Homer Glen Forms Ability Awareness Committee

HOMER GLEN, IL — The Village of Homer Glen established its new ability awareness committee at its Wednesday Village Board meeting. The Village also proclaimed March as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, and April as Autism Awareness Month, as part of the new committee's plan for awareness campaigns.

The committee's mission is "to promote awareness and advocate for an inclusive community," and to enhance the quality of life for all persons with a disability in Homer Glen. The committee will also develop programs, generate services, and provide information and support for those with disabilities in Homer Glen, according to board documents.

The Village worked with Village Clerk Christina Neitzke-Troike and resident Nicole La Ha to form the committee.

"This committee is not just about children, it's about everyone from birth to senior life," Nietzke-Troike said. "This committee includes everyone, everyone with all different types of abilities."

To celebrate the new committee, the Village of Homer Glen challenged the Village of New Lenox to a pop tab collection for the Ronald McDonald House.

Mayor Tim Baldermann accepted the challenge on behalf of New Lenox. The town that collects the most pop tabs by June 30 will be deemed the winner.

"The winning community will select one special needs family from their community to go to Disney World," Neitzke-Troike said. The trip is paid for, up to $5,000, by Walt Konow of Konow's Corn Maze and Zachary's Red Barn and Farm events.

Baldermann congratulated the village on its new committee and proclamations.

"We're here to support you every step of the way," he said. "We're glad to be your neighbor."

For those who want to donate to the Village of Homer Glen, you can bring pop tabs to Village Hall, 14240 W. 151st St.