Transitions at Be Strong Families
BSF Welcomes
Since our last Revitalizer on May 4, Be Strong Families welcomed two new members of our board of directors and one new members to our staff.
Joanne Kelly (board member)
Ms. Kelly has over thirty years’ experience in project management, public policy analysis, strategic planning, and technical assistance involving a broad range of primary issues affecting children and families. Ms. Kelly has worked at the national, state and community level on projects promoting early childhood cross-system integration and collaboration. Her project management experience with the All Our Kids (AOK) Early Childhood Networks in Illinois entailed program development, technical assistance, strategic planning, staff training and supervision, budget management, and family leadership/engagement work.
Jimmy Wambua (board member)
Jimmy Wambua grew up in extreme poverty in africa. His experiences growing up inspired him to go back to his roots and start community conversations on poverty and the future of urban slums.
In 2009, Jimmy came to the United States, through a non-profit that sponsored his education, to speak and raise sponsorships for children living in poverty. Three years later he left for Kenya to support grassroot organizations in empowering families to be strong and raise healthy children.
Taniella Bailey (She, Her, Hers) Illinois DCFS Youth Advisory Board Program Coordinator
Born in the twin cities of Champaign-Urbana Illinois, Taniella received her education in the Urbana school district. Even as a young girl, she knew her mission would be working with children and becoming an advocate for them. Becoming the family babysitter to her younger siblings and cousins at an early age helped to increase her skills of how to recognize the needs of children. She would gather all the children together and take them on field trips in the summer around their hometown.
Her mission has always been about supporting youth, whether it is attending a game or a concert, visiting schools on special occasions, or just hanging out with them. Taniella’s life has been dedicated to youth.