Mission + Strategy

We’re thrilled to share this testimonial from our client, because it truly captures the essence of what we do. “Mission + Strategy’s ability to guide meaningful discussions while fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose was exceptional. We have hired the team again to help with Strategic Planning and then we will do Succession Planning. Working with Judie has been invaluable.” Thank you to Impact Behavioral Health Partners for your kind words and the continued partnership. As a nonprofit for nonprofits, we understand the unique challenges you face—and our collaborative approach is designed to help you achieve alignment between your mission and business strategies. We invite you to check out our new website to learn more about how we’re igniting community transformation through collaboration and helping organizations like yours thrive: https://lnkd.in/gQFgE_Ue #NonprofitLeadership #MissionDriven #Collaboration #StrategicPlanning #CommunityImpact

A nonprofit for nonprofits. Mission + Strategy was founded on a shared vision, a spirit of partnership, and a dedication to making a difference. For over 15 years, we have led and engaged in successful collaborations within the social impact sector. As a nonprofit ourselves, we’ve endured the eras of the Midwest nonprofit landscape and intimately understand the unique challenges, changes, and regulations you face on a daily basis. Ready to see how a trusted thought-partner can empower your organization? Visit the NEW Mission + Strategy website to discover our story, explore our collaborative solutions, and learn how we help nonprofits achieve alignment between their mission and business strategies. https://lnkd.in/gYGbY474

At Mission + Strategy, we believe that when nonprofits join forces, they can achieve remarkable outcomes. Today, we're sharing a powerful client case study that demonstrates how two organizations united their expertise and passion to create a stronger, more seamless support system for domestic violence survivors. Dive into the inspiring story of how collaboration turned challenges into opportunities for lasting impact: In 2019, Family Shelter Service (FSS) and Metropolitan Family Services of DuPage (MFS) completed a merger rooted in a shared vision: removing barriers for victims of domestic violence by offering seamless access to a comprehensive array of services. This merger was not born out of crisis but rather a mutual ambition to achieve what neither organization could accomplish alone. Together, they saw an opportunity to build something greater than either organization could achieve alone. Scroll → to learn more about how FSS and MFS navigated this groundbreaking merger and the impact it created. Click the link to read the full case study and explore the detailed process behind their success. https://lnkd.in/gT6y4r7w #NonprofitCollaboration #MergerSuccess #CommunityImpact #NonprofitLeadership #StrategicPartnerships

At Mission + Strategy, our team is the driving force behind our mission to ignite community transformation through collaboration. We’re proud to introduce the experts who help nonprofit leaders balance mission and business strategy every day: Greg Petersen, Chief Executive Officer: With decades of experience in the Illinois nonprofit community, Greg’s strategic vision supports thriving missions across the state. Judie Caribeaux, MA, LCSW, Chief Collaborations Officer: A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience, Judie champions authentic partnerships and transformative collaboration. Ernesto Hernandez, Chief Information Officer: Leveraging more than 20 years in IT, Ernesto leads our tech innovations to secure and optimize our data and systems. Samantha Lipscomb, Chief Administrative Officer: Combining creative problem-solving with strategic oversight, Samantha streamlines our operations to empower lasting impact. Donna Catalano, MS, PMP, Consultant: With over 35 years in nonprofit leadership, Donna turns bold visions into actionable outcomes through expert project management and change leadership. Rebecca Clark, Consultant: Rebecca transforms organizations by modernizing processes and business models to drive growth and elevate impact. Shawn Durr, Director of Communications: With over 30 years in the nonprofit field, Shawn ensures our message resonates, inspiring collaboration and progress. You can discover more about our team; individuals who believe in the power of teamwork, leveraging our diverse skills and perspectives in a supportive environment to achieve more, on our new website: https://lnkd.in/gGt2whqP #nonprofitleadership #thoughtpartner #collaboration #missionimpact

We have exciting news! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Mission + Strategy website—a digital home designed with you in mind. What will your experience include? Discover how our Spectrum of Collaborative Services—from Strategic Advising and Mergers & Partnerships to our Shared Back Office—can help you achieve the perfect balance between your mission and business strategy. Explore inspiring success stories, valuable resources, everything from our monthly blogs to downloads, upcoming events in our industry and where you’ll find us as a guest speaker. You’ll also get to know the passionate team behind our work! We built this space to empower nonprofit leaders like you to build resilient, mission-driven organizations. Because we believe we are stronger, together. Come take a look, and let us know what you think! Start your journey here: https://lnkd.in/gYGbY474 #NonprofitLeadership #Collaboration #MissionDriven #StrategicGrowth #CommunityImpact

