On August 17th, National Nonprofit Day recognized the positive impact that nonprofit organizations have on our local communities and around the world. Charitable giving reached an all-time high in 2017 as Americans gave more than $400 billion to a wide array of nonprofit organizations. This day was important because it acknowledged individuals already making a difference in the lives of those in need, while calling others to act on their desire “to be the change they want to see in the world” (Mahatma Gandhi).
At One Family Illinois, we recognize the ever-important role of our Foster Parents, whose job is not just a full-time job—it’s a full-time vocation. Our Foster Parents are the foundation of the One Family Illinois Village Model of Care. Their work has many challenges and offers many rewards. In order to provide the highest quality of care to children in foster care in Illinois, we look for passionate and dedicated candidates to create a stable home life. This commitment helps children overcome their pasts and gain confidence about their dreams for the future.
This National Nonprofit Day, we are excited to share 5 motivating quotes that will make you or someone you know want to become a Foster Parent.
History of National Nonprofit Day
Sherita J. Herring, a renowned speaker, best-selling author and business strategist, founded National Nonprofit Day to educate, enlighten and empower others to make a difference, while acknowledging those that are in the trenches, impacting lives every day – the Change-Makers of the World!
The Tariff Act of 1894 signed into law on August 17, imposed the first federal income tax on corporations, which included exemptions for nonprofit corporations and charitable institutions. With a few modifications, nonprofit exemptions remain a solid part of the law and have served significant benefits, both for communities and the economy.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar declared National Nonprofit Day to be observed annually in 2017.
Become a Change-Maker at One Family Illinois
Over 400,000 children across the nation are in foster care each year. Many have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. When children enter foster care, many times they are hurt, vulnerable, and long for someone they can trust.
The children at One Family Illinois have great potential; they just need extra support and understanding from Foster Parents, Case Managers, and staff. Placing a young person in one of our Village homes with the right levels of attention and support from our Village community, gives each child the opportunity to rebuild his or her life and find security, stability, and the belief that he or she can have a bright future.
This is where you, or someone you know, can help One Family Illinois. We believe that change-makers are good people, and as such we believe that good people know good people. If either you or someone you know is interested in making an impact and transforming lives, we want you to consider becoming a Foster Parent with our organization. We often hear from candidates that they have considered becoming a Foster Parents for years. Sometimes, it just takes one more note of inspiration to compel you to act.
Below are 5 motivating quotes we offer to encourage you to be the change by beginning the process today:
Fulfill a Mission
- “The meaning of life is to find
your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” – Pablo Picasso
Help Strengthen Families
- “People grow when they are
loved well. If you want to help others heal, love them without an agenda.” – Mike McHargue
Give Back to Community
- “Never believe that a few
caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed that’s all who ever have.” –Margaret
Mead
Restore Trust and Hope
- “All kids need is a little
love, a little hope, and someone who believes in them.” – Magic Johnson
Feel Rewarded
- “The highest reward for a
person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.” – John Ruskin
Need for Foster Parents across the Nation
Nationally, there is a shortage of foster parents. The population of children entering foster care has risen for the seventh year in a row, and many of the new cases are due to the opioid epidemic facing our country. Being a Foster Parent at One Family Illinois, in particular, extends beyond helping an individual child. Foster Parents with us help fight the problems of homelessness, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse, and poverty. While caring for children in foster care, Foster Parents give a child’s birth parents the chance to receive the necessary help to overcome problems that may have led to the removal of the children from their home. Foster Parents also can be role models to birth parents on better, empowering ways of parenting children.
Join the One Family Illinois Team Today
There are so many good reasons to become a Foster Parent. At One Family Illinois, we would love to meet with you to talk about how you can join us in our mission to give hope, help, and healing to children, families and communities. Foster Parenting may be the most challenging job you’ll ever have, but it can be the most rewarding one as well. Start here by completing an application, and then our Recruitment Team will contact you directly.
“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” – Mark Twain