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
One Family Illinois takes time to honor the immense, transformational work of the people who bring our Village Model of Care to life. As May was Foster Care Awareness Month, One Family Illinois also celebrated Foster Parent Appreciation Month, by honoring the important and groundbreaking work of our professional Foster Parents. Through special initiatives and events, our staff, friends, and supporters made sure our Foster Parents know how special and important they are, in May and always.
At the end of the month, Foster Parents, Village Staff, and Leadership were able to celebrate together with a special brunch where Foster Parents were recognized for their contributions to One Family Illinois and the difference they make in each child’s life.
Raise Awareness: Be an Influencer for At-Risk Youth and Children in Foster Care
As May was Foster Care Awareness Month, child welfare and foster care agencies around the country worked to raise up the important issues, challenges, and breakthroughs happening within the foster care system, including celebrating the tremendous barriers overcome by children in care and the Foster Parents who serve them. As we celebrated Foster Parent Appreciation Month in tandem with Foster Care Awareness Month, we recognized that the success of our unique Village Model of Care is only possible with the hard work and loving support of our professional Foster Parents.
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:
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.