experience — including powerful elements of spoken-word poetry — Sonya will help shed light on the realities of IPV while sharing a message of strength, courage and hope.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU EXPECT?

The evening begins and ends with a Resource Fair at 5:00 p.m., providing an opportunity to connect directly with local organizations, service providers and professionals offering valuable resources and support.

Attendees will learn more about recognizing and understanding intimate partner violence, the unique challenges that may affect veterans and their families, and where individuals can turn for assistance.

1.0 CEU will also be available for eligible Certified Domestic Violence Professionals and Partner Abuse Intervention Professionals.

This event is open to veterans, family members, helping professionals and anyone in the community who wants to better understand this important issue.

Sometimes change begins by creating a space where people feel safe enough to speak — and where others are willing to listen.
Strength begins with speaking up.

Registration is encouraged! Follow this link to secure your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1997087842497?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please share this event and help us reach veterans, families, professionals and community members who could benefit from this important conversation.


newlenox.net/scc

10/07/2026

A huge THANK YOU to Joe Malone of JM Training for once again delivering an outstanding presentation for the New Lenox Safe Community Coalition!

Last week, Joe's “Surviving an Active Shooter” presentation provided valuable, potentially life-saving information on how to stay aware of our surroundings, respond during an emergency, and make critical decisions when every second counts.

Joe has an incredible ability to take a serious and sometimes difficult topic and present it in a way that is engaging, informative, and easy to understand.

We are so appreciative of Joe's continued partnership and dedication to helping keep our community safe!

👏 Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important evening of education and preparedness and we look forward to hosting this presentation again in 2027!

newlenox.net/scc

10/06/2026

SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT: Understanding Intimate Partner Violence Within the Veteran Community

Domestic violence can affect anyone — including those who have served our country.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the New Lenox Safe Community Coalition invites you to an important evening of education, awareness, resources and real-life perspective focused on intimate partner violence (IPV) within the veteran community.

📅 Wednesday, October 21, 2026
📍 VFW Post 9545 | 323 Old Hickory Road, New Lenox
⏰ Event: 5:00–8:00 p.m.
🤝 Resource Fair: Begins at 5:00 p.m.
🎤 Presentation: 6:00–8:00 p.m.

This FREE community event will bring together professional expertise and the powerful voice of lived experience.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

🎤 Erin Hanrahan, LCSW | Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital

Erin works with the VA’s Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program and will provide an important professional perspective on IPV within the veteran community. Her presentation will explore the prevalence and impact of intimate partner violence among veterans, while highlighting VA programs, services and resources available to veterans and their families.

🎤 Sonya Ebhotemen | Veteran & Peer Specialist

Sonya brings an incredibly important perspective to the conversation as both a veteran and survivor of domestic violence. Through her personal story and lived experience — including powerful elements of spoken-word poetry — Sonya will help shed light on the realities of IPV while sharing a message of strength, courage and hope.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU EXPECT?

The evening begins and ends with a Resource Fair at 5:00 p.m., providing an opportunity to connect directly with local organizations, service providers and professionals offering valuable resources and support.

Attendees will learn more about recognizing and understanding intimate partner violence, the unique challenges that may affect veterans and their families, and where individuals can turn for assistance.

1.0 CEU will also be available for eligible Certified Domestic Violence Professionals and Partner Abuse Intervention Professionals.

This event is open to veterans, family members, helping professionals and anyone in the community who wants to better understand this important issue.

Sometimes change begins by creating a space where people feel safe enough to speak — and where others are willing to listen.
Strength begins with speaking up.

Registration is encouraged! Follow this link to secure your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1997087842497?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please share this event and help us reach veterans, families, professionals and community members who could benefit from this important conversation.



newlenox.net/scc

10/02/2026

The New Lenox Safe Community Coalition, in partnership with Jewel-Osco Pharmacy, is hosting a Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic TOMORROW MORNING - October 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Village Commons, in front of New Lenox Village Hall.

Getting your seasonal vaccines is quick and convenient—simply drive through and remain in your vehicle while your vaccine is administered by a Jewel-Osco pharmacist.

Available vaccines include:

• Seasonal Flu

• Pneumonia

• COVID

• RSV

No pre-registration is required, and vaccines can be administered to individuals of any age. Vaccines are free with most insurance providers, including Medicare Part B and VA Insurance.


