Dear Neighbor,

I just sat down to write my “end of the year” post and realized it’s also the end of my first term as your representative. The thought gives me pause as I reflect back on 2 years ago when I first took this position. The World looked very different. We were in the middle of the pandemic, pre-vaccines, and everything, from setting up my office, to how I engaged with constituents, was done through the lens of the pandemic. As we’ve moved past those days of restriction and welcomed back face to face interaction, this role, like everything else, has also changed and as I start a new term, it’s the start of so many other things as well.

So what is changing other than the weather? For starters, I said goodbye to Hannah Cook, my first District Director. Hannah was also new to State Government and together we navigated tremendous changes: operating in covid, new leadership in the General Assembly, offices transitioning from in person work to online, and redistricting, just to name a few. She and I put together an office designed around service and the needs of our district. Hannah helped create an online resource database, assisted constituents on a variety of issues, established our office as a community hub, and ensured that we were a consistent presence: being available accessible and seen. I am eternally grateful for all of her time and talent. She is not too far away- she’ll be the Outreach Coordinator of McHenry County for Congressman Bill Foster. We wish her well.

I’ll be sworn in on January 11th for my 2nd term and in the coming months will continue to make changes to build on the great work begun in the first term. Look for updates here through this newsletter or online at my website. It’s exciting to be starting a new term with a little bit of experience and knowledge. I’ll share more about my plans in another post. For now, I wish everyone a very happy holiday and end of year.

Sincerely, Suzanne

NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

Boy Scout Presentation

I had the chance to share what it means to be a State Representative with Cub Scouts in West Dundee! I was so impressed by these amazing young leaders and their dedication to our community.

Student Financial Aid Presentation

Thank you to everyone who came to our College Financial Aid 101 information session with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Illinois Migrant Council, and the Fox River Valley Public Library District’s help in hosting this session earlier this month.

Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Annual Breakfast

I had a wonderful time presenting a legislative update at the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Membership Meeting!
Thank you for having me!

Honoring Veterans in Lake in the Hills

For this year’s Veterans Day my office had the pleasure of attending a Veterans Day event hosted by Village of Lake in the Hills. Veterans, we thank you for your service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country. We are forever grateful!

Principal for a Day at
Crystal Lake South High School

I enjoyed being “Principal for a Day” at Crystal Lake South HS. Thank you Principal Nabilio and all of the staff for a great day! It was a new perspective for me. The teachers, administrators, and staff have my utmost respect! Go Gators!

Second Bridge

Second Bridge, Program of Kids in Need will be sponsoring gifts for 589 kids in the community this holiday season. My office is proud and humbled to sponsor two brothers ages 5 & 3.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Styrofoam Recycling Hours-Environmental Defenders of McHenry County

Mental Health Walk-In Hours
Family Service Association of Greater Elgin

Family Service Associates of Greater Elgin is now partnering with Carpentersville Fire Department at their 5000 Sleepy Hollow Rd. location to provide walk-in hours for mental health related crises on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-8pm!
FSA will provide mental health assessments and link to appropriate resources.

Community Dining for Kane County Seniors

Visit Elgin Senior Services Associates and Kane Senior Council
Mondays and Fridays at 11:00 am to enjoy a free, nutritious meal.
Call 630-746-0619 to sign up
or visit www.kaneseniorcouncil.org/community-dining/ for more information.

Visit Kane Senior Council

Hoof, Woof, & Meow Animal Rescue
Holiday Open House

Saturday, December 10th from 10am- 2pm!

Please email adopt@hoofwoofmeow.org with any questions. You can find out adoption procedures and application, visit: www.hoofwoofmeow.org

Click here to fill out an application or to learn more about other adoptable pets!

A NOTE FROM HANNAH

It has been an honor to work for Representative Ness over the last two years. During my time as District Director, I had the opportunity to support constituents as they navigated complex issues and helped connect them to community resources. My favorite part of my role was learning first-hand about the issues that matter most to the communities we serve and supporting Rep. Ness as she worked tirelessly to secure funding for local projects, introduce and pass constituent driven legislation, and highlight all that makes our district special. When I think about the work our team has done and the constituents we’ve had the privilege of serving, I’m reminded of one of my favorite quotes from everyone’s favorite neighbor, Mr. Rogers. The quote goes “When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘ Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” If I’ve learned anything from my time in Rep. Ness’ office, it’s that helpers are everywhere, even in times of division and hardship. There is always an opportunity to meet people with kindness. There is always an opportunity to be a helper.

As I move on to the next chapter, I reflect on my time working with Rep. Ness, our district team, and the many vibrant people that make D66 a wonderful place to live and work with immense gratitude. My sincerest thank you to all of the kindness and care you’ve shown me.

Wishing you a restful holiday season and happy new year!

-Hannah

RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced it is reopening a mortgage assistance program designed to assist homeowners financially impacted by the pandemic.

The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) provides up to $30,000 in mortgage assistance to eligible homeowners —paid directly to the servicer, taxing body or other approved entity — while homeowners work to regain their financial footing. Whether homeowners have a mortgage, a reverse mortgage, or are mortgage-free, the program can fund past due housing payments and up to three months of prospective mortgage payments.

The program is free and funds do not need to be repaid. Application, program information and updates can be found at www.illinoishousinghelp.org.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023.

Federal Student Loan Debt Relief Application

Deadline to Apply: December 31, 2023.

APPLY HERE!

Winter Coats Needed

Please Donate! We are in need of Women’s and Men’s coats in larger sizes. (L, XL, XXL)
For more information:
Call 847-742-4088 or email ksheppard@crisiscenter.org

Visit Community Crisis Center