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Nominate a child advocate now!
July 6, 2022
2022 UVC Child Advocate Award Nominations are NOW being accepted through July 31 involving both local church advocates as well as community-wide persons who advocate for children and youth in remarkable ways. For more information, contact Deaconess Catherine Inserra, at cinserra@kidsaboveall.org
All award recipients will be honored and speak on behalf of their ministries and services during UVC’s virtual event: Raising Our Voices Through Resources: A Bridge for the Gap (Part 1) on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, from 11:00 am to Noon.
Experts from the UMC and community services will focus on mental well-being, anti-racism, equity, and accessibility. An extensive resource list will be made available following the event. Both clergy and laity, and new this year, community-wide agencies are invited to participate.
Illinois invests $250 million to address gun violence
December 7, 2021
Gun-related crimes in Illinois have been on the rise over the last few decades. In many cases, youth have been involved as the victims or perpetrators of these crimes, leading to a sense of urgency to get illegal guns and other weaponry off the streets and out of the hands of children and youth. Thankfully, the urgent calls to alleviate gun violence have not fallen on deaf ears. Several state lawmakers and other constituents have adamantly worked to address this heinous and vicious issue of gun violence throughout the state.
A press release issued on November 3, 2021, on the “Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America” website noted that “Governor J. B. Pritzker had announced a $250 million investment for gun violence intervention programs. Over the next three years, the funding—a combination of federal and state money—will direct support violence prevention and interruption initiatives in Illinois neighborhoods as part of the Reimagine Public Safety Act.”[1] As such, many communities of color, who historically have experienced increasingly more incidents of gun violence compared to their white counterparts, will benefit significantly from these violence prevention programs. In addition, these programs can assist children and youth who are “high risk.”
Therefore, as advocates for all Illinois’ children and youth, we encourage you to support this $250 million dollar investment in gun violence prevention programs. Be sure to spread this information throughout our local and church communities so that those most in need can receive these resources. Click here for more information on this new policy and share!
Rev. Beverly Dukes
Policy Coordinator, United Voices for Children
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[1] Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, “Governor J. B. Pritzker Commits $250 Million Towards Violence Intervention Programs-Illinois Moms Demand Actions, Students Demand Action Applaud Commitment to Gun Safety, accessed November 29, 2021, https://momsdemandaction.org/governor-j-b-pritzker-commits-250-million-towards-violence-intervention-programs-illinois-moms-demand-action-students-demand-actdion-applaud-commitment-to-gun-safety/
Support the new Illinois Child Welfare Task Force
October 23, 2021
submitted by Beverly Dukes, UVC Policy Coordinator
For several decades, advocates, constituents and parents have demanded strategic changes in the Illinois child welfare system. Of note: the number of African American children and youth in state care is exponentially more than any other group—these numbers also surpass the national average:
“Black children and youth are represented in the child welfare system in Illinois at approximately 3 times the percentage of the statewide child population that is Black. Nationally, Black children and youth are represented in foster care at approximately 2 times the percentage of the national child population that is Black according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.1”
In June 2021, the state passed HB3821, which created a Racial Disproportionality in Child Welfare Task Force. According to 9th District Rep. Lakesia Collins, “[t]his task force will examine the racial disparities of children and families in the child welfare system and the causes of such disparities. The task force will explore resources, policies, and practices that could help prevent entry into the child welfare system and reduce racial disproportionalities within the system.”2
This newly established task force can provide opportunities to address some of the systemic problems and challenges that have plagued Illinois’ child welfare system for decades. As advocates for our most vulnerable children and adolescents, I implore you to support this task force. Please tell others in your communities and faith-based organizations how they can support children and adolescents in state care. For more information on this child welfare task force and ways to support children and adolescents in care, go to childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/racial_disproportionality.pdf.
New Rental Assistance Program Announced
September 25, 2021
Today, there are still many Illinoisans negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has drastically changed how we live, but the most devastation has occurred in vulnerable populations. This pandemic has only exacerbated the existing social ills affecting these populations. Many continue to struggle with employment, childcare, housing, and food security. Even though Governor Pritzker has extended the Illinois eviction moratorium, many Illinoisans will still face eviction once it is over.
As of September 15, 2021, the Illinois Supreme Court has announced the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program. This program will provide relief for Illinoisans who are on the brink of being homeless due to COVID-19. According to the Illinois Bar Association, “this Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) is now available to tenants and landlords across the state. This program will act as a safety net for litigants who are on the brink of eviction. As a condition of receiving rental assistance (from the CBRAP as well as the other rental assistance programs), landlords agree not to evict the tenant for nonpayment of the rent that is repaid.[1]”
The American Rescue Plan Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act will fund this program. Equally, this program will assist both landlords and renters affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who qualify can receive up to 12 months’ past due rent. Please click here for more information.
