• The Partnership for a Drug Free America features "The Mom Squad" of Kane County, IL.

  Hearts of Hope, "The Mom Squad" is a non-profit organization advocating for drug free communities by educating the public on drug addiction's social and financial impact on individuals, families and communities.

  PDFA at www.DrugFreeAmerica.org features 8 stories from Kane County families affected by drug addiction.
  
  The “Hearts of Hope”/”The Mom Squad” works in conjunction with the drug court program here in Kane County. We were incorporated as a 501C 3 non-profit organization in May 2002 by parents of children in Kane County Drug Court and other concerned individuals. Our goal is to inform as many people as possible about the drug problem in Kane County, and how Judge Doyle’s Drug Court really is saving lives. If it weren’t for this program hundreds would be in the penitentiary or dead. The number of cases exceeds 400 and keeps growing and resources are nearly depleted. The magnitude of this problem is nearly overwhelming yet we are determined to win this battle in the War on Drugs that is terrorizing our community. We’ve all read the countless newspaper articles about young adults losing the battle with addiction. There were 30 drug related deaths here last year. The related crime is estimated to be costing the area economy over a million dollars a month. The drug dealers have targeted our communities and our children. We must fight back by curtailing the demand through awareness and early intervention. This program with all of our support can do that.
  
  It is important to note that we have been nationally recognized. The former U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Director Asa Hutchinson visited the drug court program in July of 2002, and stated that “Judge Doyle’s courtroom is certainly a national model he’d like to see duplicated both in Illinois and elsewhere in the country.” In addition, our drug court has also been visited by many D.E.A. officials, eight members from the Partnership for a Drug Free America, the producers of the Oprah Winfrey show, and WGN-TV News just to name a few.
  The first group to complete the 2 year drug court program here in Kane County graduated on October 3rd, 2002. It was a grand celebration of life. Judge Karen Freeman-Wilson, the president of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals came in from Washington to attend the ceremony. She was impressed and stated “this is absolutely a model for other drug courts across the country. Mike Townsend, executive vice president of the Partnership for a Drug Free America from New York, was also on hand and not only attended the graduation, but spent time at the drug court talking to participants and their parents. WGN-TV news covered the ceremony and did a “Chicago’s Very Own” report on the success of the drug court, as well as interviews with some of the parents and participants of the drug court. This story was featured nationally on WGN-TV Friday, October 18, 2002.
  
  As the second group of drug court participants prepares to graduate, the members of “Hearts of Hope”/”The Mom Squad” continue their efforts to raise awareness and provide valuable information and support to the families who are affected directly and to the community at large. They also play an instrumental role in the ongoing effort to establish a state of the art rehabilitation facility for this area.
  
  If you want to become involved please visitwww.HeartsOfHope.Net and contact them or write to “Hearts of Hope” PO Box 3314 St Charles, IL 60174. If you have any questions please call 630-232-9210. Donations are welcome.
  Together we can make a difference. We have no other choice.
  
   

• Mom Squad  Drug Court Volunteers are sworn in by Senator Lauzen

The Ceremonial Courtroom at the Kane County Judicial Center was the site of the official swearing in of Kane County Drug Rehabilitation Court Volunteers. Many Hearts of Hope /MOM Squad members were sworn in as volunteers to assist the Kane County Drug Rehabilitation Court with drug testing documentation and clerical work. Presently, the KCDR Court is delivering exceptional service to the community with minimum manpower. The Court's Probation Team has done an exceptional job of extending themselves to their Drug Rehabilitation Court commitment. However, due to increasing numbers of participants in this judicial program, there is a need for additional manpower support.

 

 

 

 

Chief Judge Philip L. DiMarzio opened the evening ceremony with a renewal of his support and confidence of the Kane County Drug Rehabilitation Court's success. Judge DiMarzio thanked the Court Volunteers for their help to the court. Judge Robert L. Janes was also in attendance.

 

 

 

 

Judge James Doyle spoke to the group with sincere appreciation for their volunteer efforts and continued support. Additionally, he spoke highly of his Probation Team who work around the clock, with dedication and commitment. Judge Doyle has pioneered a successful alternative to incarceration for those who turn to criminal activity to support their addiction.

 

 

 

 

Senator Chris Lauzen officiated the ceremony and graciously performed the official swearing in of twenty-five volunteers, who took an oath of confidentiality.

 

 

Sarah Lauzen, wife of Senator Lauzen, was sworn in as a Kane County Drug Rehabilitation Court Volunteer and has joined the Mom Squad/Hearts of Hope advocacy group.

 

 

 

 

Senator Lauzen said of the Kane County Drug Rehabilitation Court - it is "treatment with teeth". He also expressed his support of Kane County's Drug Rehabilitation Program and is actively pursuing financial support.

 

 

Senator Lauzen commented that everyone can stumble and fall in life and that Kane County's judicial program is a way to true recovery.

 

 

 

 

The evening concluded with cookies, coffee, and conversation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For further information please contact Lea Minalga: 630-327-9937, 630-513-5998, or Senator Lauzen: 630-264-2334