Over the past two years, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve on the United Voices for Children board. I am a Deacon in the United Methodist Church who serves as the Recruitment Coordinator at Garrett-Evangelical Theological…
After being in this pandemic for almost two years, many vulnerable children and families are still struggling. It is critically important for faith communities to advocate for public policies that support children and families to counter the effects from both…
Submitted by Emily Lipinsky, Director of Development for the Rosecrance Foundation and Vice President UVC Board As summer vacation winds down for students, a third pandemic-impacted school year approaches. Uncertainty and anxiety linger as people balance a wide range of…
Poverty is a systemic and devastating economic condition that is pervasive throughout the United States. This adverse reality has a distressing effect on children, causing emotional, mental, and physical problems—and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated an already difficult situation…
Families who qualify for the Child Tax Credit began to receive checks on July 15, 2021. Under President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, the monies available to eligible families through the Child Tax Credit have increased substantially. In her article…
An old West African proverb originating in Nigeria states, “It takes a village or community to raise a child.” Throughout the pandemic, our “villages” were abruptly interrupted with an urgent alert to stay home and many parts of our communities—churches,…
“Raising Our Voices” will celebrate the ways that individuals and congregations are making a difference in the lives of children and families in need in Northern Illinois. You’ll also hear about how you can get involved through advocacy, financial support and working with lawmakers to protect the most vulnerable of their constituents.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of homelessness and unstable housing skyrocketed throughout Illinois. With a loss of employment for many Illinoisians and a significant drop in income for many more, housing security has become a major problem. Without secure, stable…
Children and youth are more successful in school when their basic needs are met. Students need to feel safe and to be loved and accepted. They need opportunities to grow and excel. They deserve readily available resources that will address…
The televised murder of George Floyd, the protestors, and the conviction of formal police officer Derek Chauvin has brought exposure to a larger problem when policing communities of color. Now we have the police killing of 20-year-old Daunte Wright, 16-year-old…