$50,000 from anonymous donor who lost loved one to heroin creates new non-profit for battling opioid addiction
Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announces that a $50,000 contribution from a generous anonymous donor has led to the formation of a not-for-profit organization that will supplement services, training, and equipment for Will County’s Problem Solving Courts, which are on the frontline in battling the opioid epidemic.
State’s Attorney Glasgow created the organization, Friends of Will County Problem Solving Courts, and will chair its Board of Directors. Directors also include Will County Board Member Suzanne Hart and retired Will County Board Member Ann Dralle. The board met for the first time last week to establish and approve its bylaws and to formally accept the generous donation.
Hart was instrumental in securing the contribution from the anonymous donor, who is a friend and former business leader who lost a family member to a heroin overdose.
“Our donor understands firsthand the tragic toll in human life that the opioid crisis continues to claim,” Hart said. “He wanted to turn his personal tragedy and sadness into a positive force that will bring an end to this epidemic. He knows that the Will County Problem Solving Courts have helped hundreds of people, including many veterans, battle their addictions and reclaim their lives. We’re incredibly pleased he has chosen to support these vital programs.”
State’s Attorney Glasgow spearheaded the creation of Will County’s first Problem Solving Court in the late 1990s when he wrote a grant the led to the formation of the Will County Drug Court. The success of that program led him to initiate the formation of the Will County Veterans Court in 2012 to assist veterans who struggled with addiction, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD, and other disorders resulting from their service. He also pushed for the creation of a Mental Health Court to assist those struggling with mental health issues, and a Redeploy Illinois Court to steer qualifying repeat offenders away from criminal activities.
All of these highly specialized programs, which involve intensive court supervision, addiction treatment, counseling, and therapy, now fall under the umbrella of the Will County Problem Solving Courts.
“Over the years our Problem Solving Courts have given hope to so many people who never dreamed they might return to their communities and families to lead healthy and productive lives,” said State’s Attorney Glasgow. “When Suzanne Hart approached me about an anonymous donor who wanted to do the most good with a significant contribution, we brainstormed and came up with an amazing plan to establish an innovative 501(c)(3) charitable organization that not only will manage this funding for its best use, but will encourage others to make similar donations to help us end the heroin crisis. Suzanne always brings creativity and a sense of urgency in solving problems on the County Board. I can’t wait to work with her on a very noble endeavor that will supplement the services and treatment that our Problem Solving Courts provide.”
One possible use of the funding could be to introduce biofeedback therapy into the Problem Solving Court programs. This unique therapy helps eliminate stress and anxiety for those who are experiencing withdrawal while receiving treatment and counseling for their addictions. It also can assist veterans who are suffering from PTSD. Funds could cover the equipment and training associated with this therapy.
Other equipment and training options for the Problem Solving Courts also are being explored.
The Problem Solving Courts have been progressive in the introduction of innovative services for clients. In recent years, the courts have developed fitness and nutrition programs to help clients maintain their health during treatment.