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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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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.
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…
Illinois Youth Summit on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
Illinois YAB was created by statute to give youth ages 14-21 in the care of IDCFS the opportunity to provide feedback on service delivery, programs, and policies that affect them, toward ensuring that all youth are optimally cared for and supported regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, language, handicap/disability, or religion. Illinois YAB is committed to youth empowerment, development, leadership, and achievement.
Progress Report on Be Strong Families’ LGBTQIA+ Initiative
Thanks to the tremendous generosity of our donors, Be Strong Families raised over $50,000 through our end-of-year annual campaign to create partnerships and resources that are specifically focused on better serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Here’s an update of our progress: