Mari A. Barnes, Supervisor
super@morainetownship.org
Welcome again! On this page, we address the scope of functions under the elected office of Supervisor of Moraine Township.
As you may have already read in the "About" section of our website, township government was historically based upon meeting the needs of developing communities with regard to human services – particularly caring for the poor – and practical matters like roads and cemeteries. Over the years, unlike some more rural districts in Illinois, our local communities developed into fairly dense municipalities. Local cities of Highwood, Highland Park, Deerfield and Lake Forest effectively assumed most of the practical roles of government. Superimposed on all or parts of these four cities, Moraine Township government strives to fill in the voids that remain, within the mandated scope under Illinois law. Moraine Township government is thus a "special purpose" government.
Elected in 2005, the present Township administration immediately adopted a mission statement to reflect a service point-of-view. We set about the task of identifying and organizing programs and services deemed appropriate and possible for Township government to fulfill within these parameters. Moraine Township continues to be a responsive work in progress.
We hope you find the answers you seek about our functions in these pages. In any case, do not hesitate to contact us, either by email, phone, letter or in person. As grassroots government, we are small enough to be flexible. Moraine Township welcomes public input as to how we can serve you better.
We're here to help.
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Staff Contact Directory
Call 847-432-3240
Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
Tracy Coleman, Director of General Assistance
tracy@morainetownship.org
Shannon Mosier, Administrative Aide, Bookkeeper
shannon@morainetownship.org
Paula Peddle, Administrative Aide, Van Scheduler
paula@morainetownship.org
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PROGRAMS
Cemetery Maintenance
The Board of Trustees, including the Supervisor, also are the Township Cemetery Board, and responsible for managing two cemeteries, Daggitt and Mooney. Learn more:Cemetery Details
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Emergency Planning
Moraine Township works with other local and countywide governments to have a plan to assist citizens in the event of any emergency, large or small. Learn more:Emergency Plan Details
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Grant Program
Annual grants are made to a variety of nonprofit agencies who provide programs or assistance to Moraine Township residents and/or people employed in Moraine Township. A volunteer Citizen Grant Advisory Committee recommends awards annually, and these are voted upon, generally in March for the following fiscal year, by the entire Board of Trustees. Learn more:Grant Program Details & Application
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Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteerism is actively embraced by Moraine Township government. Citizen Advisory Committees are being developed as needed. Workers assisting with Food Pantry shelf stocking, and/or growing fresh food in our Pantry Plants Garden Project are needed. Person-power is needed for special events like food drive collection days, and the Phyllis Santullano Holiday Drive, and more.
Donations of time and/or resources are always welcome.
Learn more: Volunteer Details
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SERVICES
Food Pantry/Clothes Closet
Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:00 AM to Noon and 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Also available flexible times and days to provide for emergencies.
The public is welcome to donate non-expired food and clean/nearly new clothing; and to volunteer their services. Those in need simply come to the Township Office at 777 Central, Highland Park, on those days and times. Learn more: Food Pantry/Clothes Closet/Garden
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General Assistance/Emergency Assistance
"General Assistance/GA" and "Emergency Assistance/EA" are state-regulated functions of the Office of the Supervisor. Help may be granted to resident individuals requiring financial aid to assure basic life necessities. The amount and duration of help provided for these purposes is specifically defined in the Illinois GA/EA manual. Individuals apply for this assistance in person to our Director of General Assistance, Tracy Coleman. Learn more: GA/EA
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Health & Wellness/Disabled
Moraine Township residents in need are well-served locally at the Lake County Health Center in Highland Park, which the Township supported with a capital grant. Through our Grant Program, we support agencies providing direct wellness/mental health services. Our Food Pantry/Pantry Plants Garden Project contributes to nutritional needs of local families and individuals. Our award-winning Moraine Door-to-Door vans provide low cost transportation to and from medical appointments for seniors and disabled residents. Learn more: Food Pantry,Grant Program, Links,Transportation
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Senior Support
Seniors are supported by the Township in understanding and navigating federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid; with transportation; with accessing various property and utility bill exemptions; through coordination with municipal senior agencies; and with Township grants to outside agencies providing services to persons 65 years and older. Learn more: Seniors
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Transportation
Award-winning Moraine Door-to-Door vans have disabled/paratransit capabilities as well as standard seating, booked through the office with 48-hour notice to a dedicated line: 847-432-3000. Qualifying persons – seniors and/or disabled residents – pay just $4 per trip, door to door. Priority is on medical appointment trips. Moraine also provides a Taxi Coupon Program for seniors and disabled residents, contributing $3 to taxi ride fees. And seniors/disabled can apply for RTA passes at the Township Office. Learn more: Transportation
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Youth & Family Support
Moraine Township supports services for resident youth and families through its annual Grant Program, which provides agency and scholarship support for local day care and health/counseling services.
The Township also makes referrals for residents in need of everything from mental health services to financial counseling. Learn more: Youth & Family Support
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