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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Lt. Lorena Hernandez
DATE: April 2, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with Guardian Angel Community Services as a Network Agreement for FY 2026.
PURPOSE:
To renew the Networking Agreement between the Aurora Police Department and Guardian Angel Community Services for FY 2026, ensuring continued coordination of victim advocacy, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed support services.
BACKGROUND:
Guardian Angel Community Services, a not-for-profit agency headquartered in Joliet, Illinois, has provided comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and related trauma for more than a century. Their programs include the Exchange Club Center, Foster Care, Groundwork Domestic Violence Program, Partner Abuse Intervention Program, Sexual Assault Service Center, and Suzy’s Caring Place. The Aurora Police Department has maintained a long-standing partnership with Guardian Angel Community Services, with documented networking agreements dating back to at least 2010. These agreements support coordinated service delivery, timely referrals, and collaborative advocacy for victims within the City of Aurora (Will County area). Guardian Angel Community Services has submitted its updated Networking Agreement for FY 2026, reflecting current leadership and program structure.
DISCUSSION:
The FY 2026 Networking Agreement (attached) outlines the mutual responsibilities of the Aurora Police Department and Guardian Angels Community Services, including:
- Maintaining regular communication regarding service updates
- Avoiding duplication of services
- Coordinating referrals for individuals in need of advocacy or support.
- Sharing necessary client information using appropriate release forms.
- Upholding strict confidentiality in accordance with state and federal law.
- Promoting a cooperative, trauma-informed network of services across Will and Grundy Counties.
This agreement formalizes the Aurora Police Department's ongoing collaboration with Guardian Angels Community Services and ensures that victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and related crimes continue to receive comprehensive, specialized support.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Approval of this agreement will continue to strengthen the Aurora Police Department's ability to provide trauma-informed, victim-centered services. This agreement will further enhance interagency coordination and ensure continued access to specialized advocacy and crisis intervention resources offered by Guardian Angels Community Services. This partnership directly supports public safety, community well-being, and the Aurora Police Department's commitment to comprehensive victim support.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of this Resolution authorizing the Chief of Police, or their designee, to execute the FY 2026 Networking Agreement with Guardian Angel Community Services and to approve future annual renewals as appropriate.
cc: Public Health, Safety, and Transportation
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with Guardian Angels Community Services as a Network Agreement for Fiscal Year 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, Guardian Angel Community Services is a not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Illinois, with its main site in Joliet and satellite offices throughout Will and Grundy Counties, offering services through six programs: the Exchange Club Center, Foster Care, Groundwork Domestic Violence Program, Partner Abuse Intervention Program, Sexual Assault Service Center, and Suzy’s Caring Place; and
WHEREAS, Guardian Angel Community Services provides critical crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, prevention education, and support services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and related trauma, and has long served as a regional partner to law enforcement agencies; and
WHEREAS, the Aurora Police Department has historically collaborated with Guardian Angels Community Services through networking agreements, including prior agreements dating back to at least 2010, to ensure coordinated victim services, trauma-informed response, and streamlined referrals; and
WHEREAS, Guardian Angels Community Services has submitted its Fiscal Year 2026 Networking Agreement, which outlines mutual commitments to maintain regular communication, avoid duplication of services, coordinate referrals, share necessary client information consistent with law, and uphold strict confidentiality for all clients, visitors, volunteers, and staff.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: That the Networking Agreement between the Aurora Police Department and Guardian Angel Community Services 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 Networking Agreement, and future renewals, on behalf of the City of Aurora.