We’re excited to be a part of "Nonprofit Networking: Models of Sustained Collaboration," in partnership with Vernon Area Public Library, GiveNKind, and The Lake County Community Foundation! In a world of rapid leadership transitions and a wildly shifting fiscal landscape, organizations are finding new ways to collaborate that promote organizational and programmatic sustainability. Many nonprofits are already brilliant at collaborating on programming, and this session will move the conversation forward by exploring models for administrative and structural collaboration, including shared staff, co-location, asset transfers, and mergers/acquisitions. The key topics of discussion at the session include: → Introduction to the range of administrative/strategic partnership structures. → Exploration of the use of strategic partnerships as a tool for growth and sustainability. We hope you’ll join us for this very informative session, on Wednesday, March 5 from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm at the Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire. Event and registration information is here: https://lnkd.in/gUSR_-De See you then! #nonprofitleadership #collaboration #partnership #nonprofits

Coming Soon! We’re putting the finishing touches on the new Mission + Strategy website and will be ready for its unveiling very soon. What can you expect to see? Here’s a little sneak peek. Let us know what you think! #nonprofitorganization #collaboration #brandrefresh #thoughtpartner

How would you like monthly updates, resources and tools to help you in your role at your nonprofit organization? Do you have questions on what’s next and how best to keep moving forward? Our February newsletter, “Insights from the Field” is about to hit our subscribers' inboxes. Our newsletter always starts with a personal welcome from Chief Collaborations Officer, Judie Caribeaux. It’s also filled with insightful information and updates on the latest happenings in our industry, educational content that is not only useful but actionable, experiences and learnings from industry events we’ve attended and upcoming events that you’ll see us speaking at. Our goal is to help you in your role, and be a valuable go-to resource. When you sign up for our newsletter, you’ll receive an essential tool for download: “5 Plans Every Organization Needs”, a guide to help you get started on design thinking for your organization. If you’re already an email subscriber, thank you! Please download the guide as our thank you! If you know someone who will benefit from receiving our newsletter, please share this post with them! And if you’re not yet subscribed, we hope you’ll consider welcoming us into your inbox once a month. https://lnkd.in/gSq97tCS #strategicinsights #nonprofitleader #collaboration #missionimpact

Last week, the Mission + Strategy and The Alliance teams gathered at our Clybourn office to attend a Disability Awareness Training. The Disability Awareness Players from Search Inc., one of our founding organizations, teach organizations to integrate disability-aware customer service and employment practices into core business strategies. The Players are a dynamic and interactive group of people with disabilities. Established in 2009, the Players have trained more than 11,600 individuals at businesses, theaters, libraries, schools, trade associations, nonprofit organizations and corporations to communicate comfortably and confidently with prospective hires, customers and current employees who have disabilities. Disability Awareness Trainings are a smash hit with businesses and organizations, including ours! Here’s a pic of Judie Caribeaux, MA, LCSW, Chief Collaborations Officer, Samantha Lipscomb, Chief Administrative Officer, and Rebecca Clark, Lead Consultant, with The Players after training. To learn more about this unique training, or to request Disability Awareness Training for your organization, click the link below to request information. https://lnkd.in/gVCXeeth

When we say "Trusted Thought-Partner," we mean it. At Mission + Strategy, we don’t just advise on strategic partnerships and mergers—we’ve been through them ourselves. As the Executive Director of a regional domestic violence service agency, Judie Caribeaux, MA, LCSW, led her organization through a mission-driven merger, ensuring that the needs of their clients remained front and center throughout the process. Like many nonprofit leaders navigating partnerships, Judie knew that the right guidance was essential. That’s where Mission + Strategy came in—providing the expertise, structure, and trusted support needed to move forward with clarity and confidence. Now, as part of our team as Chief Collaborations Officer, Judie brings her experience and strategic expertise to help other nonprofit leaders navigate the complexities of mergers and partnerships. Whether you're exploring a strategic collaboration or evaluating the next steps for your organization, we’re here to be the thought-partner you can trust—because we’ve been in your shoes. As you lead your organization into the second half of the fiscal year, how can we support you? #NonprofitLeadership #StrategicPartnerships #MissionDrivenMergers #CollaborationForImpact