On Friday, July 3, 2026, Joliet Unity Movement is proud to partner with Dr. Elizabeth Protich, Ed.D., Senior Program Manager with HHCD to host Illinois Citizens Reentry Day, a day dedicated to celebrating second chances, strengthening families, and connecting our community with opportunities that change lives.
At Joliet Unity Movement, our mission is to Build & Inspire Children, and we know that means empowering the entire community. Whether you’re returning home after incarceration, supporting a loved one, or simply believe everyone deserves a fair shot, this event is for you.
Join Us
Friday, July 3, 202612:00 PM – 6:00 PM Riverwalk Community Center 350 N. Broadway • Joliet, IL
Enjoy a Full Day of Community
Community Cookout
Live Music by DJ Sonryze
Open Mic hosted by Joliet Poet Laureate Uxmar Torres
Poetry, Spoken Word & Art
Spades Tournament with prizes
Children’s Activities & Family Games
Community Resources
Employment & Career Opportunities
Justice Impact Institute Registration
Employment Certification Information
Voter Registration
Community Fellowship
We are also honored to recognize the incredible leadership of Dr. Elizabeth Protich, whose more than four decades of service and advocacy for justice-impacted individuals continues to inspire communities throughout Will County.
Illinois Citizens Reentry Day is about hope, healing, and opportunity. Together, we can build stronger families, safer neighborhoods, and brighter futures.
Everyone is welcome.
Joliet Unity MovementJuly Events
Summer is here, and Joliet Unity Movement is proud to bring our community together through a full calendar of events throughout July. From Illinois Citizens Reentry Day and youth leadership programming to family recreation, environmental advocacy, neighborhood celebrations, and Movie in the Park, there are opportunities for residents of all ages to connect, learn, and celebrate.
We believe strong communities are built through meaningful engagement, and we invite you to join us throughout the month. Whether you’re attending your first event or have been with us for years, there’s a place for you in the movement.
“815 Day is a celebration of what is possible when an entire community chooses to invest in its young people. For over 13 years, we’ve watched this festival grow because our families, and volunteers believe our youth deserve opportunities to dream big, build relationships, and see a future full of possibility. Together, we’re not just hosting an event, we’re building a stronger Joliet, one generation at a time.” Willie G. Ervins, President & CEO, Joliet Unity Movement
“815 Youth Day is our premier event of the year because it’s where memories are made and community is celebrated. Over the past 13 years, we’ve grown together, learned to grieve together, and found ways to heal together. We’ve watched young people step onto the talent show stage or basketball court for the very first time, and today many of those same youth are returning as young adults, bringing their own children to experience the celebration.
That is the kind of generational impact we’re committed to. We don’t measure success by one event, or a t-shirt, we measure it by the lives we continue to walk alongside year after year. 815 Youth Day has become a community tradition because our neighbors continue to show up for one another, and we’re proud to be a staple in that journey. Together, we’re building the future we want to see for the next generation.”
Amy Sanchez, Chief Operating Officer, Joliet Unity Movement
The Justice Impact Institute is here. A journey through history, leadership, economics, impacts of: mass incarceration, the war on drugs, gun violence & the justice system led by people with lived experience and built for OUR community. 💥Next Session Thursday July 16, 2026 5pm @ the Joliet Area Historical Museum 204 N Ottawa St Joliet, Il 60432 🔗 Registration Open: https://bit.ly/815JusticeImpact This is bigger than a program. This is leadership. This is healing. This is community. #JusticeImpactInstitute #JolietUnityMovement #815 #Leadership #BuildTheFuture #RestorativeHealing #Justice #JustUs #ForUsByUs
For over 13 years, Joliet Unity Movement has built a respected reputation across the 815 through impactful programming rooted in mentorship, education, and community empowerment.
As we step into 2026, we are expanding our work and inviting the community to be part of something bigger.
We are now recruiting volunteers for our year-round programs and events, including:
Movement Leadership Academy Serving Junior High, High School, and College-aged young adults
Joliet Unity Justice Impact Institute A groundbreaking 10-month curriculum launching June 2026
This is more than volunteering, this is an opportunity to contribute to Joliet history in the making. Our work is rooted in real impact, and the next chapter is about building deeper, stronger, and more connected pathways for our youth and families.
We are seeking individuals who are ready to serve, lead, and grow.
Opportunities include:
Community service hours
Internships
Research opportunities
Event support & program facilitation
Community outreach & engagement
If you or someone you know is ready to build with us, we invite you to get connected.
Together, we continue Building and Inspiring Children’s Lives, Empowering the Community.
INTRODUCING: MOVEMENT ENTERPRISES LLC
The Movement Just Leveled Up.
