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!