Family Focus

Your Voice Matters - Be a Changemaker Tomorrow 3/19- Take Action Today! Did you know that it takes 5 minutes to be an advocate with Family Focus! Advocacy isn’t just something we support—it’s who we are. Every day, we stand with families, fight for stronger communities, and push for policies that?uplift, protect, and empower?those we serve. This week, we have a powerful opportunity to make real change. The?Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights coalition bills?are heading to committee hearings, and we’re calling on YOU to help ensure?our communities are heard and supported. By submitting a?witness slip, you’re telling Illinois lawmakers that you?stand for equity, justice, and the rights of every family in our state. It’s quick, easy, and makes a lasting impact! Here's how YOU CAN Take Action: ?Click the links below for each bill. ? Fill in your information (list?"Individual ICIRR Supporter"?or?"Family Focus"). ?Under?"Position,"?select?Proponent?(this means you support the bill). ?Under?"Testimony,"?choose?Record of Appearance Only?(no need to write or speak). Accept the terms and click?Create (Slip)?to submit. That’s it! A few minutes of your time can help shape policies that support thousands of families. What’s at Stake? ?Immigrant Rights?– Protecting our communities from harmful policies ?Safe Schools?– Ensuring safety and inclusion for all students ?Fair Wages for Care Workers?– Supporting the professionals who uplift our families ?Criminal Justice Reform?– Expanding access to post-conviction relief ?TANF Reform?– Helping families meet their basic needs Family Focus has always been a?champion for families—and now, we need YOU to be a part of this fight. Every witness slip brings us one step closer to ensuring that?all families have access to the resources, protections, and opportunities they deserve. ?The time to act is NOW!?Follow the links below and Submit your witness slip today! #AdvocacyMatters #FairPolicyNow #StrongerCommunities #FamilyFocus #ImmigrantRights #SafeSchools #HumanServices #EquityForAll ?Quick Links to Submit Your Witness Slips: For identification, fill out the form with your information? (Anyone filling out a slip individually can put "Individual ICIRR Supporter" in this section. Otherwise, please list your organization) For position, please click “Proponent” For testimony, choose “Record Of Appearance Only” To submit the created slip, accept the terms and click the “Create (Slip)” button TRUST Act Amendments: HB 2706 (L. Hernandez) Two possible hearing dates House Executive Committee,?Wednesday 3/19 at 10AM:?https://lnkd.in/gn7HquBr House Education Policy Committee,?Wednesday 3/19 at 8AM:?https://lnkd.in/gnvEMu94?

Meet Elle Davis, MSW – A Trailblazer in Nonprofit Leadership This #TeamworkTuesday, we’re shining a light on an extraordinary leader, mentor, changemaker, Founder and Chief Elevation Officer of The Ellevate Group, LLC. With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Elle has dedicated her career to strengthening organizations, empowering professionals, and improving opportunities for underserved youth. When faced with unexpected challenges, Elle transformed obstacles into opportunities for growth, founding The Ellevate Group, LLC to equip nonprofit professionals with the tools they need to build sustainable, impactful programs. Through her expertise in strategic planning, coaching, and grant writing, she has helped organizations secure over $20 million in funding, ensuring that critical services reach the communities that need them most. Elle’s passion for servant leadership and her commitment to uplifting others make her a powerful force in the nonprofit world. As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, we honor trailblazers like Elle who break barriers, inspire change, and build a legacy of strength, impact, and empowerment. Who are the women in your life who inspire you to lead and uplift others? Drop their names in the comments and let’s elevate their impact together! #WomensHistoryMonth #TeamworkTuesday #Empowerment #Leadership #TheEllevateGroup #NonprofitExcellence #FamilyFocus

Thank You for Taking Action! Because of YOU, 156 witness slips were submitted today in support of afterschool funding and out-of-school-time programming! Your voices matter, and together, we are making a difference for children and families across Illinois. We are grateful to each and every one of you who answered the call, showed up, and took action. Advocacy is strongest when we come together—and today, you proved just how powerful our community is! #AdvocacyInAction #PowerOfCommunity #FamilyFocusStrong

#TeamworkTuesday Spotlight! Meet Keesha Terrell, a dedicated leader shaping the future of early childhood education at Family Focus Evanston! As a Program Supervisor, Keesha brings over a decade of experience fostering child development, mentoring educators, and creating nurturing learning environments for young minds to thrive. With a bachelor’s degree in General Studies (Counseling and Social Services) from North Park University, Keesha is passionate about developing innovative programs that empower both children and families. Her participation in the Leadership Lab Powered by The Ellevate Group, LLC is an opportunity to further enhance her leadership skills, drive meaningful change, and expand the impact of early childhood education in our communities. Beyond the classroom, Keesha channels her creativity through DIY projects, bringing fresh and inspiring ideas to life—both at home and at work! Join us in celebrating Keesha’s dedication to leadership, learning, and the families she serves. We can’t wait to see how she continues to grow and make an impact! #LeadershipLab #FamilyFocusStrong #EmpoweringLeaders #EarlyChildhoodEducation #MentorshipMatters

FINAL HOUR: TAKE ACTION NOW! We are about ONE HOUR away from the deadline to file witness slips in support of two critical bills that will impact afterschool programs across Illinois! Your voice matters, Please act now. ? HB3081 – Establishes an Out-of-School Time Council within the General Assembly. ? HB3082 – Secures $50 million for afterschool programs, ensuring resources reach the children and families who need them most. SUBMIT YOUR WITNESS SLIP NOW – IT TAKES LESS THAN 2 MINUTES! ?? Click here to support HB3081: https://lnkd.in/gfSh5S-7 ?? Click here to support HB3082: https://lnkd.in/ga9QqAjW 5 Quick Steps to Submit: 1?? Fill in your name and info. 2?? If representing an organization, enter the name; otherwise, write “self.” 3?? Select "Proponent" to show support. 4?? Choose "Record of Appearance Only." 5?? Agree to the ILGA terms and hit "Create Slip." Let’s show up for our kids and our communities—submit your witness slip NOW! Share this with your network and help us make a difference! #FamilyFocusStrong #ActNow #AfterschoolMatters #SupportHB3081 #SupportHB3082

