Manley Visits the White House to Highlight Local Initiatives and Community Needs

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – As part of her efforts to advocate for the needs of local residents, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, joined other local officials from Will County to update the White House on new programs that are providing important resources to communities across the region as well as work to secure additional resources to address the needs of local residents.

“One of the most important parts of my job as a representative of our community is ensuring that the values and needs of our community are heard, whether it’s in Springfield or Washington D.C.,” said Manley. “I am proud to represent our area and show national officials the important work we are doing for residents across Will County and highlight the need for additional investment in our region.”

Last week, Manley joined Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant in Washington D.C. to meet with White House officials and share updates about local initiatives. Manley highlighted the work of the Joliet Fire Department to implement a comprehensive and sustainable community mental health program, training all its members in Crisis First Aid (CFA) to address the initial response to a mental health crisis. Manley also spoke about her legislation creating the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program in Will County, which provides resources such as counseling, legal assistance, and caregiving services to older adults who are raising a child. Manley used these two examples of the important resources that state and local government in Will County is providing residents to request additional support from the White House to address the needs of communities across the region.

“While we have made major progress over the past few years in securing additional support for residents in our community, I know that there is still much more that needs to be done,” said Manley. “I look forward to continuing to work with elected officials in local, state, and federal government to advocate for the needs of the residents of Will County and continue the important work we are doing to support residents.”