Please bring your insurance card and, if possible, a completed copy of the vaccine consent form. Copies of the form will also be available to complete upon arrival.

Take advantage of this convenient opportunity to get your seasonal vaccines without ever leaving your vehicle!

Visit www.newlenox.net/scc for more details!

10/02/2026

Would you know how to help someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge?

Join the New Lenox Safe Community Coalition, in partnership with Sertoma Star Services, for a FREE Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 8:30am–4:30pm at the New Lenox Village Hall Community Room. (BREAKFAST AND LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED)

Mental Health First Aid provides participants with the knowledge and practical tools to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in adults. This training is especially valuable for employers, police officers, hospital staff, first responders, community professionals, and caring individuals who want to feel more confident supporting someone who may be struggling.

Participants will learn:

* How to recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges
* How to interact with and support someone experiencing a crisis
* How to connect an individual with appropriate professional help and other resources
* Important information related to trauma, substance use, and self-care

The course also teaches the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE), which provides a practical framework for assessing risk, listening nonjudgmentally, offering reassurance and information, and encouraging professional help and other support strategies.

Whether you work in a profession where you regularly interact with the public or simply want to be better prepared to help a friend, coworker, family member, or neighbor, Adult Mental Health First Aid can give you the tools and confidence to respond when someone needs support.

CEU'S AVAILABLE

FREE TRAINING | LIMITED SEATING | REGISTRATION REQUIRED

👉 Register today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2002094585801?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/29/2026

🚨 FREE ESOPHAGEAL PRECANCER SCREENING – APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE!

The New Lenox Safe Community Coalition is offering EsoGuard esophageal precancer screening at the New Lenox Village Hall!

📅 Tuesday, October 6 & Wednesday, October 14
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 New Lenox Village Hall | 1 Veterans Parkway

EsoGuard is a DNA test designed to detect esophageal precancer. You may be at increased risk if you have 3 or more of the following risk factors:

🔹 Age 50 or older
🔹 Male
🔹 White
🔹 Current or former smoker
🔹 Obesity
🔹 Chronic GERD, frequent heartburn or acid reflux
🔹 Family history of esophageal precancer or cancer

📧 Interested in being screened? Email [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

Those being screened should have no food or drink for 2 hours prior to their appointment and should bring a photo ID and health insurance card.

Early detection matters! Help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with friends and family who may benefit from screening.

09/28/2026

JOIN US THIS EVENING...

FREE COMMUNITY PRESENTATION: Surviving an Active Shooter

Would you know what to do if you found yourself in an active shooter situation?

Join the New Lenox Safe Community Coalition and JM Training TONIGHT from 7:00–8:30 p.m. at New Lenox Village Hall for an important presentation focused on practical strategies that could help save your life.

Attendees will learn:

• PREPARE – Ways to stay aware and prepared wherever you go
• RESPOND – How to properly Run, Hide, and Fight while evaluating your safest options
• SURVIVE – What to do after you’ve escaped or survived an incident

This presentation is FREE, but seating is limited and registration is required through Eventbrite.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1999539539589?aff=oddtdtcreator

👉 Register today and take an important step toward being better prepared.

Free community presentation offering practical strategies to prepare for, respond to, and survive an active shooter encounter.

09/23/2026

🚗 DRIVE-THRU FLU SHOT CLINIC

The New Lenox Safe Community Coalition, in partnership with Jewel-Osco Pharmacy, is hosting a Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic!

📅 Saturday, October 3
⏰ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Village Commons – in front of New Lenox Village Hall

Getting your seasonal vaccines has never been easier! Simply drive through the Village Commons and remain in your vehicle while receiving your vaccine.

AVAILABLE VACCINES:
• Seasonal Flu
• Pneumonia
• COVID
• RSV

✅ No pre-registration required!
✅ Vaccines are available for all ages.
✅ Vaccines are FREE with most insurance providers, including Medicare Part B and VA Insurance.
✅ Vaccines will be administered by a Jewel-Osco pharmacist.

📋 DON’T FORGET: Please bring your insurance card and, for faster service, a completed copy of the vaccine consent form (available for download at newlenox.net). Forms will also be available to complete when you arrive.

🚗 No appointment. No waiting room. No need to leave your car!

Please email [email protected] for more details