Happy Easter to all who celebrate!

One of the most effective predictors of sustained recovery from substance use is gainful employment. It is in the economic and social interests of the public and private sectors to help those suffering from substance use disorder attain new skills and jobs. I’m proud that DuPage County and the HOPE Taskforce are leaders in this effort. I was honored to speak at the graduation ceremony for the first cohort of WorkNet DuPage Career Center’s RAMP-UP pilot program, which helps residents in recovery attain a skilled manufacturing certification. All of us are capable of achieving our true potential if just given the opportunity.

I met with students from Hinsdale South High School and Hinsdale Central High School who participated in the 2019 Sustainable Design Challenge hosted by SCARCE and DuPage County Stormwater Management. These impressive students are helping lead the charge in their communities for environmentally-friendly building practices.

Young Latinas play a critical role in forming DuPage’s future. Today, I joined the Mexican Cultural Center-DuPage, The Fig Factor Foundation, and Mayor Ruben Pineda to celebrate Young Latina Day in West Chicago. I am committed to doing all I can to empower Latinas to pursue their passions and dreams. #ustedessonelfuturo #youarethefuture

In DuPage County, we are committed to exploring all possible options to connect those suffering from substance use disorder with treatment. It was my honor to invite Marge, Roger, and Steve Stefani of Hinsdale to speak at Friday’s DuPage HOPE Taskforce meeting. After the tragic passing of their son and brother Matt to opioid use, the Stefani Family founded Hope for Healing (www.hope-for-healing.org), which is a non-profit dedicated to reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorder and advocating for harm reduction as a means of connecting patients to treatment. I could not be prouder of the Stefani Family’s dedication and courage to use their own heart-wrenching experience to help others impacted by the opioid epidemic. I look forward to working with them and their entire Hope for Healing team.