Resident urges Westmont to budget for a full-time village social worker

At the open-forum portion of the meeting, resident Susan Steinmiller urged the village to establish a full-time social-worker position to support first responders and residents facing economic hardship, housing instability or behavioral crises.

Steinmiller described how Downers Grove Township has full-time social workers and urged Westmont to do likewise, arguing the position would create a single point of entry for services and reduce costly emergency responses. "A dedicated village social worker serves as a single point of entry to relief... I ask you, find the money, get this budgeted for next year," she said, adding that she provided a written proposal that included estimated costs and benefits.

Steinmiller also described a community drive, 'Empower Her', organized with local service clubs to collect and distribute feminine-hygiene products to Westmont schools and first responders. Trustees thanked her for the proposal and asked staff to review the packet.