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Get plugged into the latest Be Strong Families news, initiatives, and blog articles — all central to creating transformative conversations that nurture the spirit of family, promote well-being and prevent violence.
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Transitions at Be Strong Families
Since our last Revitalizer on March 3, we welcomed new staff Tyriniesha Anderson and Beth Lakier; farewelled Alexandra James-Okochi and Corina Hoenshell. In addition, 5 of our staff had promotions, they are: Laura Smalley, Letechia Holmes, Sarita Sashington, Robyn Harvey, and Tiffany Murphy.
Real Talk about Equity and Non-Profit Financial Administration
Be Strong Families has charged itself with doing the work it takes to be an organization that promotes equity in everything we do and as part of who we are. We know that part of equity leadership is consciousness — the value of centering equity, the desire to lead equitably. Part of equity leadership is creating a culture of inclusion and minding how we relate to each other; part of equity leadership is hardwired into policy.
Preparing for April: Keeping Families Strong Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month or as Be Strong Families likes to reframe it: Keeping Families Strong Month. We know that child abuse prevention is important, laudable, and a low bar. We also know that parents are the people who prevent child abuse. How do they do that?
The Equity of the Human Experience
Be Strong Families is an organization focused on building trust. We do this by valuing shared experiences and committing to human-centered practices.
Illinois Youth In Care: Youth Advisory Affinity Groups
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has created Youth Advisory Affinity Groups (YAAG) for members and allies of the African American, Asian American, Latino, Native American, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Transitions at Be Strong Families
Welcome our new staff, Jamika and Justin, with us and say good-bye to Founding Partner and COO, Guy Schingoethe.
3rd Annual Show Your Love Campaign
It’s our 3rd Annual Show Your Love Campaign. Join us in sharing our webinars with the world and keeping theming free through 2023.
Minnesota-based Author Launches Kickstarter to Help Us Save the World
A book on sustainability - for you!
The Statewide Youth Advisory Board's Draft Proclamation was Signed by the Governor
The month of October was exciting for the teens on the Statewide Youth Advisory Board (SYAB) as their hard work came to fruition when the Governor of the State of Illinois signed a Proclamation declaring that October 2022 is Foster Youth Voice Month. Join us as we celebrate these teens who not only fought for themselves to be heard, but the other 20,000+ youth in care.
LGBTQIA+ Initiative Progress Update
We made promises as part of our annual Show Your Love for Families fundraising campaign last December and we are working hard to fulfill them. Consistent with our commitment to racial equity and EDI and in response to requests from partners for resources to assist in meeting the needs of LGBTQIA+ BIPOC families, we said we would partner with people with lived experiences and experts in LGBTQIA+ organizations to expand our products and services. There are three main areas we’ve been working on…
Are you part of a robust Parent Café effort with a dynamic team of parents leading the Cafés and seats filled regularly? Is funding for your effort slated to expire? Be Strong Families would like to assist with ensuring that your Café effort continues to thrive. We want to be your partner in sustaining Cafés and will be available to collaborate on fundraising activities, evaluation efforts, and promotion. Let us know what you need…