?? URGENT: Your Voice is Needed TODAY! ?? TODAY the Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee will review two bills that we are prioritizing. The first would establish a Out of School time Council within the General Assembly. The second would include $50M for afterschool programs – we want to make sure to continue to hold agencies and legislators accountable for the funds that have already been allocated for afterschool programs until there is a release of those funds. ? Here's how you can submit the witness slips: Click here to submit a witness slip for HB3081? https://lnkd.in/gfSh5S-7 Click here to file a witness slip for HB3082 https://lnkd.in/ga9QqAjW In Section I:?fill?in your identification information In Section II:?fill?out?your organization if you are representing one or write “self” if you are representing yourself. You can also?fill?in N/A. In Section III:?select “Proponent” to support. In Section IV:?select “Record of Appearance Only” Agree?to the Illinois General Assembly’s (ILGA) Terms of Agreement Select?the “Create?Slip” button

Recently, our Teen Success Program group at Family Focus Aurora- Kapur Center had the opportunity to sit down with Dara Munson, for a conversation about her professional experiences. Dara deeply believes in the power of mentorship and the importance of creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. Conversations like these are more than just discussions—they are moments that help shape confidence, dreams, and future leaders. Projects like this give our teens real-world experiences, encourage self-reflection, and push them to dream BIG. Dara’s wisdom and leadership also serves as a reminder to our young participants that their voices matter and their potential is limitless. We are so grateful for her encouragement, and commitment to supporting the next generation. This is what Women’s History Month is all about! #WomensHistoryMonth #ThePowerOfMentorship #EmpoweringTheFuture #LeadWithPurpose #FamilyFocus #YouthInspiration

Meet Leadership Lab Cohort Member, Mark Brown, a valued member of our Leadership Lab Cohort and the Director of Government Grants & Contracts in our Finance Department. With nearly eight years of dedicated service at Family Focus and over three decades of financial expertise, Mark has played a crucial role in ensuring grant compliance, staff development, and strategic financial operations that sustain our mission. His impressive career includes financial leadership roles at the International Monetary Fund, Heitman Financial, and Aon Corporation, where he developed deep expertise in financial analysis, treasury operations, and team leadership. Transitioning into the nonprofit sector, Mark has successfully navigated complex funding streams while leading initiatives at organizations like the YMCA and ASPIRA Charter Schools. Through our Leadership Lab powered by The Ellevate Group, LLC, Mark is focused on enhancing his communication and coaching skills—a testament to his commitment to mentorship and professional growth. His goal? To empower his team, foster collaboration, and strengthen Family Focus’ financial stewardship. We’re excited to see how Mark’s journey unfolds in Leadership Lab and beyond!? #LeadershipLab #FamilyFocus175 #CommunityImpact #FinanceLeadership #ProfessionalGrowth #EmpoweringLeaders #MissionDriven

We believe that every child’s future is shaped by the educators, mentors, and leaders who guide them along the way. This Women's History Month, we join the National Women's History Alliance (NWHA) in celebrating the 2025 theme:?"Moving Forward Together"—a tribute to the women who educate and inspire generations. This theme speaks directly to the heart of our work. From our?early childhood educators?who create nurturing learning environments, to our?youth development mentors?who instill confidence and resilience in young minds, we are is committed to shaping a future where every child can thrive. We are also honored to stand on the foundation built by visionary women like?Bernice Weissbourd, our founder, and?Delores Holmes, a trailblazer in community advocacy. Last year, Dara Munson, had the privilege of speaking with Mrs. Holmes about what it means to dedicate your life to serving children and families. She reflected on what inspired her journey, the importance of mentorship, and how Family Focus can continue evolving to meet the needs of future generations. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we uplift the women of Family Focus—past, present, and future—who are breaking barriers, leading with purpose, and ensuring that every child, every family, and every community has the support they need to move forward together. ?Join us this month as we highlight the incredible women shaping our mission and celebrate the power of education, mentorship, and leadership. #WomensHistoryMonth #MovingForwardTogether #FamilyFocusStrong #WomenWhoInspire

?Advocating for Fair Wages in Human Services Yesterday, Family Focus proudly stood with Illinois Partners for Human Service to launch the Living Wages, Thriving Communities campaign—an initiative fighting for fair wages and sustainable state funding for Illinois’ human service workforce. Our Dara Munson, joined fellow advocates at the Illinois State Capitol, calling on legislators to fully fund human services and ensure workers earn the pay they deserve. "Our team members are not faceless individuals; they are dedicated members of the communities they serve. It’s imperative that Illinois state contracts pay fair wages so that human service employees, their families, and their communities can thrive." From Dara's remarks. The numbers don’t lie: ?? 82% of human service workers in Illinois do not earn a living wage ?? The majority of these professionals are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BILPOC) ?? Underfunding leads to burnout, high turnover, and instability in the sector Without these essential workers, families wouldn’t have access to early childhood education, after-school mentorship, crisis intervention, and more. It’s time we invest in the people who make our communities stronger. What can you do? Take action now! Tell state legislators to prioritize fair pay for human service workers: ?? LivingWageIL.org Let’s work together to create a future where human service professionals are valued, respected, and paid equitably. #LivingWagesIL #HumanServiceHeroes #FairPayNow #StrongerCommunities #FamilyFocusImpact