We’re proud to introduce Movement Enterprises LLC, the business side of the movement.
This is how we scale impact. This is how we sustain the work. This is how we invest back into our community.
Building Impact. Empowering Communities
👉 Let’s work. Consult with our team today: www.815Movement.com 815.524.1220 Joliet815@Joliet815.com
First Advocacy Day~ Big Purpose!
Joliet Unity Movement hit Springfield for the Governor’s Budget Address, standing up for Intentional, Impactful Resources our communities deserve. Our Ambassadors met with State Reps and Senators to speak life into our mission: Building and Inspiring Children’s Lives, Empowering Our Community.
This is how We show up. We are the Change We want to See.
815 Event Series~
JUM bringing the 815 Series all year Great vibes, community, and real conversations 💯 Tap the registration link & RSVP for one or all events ✅ Registered participants get special access & exclusive incentives 👀
“Family Game Night is more than games, it’s memories, love, and real connection.” Amy ~
“When we create together, we heal together, poetry, music, and culture keep our community alive.” Toog~
“Civic engagement is more than a class, it’s a year-round curriculum that educates us, builds power, and prepares us to lead.” Joliet James
“For Us By Us Built with Love Powered by the People.” TaeTae
Joliet Unity Movement Documentary & Conversation
JOIN US
Join Joliet Unity Movement for a powerful evening of learning, reflection, and community dialogue.
This special event features a viewing of the documentary Black Wall Street: The Night Tulsa Burned, followed by a guided conversation connecting national history to our local story through The Brown Book of Joliet’s Black community in Joliet and Will County, Illinois.
Together, we will explore our past, examine the long-term systemic and economic impacts on Black communities, and engage in an intentional discussion about the future—centered on the power of the Black Dollar, buying power, and community-driven economic growth.
Saturday, January 24, 2026 🕕 6:00 p.m. 📍 Location will be emailed upon registration
If you have questions, call 815.324.2499 or email Movement@Joliet815.com.
This is a space for learning, listening, and building together. We look forward to you joining us.
In unity and purpose,
Joliet Unity Movement Team~
🎉 Joliet Unity Movement Celebrates Another Powerful 815 Youth Day
JOLIET, IL – The Joliet Unity Movement proudly announces the success of its 12th Annual 815 Youth Day, a vibrant and impactful end-of-summer celebration held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Nowell Park in Joliet. The event drew hundreds of children, and families from across the region, reinforcing the organization’s mission: Building and Inspiring Children’s Lives, Empowering the Community.
🌟 Event Highlights
The 2025 celebration overflowed with energy, resilience, and joy, despite summer heat and humidity. Attendees enjoyed:
Five giant inflatables that filled the park with laughter and excitement
A thrilling live magic show and an engaging reptile show
Main stage entertainment with DJ music, a youth talent showcase, and dance competitions
A competitive and fun-filled 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
A show-stopping performance by the Pretty Savage Elite Majorettes Dance Team
Over 20 community vendors offering games, giveaways, and helpful resources
The day also featured hands-on activities like Checkers, Chess connect 4, tug-of-war, and community learning stations, all within a safe and welcoming space for families. Smiles, laughter, and celebration were the themes of the day as children were reminded that they are valued, talented, and powerful.
⚾ Invitation to the Slammers Baseball Game
To keep the momentum going and celebrate our incredible youth and families, Joliet Unity Movement is inviting all 815 Day participants to join us at the Joliet Slammers Baseball Game on :
Saturday, August 30, 2025.
This special outing is a token of appreciation and a continued effort to create lasting, positive memories for young people in our community. All youth members and their families are encouraged to attend. Details on ticket pick-up and logistics will be shared directly with participants and posted at www.joliet815.com.
📍 Contact: Willie Ervins, President or Amy Sanchez, Development Specialist 📧 Movement@Joliet815.com 📞 815.324.2499 🌐 www.joliet815.com
Join the Movement—Be the Change!
Ready to uplift Joliet? Plug into Joliet Unity Movement today:
Show Up: Attend our youth programs, mentorship sessions, and community events.
Pitch In: Volunteer for park cleanups, food distributions, outreach, or office support.
Invest: Donate or sponsor a scholarship to fuel futures.
Partner: Bring your school, business, or organization into our growing coalition.
Every hand strengthens our mission to “Build and Inspire Children’s Lives, Empower the Community.” Step in, stand up, and let’s move Joliet forward—together.🚀
“815 Day is more than just an event, it’s a commitment to our youth—to invest in their joy, amplify their voice, and remind them that they belong in every space with pride and purpose.”
Willie G. Ervins, President of Joliet Unity Movement.
Joliet Unity Movement 
