By Madhu Mayer

The Joliet Township has services for those in need of assistance.

Jesse Stiff is the workfare investigator with the Joliet Township who assist residents with general assistance. The Township helps the community with welfare assistance, program building and maintaining rural roads, assessment of property, and preventing the spread of communicable diseases.  It also offers senior and animal control services for residents. Joliet township was established in November 1849 and serves more than 86,000 residents covering 35.3 square miles.

Stiff said his days are often spent talking with clients.

“I interview them and find out why they are unemployed or homeless and determine the root of the problem in their life,” said Stiff. “I then send them to Workforce of Will County to update their interview and job skills. ”

Much of Stiff’s job over the last three years has involved verifying information submitted by people who apply for mortgage assistance or those seeking help with payment of their electric and natural gas bills. This, he adds, ensures taxpayer funds are not wasted on people who try to scam the system.

“My role is like a mentor or pastor,” he adds. In fact, according to Stiff, he has been a trained pastor for 17 years. In 2012, he established Faith Ministries. Right now, Stiff said he is in the process of finding property in Joliet for his ministry.

” At the township I see 11 or 12 clients per week. “Some are homeless and have given up on life. My job is to help them become productive members of society,” Stiff said.

As rent continues to soar as well as prices for other essentials like food and utilities, Stiff said more and more people are becoming displaced. But he finds joy in helping the unfortunate.

“It is a rewarding job because some people come back and thank me.” “It makes me feel proud to be able to help them,” he said.

While he tries not to take on other people’s problems, Stiff said his job simply is to lend an ear.

“There are so many people out here who are hurting.” “Some people just need someone to talk to so they can express their hurt.” “They feel society has turned their backs on them and I remind them there is hope.”

Stiff continues to persevere despite the fact Joliet Township has been mired in controversy the past several years.

If you are a Joliet Township resident who requires assistance contact the township offices at  (815) 726-4781 Ext. 303.