The Second Judicial Circuit recently participated in a statewide initiative sponsored by the Illinois Judges Association and the Conference of Chief Judges to help local schools, students, and community organizations prepare for success in the 2022-23 school year by donating school supplies to students throughout the Circuit.

Second Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan and Circuit Judge Matthew Hartrich met with Ashlie Zwilling, Supervisor with SWAN on August 10, to deliver school supplies that will be donated to families serviced by the organization. SWAN, Stop Women Abuse Now, is a non-profit organization in Olney that provides homeless shelters in the Second Circuit counties of Richland, Crawford, Lawrence, Edwards, Wabash, and Wayne. SWAN also provides domestic violence services, legal advocacy, and parenting education for individuals at their centers, as well as, various support groups and parenting classes in communities throughout the region. Also on hand to assist with the donations were Children’s Caseworker, Corrine Pennington and Advocate, Jackie Reckling.

Chief Judge Morgan stated, “The Second Circuit Judges are proud to partner in this venture with SWAN. As a presiding judge in juvenile court, I see firsthand the struggles our children face when they are not prepared for school. My colleagues and I are honored to participate in this initiative to provide school supplies to local students and their families and we are happy to join forces with others who encourage and support our children in their educational pursuits.”

Judge Hartrich added, “A good education benefits the future prospects of all juveniles. The Judges of the Second Circuit are excited to do our small part to further the education of our youth.”