Homelessness impacts all areas of a child’s life. Therefore, let’s do what we can and tell members in our faith communities and others how this program can provide secure housing for our most vulnerable children.
contributed by
Rev. Beverly Dukes, UVC Policy Coordinator
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[1] Timothy A. Slating, “Illinois Supreme Court Announces $60 Million Court-Based Rental Assistance Program” Illinois State Bar Association, accessed September 22, 2021, https://www.isba.org/barnews/2021/09/illinoissupremecourtannounces60mill
CEJA: a way to care for God’s earth
September 13, 2021
Scientists now agree that the repeated use and emission of fossil fuels has negatively affected the planet. Because of our behavior, the temperature of the earth has increased at an alarming rate, causing more wildfires, hurricanes and tornadoes to occur than in the past. The abundance of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere will harm future generations if we do not intentionally take the necessary steps to care for God’s earth. Together with the effects of climate change, environmental injustices and the COVID-19 pandemic have had a devastating effect on struggling families and children.
As stewards of God’s resources, we are charged with the responsibility to care for God’s earth and all creatures—and there are ways we can collectively care for God’s planet and the struggling residents of Illinois. The Clean Energy Jobs Act of Illinois addresses the issues surrounding climate change, environmental injustices, and the pandemic, and how these issues have affected struggling families. The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition notes that “with the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), Illinois can create long-term answers to the public health and economic challenges posed by the novel coronavirus. In addition, the CEJA would improve air quality, which reduces risks and susceptibility to COVID-19 and put people back to work, especially in communities of color and places where coal-fired electricity plants operate. CEJA was created with equity and environment justice at its core.”[1]
Today, we can advocate for the Clean Energy Job Act and collectively fight against global warming, environmental injustice and COVID-19. Talk to your congregations, constituents and community organizers about the CEJA. In addition, contact your elected officials and tell them to pass this bill into law, so that we can slow global warming, stop the spread of COVID-19 and create clean energy jobs for vulnerable families and their children.
Beverly Dukes, Policy Coordinator
United Voices for Children
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[1] “Clean Energy Jobs Act” Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, accessed September 1, 2021, https://ilcleanjobs.org/who-we-are/clean-energy-jobs-act/
Child Tax Credit Payments a Welcome Respite
July 21, 2021
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 “Child Tax Credit 2021: Payment to be disbursed starting July 15- here’s when the money will land” CBS Business Reporter Aimee Picchi explained, “the expanded Child Tax Credit provides a $3,600 credit for each child under six years old and $3,000 for each child ages 6 to 17.” She noted that the monthly payments from July through December represent half of the total credit, explaining “For example, a family with one child under six years old will receive half of the $3,600 credit in cash or $1,800, which will be spilled into six monthly checks of $300 each.”
As we have noted before, the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated this country’s longstanding and chronic poverty pandemic. Persons and families living in poverty are most like to experience additional stressors, which can have long-term negative effects on their physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health. These monies available through the Child Tax Credit for low-income and struggling families will lift many out of poverty.
As advocates and concerned persons of children and families, it is our responsibility to let our local congregations and other constituents know about the timeframe for the Child Tax Credit payments for eligible families. It takes all of us to work together to change the trajectory of our most vulnerable children and their families. Contact your local church leaders, and community organizers to determine ways to get information out to eligible families about Child Tax Credit payments.
Beverly Dukes, Policy Coordinator
United Voices for Children
[1] Aimee Picchi, “Child Tax Credit 2021: Payments to be disbursed starting July 15-here’s when the money will land,” CBS NEWS, accessed July 13, 2021, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/child-tax-credit-2021-payments-july-15-2021-07-13/
The Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program
July 6, 2021
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, schools, libraries, sporting events—were shut down as we collectively tried to be safe.
Even though our cities and communities are now opening back up and our lives are beginning to see some normalcy, we still feel the impact of the pandemic. Like the old West African Proverb, our youngest and most vulnerable citizens still need the loving hearts of an entire village. As such, state agencies have received federal dollars for their efforts to support this vulnerable population.
The federally funded Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) provides needed help and assistance to qualified families.
“This program pairs families who often have limited support and resources with trained home visitors such as nurses, social workers, and educators. Home visitors meet with parents in their home from pregnancy through their child’s kindergarten entry to help lay the foundation for the health, education, development, and economic self-sufficient of the entire family.”[1]
These caring professionals can make a world of difference for a family’s survival, particularly in our multiple-complexed world.
