Residents can help support the efforts of the Juvenile Justice Council by participating in the third annual SKY run on April 29. The race begins at 9 a.m. at Hoover Forest Preserve. (Photo courtesy of Kendall JJC)

Take the dogs for a jog, take the kids for a stroll or come beat personal record at the third annual Supporting Kendall Youth (SKY) 5K run/walk set for April 29 at Hoover Forest Preserve in Yorkville.

Funds raised during this pet-friendly race will support the Kendall County State’s Attorney Office’s Juvenile Justice Council, which seeks to minimize delinquency of the county’s youth.

The council was established in 2010 with a singular mission–to “prevent delinquency by effectively utilizing community resources to assist at risk youth and their families and to provide youth the opportunity to reach their full potential,” according to the JJC website.

“Our main purpose is to reduce those that come through the juvenile court system,” State’s Attorney Eric Weis said.

This goal is accomplished in several ways, he explained.

Through fundraising and grant money, the JJC gives back to local youth by hosting educational seminars on drugs/alcohol, offering truancy grants to area schools and awarding scholarships for students.

The JJC is comprised of a board of directors, which includes judges, the sheriff, public defenders, the Regional Office of Education, and other dignified leaders. Then, there are the members themselves which are comprised of local law enforcement officers, social workers, the health department, other public agencies and students themselves.

“We got a focus group of students together and discussed what their concerns are. Not just what we see at the State’s Attorney’s Office, or what law enforcement sees, but issues that are important to them,” Weis explained. From there, the JJC’s mission is tailored to best address those student concerns.

Weis said alcohol and drug use are among the most popular topics addressed, but that bullying, sexting and truancy are also major concerns among students.

“We do know that those who get involved with drugs and alcohol at an early age–even if it’s cannabis–can lead to harder drug use,” Weis said. “Anything we can do to prevent kids from getting into those substances and keep them out of the court system is great. If we can prevent them from using, we can prevent other crimes as well.”

But, the JJC needs the public’s help to ensure its mission remains strong. In order to host seminars, provide grants and award scholarships, funds are required. Residents can help support the efforts of the JJC by participating in the third annual SKY run on April 29.

The race begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 29, at Hoover Forest Preserve, 11285 W. Fox Road in Yorkville. The race is USATF course certified and is pet friendly.

Registration is free for those age 70 and older, and those under 5 years old. For ages 19 through 69, registration is $35. For ages 5 through 18, registration is $20. Family registration, for up to five family members, is $110. Registration for pets is free and pre-registration is required.

To pay by credit card, visit itsracetime.com.

For more information on the race, contact Brenda Karales at bkarales@co.kendall.il.us or call (630) 553-4157.

“Each year the race gets bigger and bigger,” Weis said. “Last year we had more than 220 runners, and we will exceed that this year.”