Morrison brings Mobile Museum of Tolerance to Lake County
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HIGHLAND PARK – Wrapped in photos of Anne Frank, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, Harriet Tubman, Simon Wiesenthal, Cesar Chavez and Rosa Parks, the Mobile Museum of Tolerance drives across the country with one mission: to teach communities how they can make a difference, much like the changes made by those historical figures.
State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is bringing the traveling museum to Highland Park next week to address the tide of hate people across the country face.
“We’ve seen an increase of hate toward minority communities in Illinois and across the country – and it must stop,” Morrison said. “We need to strive for open dialogue, mutual understanding and positive education within our communities to end this discrimination.”
As an advocate for peace building and conflict resolution, Morrison is partnering with the Mobile Museum of Tolerance to show people how they can combat ill feelings for certain groups. The Mobile Museum of Tolerance seeks to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds, empowering them to raise their voices and combat anti-Semitism, bullying, racism, hate and intolerance and to promote human dignity.
The traveling museum includes a theater with seating and workshops to teach people about a variety of topics, including the evils behind the Holocaust and the fight for civil rights that continues today.
Located in the parking lot of the Highland Park Recreation Center on Park Avenue West, people can visit the Mobile Museum of Tolerance free of charge to learn about topics ranging from the legacy of the Holocaust to the power of ordinary people to create positive change in the community. The bus is open from noon-6 p.m. each day of the week of July 26-30.
“The Mobile Museum of Tolerance is a reminder that each of us can make a difference if we simply work together and learn how to care for one another,” Morrison said. “No matter if you’re 5 or 85, there’s work you can do to become the best ally to your neighbors.”
People with questions about the event can contact Morrison’s office at 847-945-5200.
Senators Morrison and Johnson host ice cream social
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LAKE COUNTY, Ill. – To provide a fun way for the community to beat the heat while learning about what’s going on in Springfield, State Senators Julie Morrison and Adriane Johnson are hosting an ice cream social Sunday, July 25.
“One of my favorite parts of my job as a state senator has always been meeting people in the community and sharing the strides we made in Springfield while hearing their feedback,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “After more than a year of not being able to host face-to-face events, I’m excited to get back out into Lake County and talk with the people who make the district such a great place to live.”
Routine dental care could come to schools under Morrison law
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SPRINGFIELD – To prevent poor dental health among children and teens that can cause lifelong health consequences, State Senator Julie Morrison’s (D-Lake Forest) proposal to allow preventative dental services within schools was signed into law Friday.
“Routine dental care isn’t just about appearance – it’s about overall health and well-being that can affect every part of a child’s life,” Morrison said. “It’s time we treat dental care like other preventative health care.”
Under the law, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services could put in place a school-based dental program that would allow out-of-office preventative services – like teeth cleanings.
About 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11, and about 13% of those between 12 and 19, have at least one untreated cavity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children who have poor oral health also often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.
“The best way to keep teeth healthy is through preventative dental care – but not every person has the means to go the dentist routinely,” Morrison said.
Senate Bill 346 takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.
Morrison speaks out on enhanced DCFS training for LGBTQ youth in care
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HIGHWOOD – Following recent findings that the Illinois Department of Children and Family was not respecting the needs of LGBTQ youth in care, the agency announced Tuesday it is enhancing its LGBTQ training and resources. State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is calling on the department to adhere to its policies to ensure all children feel safe and heard.
“LGBTQ youth in care are disproportionately likely to become homeless and deal with mental health struggles,” Morrison said. “I am hopeful under the enhanced training DCFS will work more diligently to respect LGBTQ children’s identities and prioritize the care they need.”
To meet the needs of LGBTQ youth in care, DCFS said it will expand its network of gender-affirming therapists, service providers, health care professionals, agencies and organizations across the state. It also plans to launch enhanced required LGBTQ training for staff, private agency partners and foster caregivers this summer.
The increased training and services comes after an auditor general investigation that looked into how many LGBTQ children were under the care of DCFS and the number of providers deemed “clinically appropriate” for the kids. The audit found the agency "does not collect sufficient information regarding whether those in care are LGBTQ."
Morrison – who previously passed a resolution calling for the audit – immediately urged a change in training and policies at the agency.
“We must ensure all children are placed in understanding environments that accept them and support their authentic selves,” Morrison said.
LGBTQ youth in care, foster and adoptive parents, and child welfare staff may call the department’s LGBTQ Helpline at 855-814-8421 for assistance and answers to questions about their rights, available services and resources, and upcoming training opportunities.
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