State agencies receiving federal funding in support of families include the Illinois Department of Human Services, Healthy Families Illinois, Parents Too Soon, the Illinois State Board of Education Prevention Initiative, and the Illinois Head Start Association. As we continue advocating for healthy children, it is essential to share this information with our constituents and communities.
For more information about the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, please visit ffyf.org/issues/miechv.
[1] “Maternal, an Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV)” in First Five Years Fund, accessed on June 4, 2021, https://www.ffyf.org/issues/miechv/
We’re “Raising Our Voices” on Aug. 11!
June 23, 2021
On Wednesday, August 11, at 11 a.m. United Voices for Children (UVC) will host “Raising Our Voices,” an online event celebrating our agency partners, honoring Northern Illinois Conference child advocates and thanking our supporters.
“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.
In addition to thanking donors and the churches and individuals who support UVC through Fifth Sunday offerings, “Raising Our Voices” will also honor our annual award winners who were nominated for their extraordinary work in advocating for children and families in Illinois. Deaconess Catherine Inserra, Kids Above All Manager of Faith and Community Relations, notes that these awards can be life changing. “When I received my UVC award in 2019, it confirmed God’s calling in my life and where I wanted to devote my energies and skills,” she says.
Four heroic leaders will also join UVC on August 11 to share their insights for advocacy moving forward. Deacon Kathy Wellman (Naperville: Wesley) from the Northern Illinois Conference Disabilities Ministry will inspire us with her efforts to meet the needs of ability-challenged individuals during the pandemic. Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, Prairie North District Superintendent will discuss the needs of children in agencies as we transition from a full-on pandemic and creating a new normal. We also welcome, David Gomel, President and CEO of Rosecrance Health Network, to share his perspective on what the future looks like for the children served by his organization. Finally, Rev. Norval Brown (Cary UMC) will inspire attendees to take action and join with agencies, partners and UVC to serve the children!
The UVC Board put forward a big challenge to raise $7,000 through “Raising Our Voices” to continue to support our affiliated child-serving agencies—Kids Above All, MYSI, and Rosecrance—as well as the advocacy work of UVC. If you’re unable to attend the event, it’s easy for you to make a gift at giveuvc.org or you can mail a check to: United Voices for Children, 77 W. Washington Street, Suite 1820, Chicago, IL 60602.
We hope you can join us for this memorable and inspiring event! Register today!
Standing Behind the United States Police Reform Bill
April 27, 2021
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 Ma’Khia Bryant and 13-year-old Adam Toledo to add to a long list of victims.
Of course these cases have unique and individualized circumstances, and investigations are currently being conducted, but the systemic problem when policing black and brown communities continues.
H.R.1280, 117th Congress (2021-2022) George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 has passed the United States House of Representatives. According to the Congress.gov website:
“the bill enhances existing enforcement mechanisms to remedy violations by law enforcement. Among other things, it does the following:
- lowers the criminal intent standard—from willful to knowing or reckless—to convict a law enforcement officer for misconduct in a federal prosecution,
- limits qualified immunity as a defense to liability in a private civil action against a law enforcement officer, and
- grants administrative subpoena power to the Department of Justice (DOJ) in pattern-or practice investigations.”[1]
This bill also provides a whole host of remedies to ensure communities of color receive equitable, fair and just treatment whenever this is police engagement. This essential and critical bill is currently in the United States Senate. To protect communities of color and children like Adam Toledo and Ma’Khia Bryant, this bill needs to be passed into law. It is up tous to contact our lawmakers to advocate for fair and equitable treatment whenever police officers are engaged with adults and children of color. Collectively, we can work together and with our local police departments to ensure all communities are safe.
Contact your lawmakers today and tell them the H.R.1280-George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 needs to be passed into law. Click here to visit commoncause.org to find your representatives and their contact information.
Respectively,
Rev. Beverly Dukes, Policy Coordinator
United Voices for Children
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[1] “H.R. 1280-George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021,” Congress Government, accessed 4/23/2021, https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1280.
There’s still time to nominate a hero!
April 21, 2021
We’ve extended the deadline to May 15 for nominations for our three annual awards!
Do you know someone in the Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) who provides extraordinary service or advocacy efforts on behalf of children, youth and/or families? All NIC United Methodists are encouraged to nominate someone in their church or community who is doing this good work and deserves recognition. Click here for a detailed description of these awards, information about past award winners, and a nominations form. Nominations must be received by May 15, 2021.
Questions? Please contact Diane Strzelecki, UVC Communications Coordinator, at unitedvoicesforchildren@gmail.com.