West Chicago group home reopened by health department following extensive fire in September, 2007

The West Chicago group home for mental health clients has been repaired and is ready to reopen following an extensive fire just over one year ago on Sept. 11, 2007.

Officials from West Chicago and the DuPage County Health Department, which operates the home, attended a reopening ceremony and ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Participating in the ceremony were DuPage County Board (District 6) members Jim Zay, Linda Kurzawa and Pamela Rion, West Chicago Mayor Michael Kwasman, West Chicago Alderman Jim Smith, West Chicago Alderwoman Nanette Connelly and West Chicago Fire Chief Ron Ackerman. Kurzawa and Rion also serve on the DuPage County Board of Health. Kurzawa is president of that board.

Kurzawa thanked all emergency responders and neighbors for their help after the fire. “We are thankful there were no injuries,” she said.

The home was built in 1867 and has served many purposes over the decades. It was operated by Metropolitan Family Services DuPage prior to its purchase by the health department in 2004. It houses eight mental health clients and staff.

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West Chicago is the one of the fastest-growing cities in DuPage County in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. With a current population of more than 25,000, West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. West Chicago is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois' third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. Additional information can be found on the city's website at www.westchicago.org or by calling Rosemary Mackey directly at (630) 293-2200 x 139.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO 475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185 T - (630) 293-2200 www.westchicago.org