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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Cmdr. Ted Grommes
DATE: April 3, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with The Aging & Disability Services Division of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, Inc., as a Linkage Service Agreement for FY 2026.
PURPOSE:
To renew the Linkage Service Agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) between the Aurora Police Department and The Aging & Disability Services Division of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, Inc. for FY 2026, ensuring continued coordination of programs and services, specifically in the Will County portion of Aurora, for older adults and in some cases, persons with disabilities.
BACKGROUND:
The Aging & Disability Services Division of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation in Crest Hill, Illinois. The Aging and Disability Services at Catholic Charities provides a holistic support system designed to enhance the independence of seniors and individuals with disabilities. This is achieved through benefit access, companionship and telephone support, emergency financial assistance, information assistance and referral, and money management services.
These services help clients navigate their long-term care choices and access vital community resources. Beyond direct client aid, the agency offers specialized programming for family caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren, ensuring those in supportive roles have the tools they need to succeed. Furthermore, the program fosters community engagement by providing meaningful volunteer opportunities specifically tailored for older adults.
This agreement supports coordinated service delivery, timely referrals, and collaborative advocacy for the elders within the City of Aurora (Will County area). Catholic Charities of Joliet, Inc. has submitted its updated Networking Agreement for FY 2026, reflecting current leadership and program structure.
DISCUSSION:
The FY 2026 Linkage Service Agreement (attached) outlines the mutual responsibilities of the Aurora Police Department and Catholic Charities of Joliet, Inc, including:
1. Recognize the existence of their respective professional services.
2. Communicate with one another any changes in service delivery or admission criteria.
3. Maintain a cooperative relationship allowing for regular and frequent contact.
4. Assist in providing necessary client information with the use of appropriate release of information forms or agency confidentiality agreements.
5. Acquaint and refer clients and their families who may have need of each other's programs and services.
6. Promote the continuation of a cooperative planning and service delivery system for the betterment of clients, families, and single persons.
This agreement formalizes the ongoing collaboration between the Aurora Police Department and Catholic Charities Aging & Disability Services in Aurora (Will County). By joining a coordinated network of partner providers, both organizations commit to a unified approach that enhances the quality of care and support for older adults and high-risk individuals within the community.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The renewal of this agreement will allow The Aging & Disability Services Division of Catholic Charities and the Aurora Police Department to continue to provide specialized attention that goes beyond traditional emergency response in the Will County portion of Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the Resolution authorizing the Chief of Police, or their designee, to execute this FY 2026 Linkage Service Agreement with Catholic Charities of Joliet, Inc. and to approve future annual renewals as appropriate.
cc: Public Health, Safety, and Transportation
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with The Aging & Disability Services Division of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, Inc., as a Linkage Service Agreement for FY 2026.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, The Aging & Disability Services Division of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Illinois, operating out of Crest Hill, Illinois, offering services to older adults and those with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The Aging & Disability Services Division of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, Inc. provides a holistic support system designed to enhance the independence of seniors and individuals with disabilities. This is achieved through benefit access, companionship and telephone support, emergency financial assistance, information assistance and referral, and money management services.; and
WHEREAS, the Aurora Police Department has historically collaborated with Catholic Charities of Joliet, Inc. through Linkage Service Agreements, dating back to at least 2023, to ensure coordinated referrals and services; and
WHEREAS, The Aging & Disability Services Division of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, Inc. has submitted its Fiscal Year 2026 Linkage Service Agreement, which outlines mutual commitments to formally recognize the existence of their respective professional services and commit to communicating any changes in service delivery or admission criteria, and maintaining a cooperative relationship that allows for regular and frequent contact, ensuring a cohesive approach to community care.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: That the Linkage Service Agreement between the Aurora Police Department and The Aging & Disability Services Division of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, Inc. for FY 2026 is hereby approved; and further
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chief of Police or his designee hereby is authorized to execute said Linkage Service Agreement and future renewals on behalf of the City of Aurora.