At One Family Illinois, we look forward to summer just as everyone does. It’s a time for rest, family fun, and of course new opportunities for continued learning. Though our youth take a break from in-classroom studies during these three months, the learning does not stop. We ensure that they are motivated and engaged to keep up with summer reading and educational activities, and our Foster Parents and staff, volunteers, and corporate partners help us ensure that.
We are always grateful for the chance to express our appreciation for this support and partnership. Our recent and first-ever Village-wide graduation party was a very special occasion to acknowledge the accomplishments of our kindergarten, eighth grade, and high school graduates, as well as the invaluable support of our partners who match our passion for the One Family Illinois mission. With their help, we can grow our educational programming to even greater and more impressive heights.
One of the exceptional individuals who is helping us with this growth is Sr. Mary Ellen Lacy. It is our pleasure to introduce you to Sr. Mary Ellen, a Daughter of Charity and One Family Illinois Board Member. We invite you to get to know Sr. Mary Ellen and feel just as inspired as we do by her and her work with Daughters of Charity and Mission & Ministry, Inc. — a College Bound and Beyond sponsor.
Perhaps all of this will also incite some excitement around getting our children and families ready for the next school year. We know very well, as do you, that everything we do this summer will make a difference in the next academic year. That is why we ask you to join us for our 2nd Annual Back-to-School Supply Drive. Your overwhelming support last year made the effort a huge success, and it encouraged us to keep going to help our children and Foster Parents have their best year yet.
This is all to say that you keep us going. Thank you for sustaining the momentum even during this restful season of summer fun. From our One Family Illinois family to yours, we wish you a summer of successes, new adventures, and growth.