At any moment at One Family Illinois, thousands of miracles are happening. We try to capture as many moments as we can in stories, but we realize sometimes photos say more. There is the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. We believe a picture tells a story just as well as, if not better than, a lot of written words. As we shared last month, throughout the year, we look forward to sharing with you a photo each month that captures the “Moment of the Month.”
In This Photo – Our Moment of the Month
Each April and May, One Family Illinois calls upon its advocates, corporate partners, donors, volunteers, and friends. Now is your chance to join us in raising awareness for our #Voices4FosterCare campaign, which will run during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and Foster Care Awareness Month in May.
During the next few months, One Family Illinois is turning up the volume, adding more voices to the mix, and using the power of social media to share our mission. We invite you this April and May to join us by lending your voice to the ever-important conversation about foster care. Groups both large and small, as well as individuals can make a huge impact by participating as a social ambassador and help raise awareness about the ways One Family Illinois is working to combat child abuse and unite siblings in foster care.
Here we have the One Family Illinois team sporting their blue for our Wear Blue Day. We are grateful to those who are helping use raise awareness during April and May – #WearingBlueForSOSIllinois.
Raise Awareness: Be an Influencer for At-Risk Youth and Children in Foster Care
Nurtured by Foster Parents and the resources and support staff in the Villages, the children in our care accomplish great feats of courage and ambition on a daily basis. Just like superheroes, they are not defined by their past, but look forward to their futures and the many possibilities ahead. However, even our superheroes need role models, leaders, and advocates. Our extended community is so vital to supporting and fulfilling our mission, which is why we ask you to join us in awareness raising during April and May.
You can help us spread the word outside of our Villages and in the larger community. Throughout the next two months, we will be participating in Child Abuse Prevention Month and raising awareness during Foster Care Awareness Month with various Village events and activities. In April and May, important dates include:
April
- April 1 – 30: Child Abuse Prevention Month (Plant a pinwheel garden and wear blue ribbons for awareness)
- April 8 – Wear Blue Day: #WearingBlueForSOSIllinois – join us by sporting blue and snapping a photo to share on social media
- April 10: National Siblings Day: #SuperSiblings – we’ve got them, and we know you do to, tell us why you think your siblings are super
- April 28: National Superheroes Day: #RaisingSuperheroes – our superheroes will share their superpowers and thanks for all the superheroes who help maintain the safety of our Villages, especially during this unprecedented time with notes of thanks to our teachers.
May
- May 1 – 31: Foster Care Awareness Month
- May 1 – 31: Foster Parent Appreciation Month
- May 9 – Birth Mother’s Day: #BirthMothersDay
- May 8 – Mother’s Day: #MothersDay
Pillars of the One Family Illinois Village Model of Care
To fulfill our promise of healing and hope, we provide children with the fundamentals of what they need to grow into happy, healthy, and successful young adults. Our Village, where children’s needs are put first, helps build a child’s confidence and learn in a positive, supportive community. Our homes are a safe and nurturing environment where children can always feel at home. Children live with their siblings and a full-time professional Foster Parent. Together, the family provides support and helps guide them to reach their highest potential. We provide resources, tools, and skills to help our children develop into successful, self-sufficient adults. When all of these work together, we help create new and exciting moments of happy childhood. With the support of our wonderful donors, you make it possible for us to help our children live a full and happy childhood, feeling cherished, protected, and comfortable enough to build good memories to last a lifetime.
One Family Illinois Village Model of Care
Our Foster Parents, child welfare specialists, clinical therapists, Village staff, volunteers, donors, and more all take a part in the process. Spending quality time with each child creates a sense of stability, builds confidence, and allows for time to simply smile, laugh, and connect with those around you. Oftentimes, our corporate partners and donors offer workshops, career days, parties, and more that help broaden the horizons of our children. Through our programs and services, we help the children in our care grow, thrive, and hope for a better future.