fbpx

The Power of Early Education: Setting Up Children for Lifelong Success

Education serves as a fundamental pillar of personal growth and development. From the time we are born, we are constantly learning. These early years are some of the most important stepping stones to help a child succeed early in life. It is during these years that their minds are most receptive, and the capacity for learning is at its peak. Studies such as one by Harvard, have shown how early education programs benefit children in developing necessary skills they need to succeed. Recognizing the importance of this crucial stage, One Hope United has established a network of Early Learning Centers that provide comprehensive programs to nurture children and empower families. 

Early education has a multitude of positive effects that contribute to a child’s overall progress and long-term success. Some key benefits include:

  • Cognitive Development: Early education programs provide a stimulating environment that promotes cognitive growth through language and literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
  • Social and Emotional Skills: Children learn to share, take turns, cooperate, resolve conflicts, and gain empathy and emotional resilience.
  • School Readiness: By exposing children to early learning, they are better equipped to adapt to the classroom environment and succeed academically when furthering their schooling.
  • Language and Communication: Early education programs focus on language development, helping children build a strong vocabulary, express themselves effectively, and by gaining listening and comprehension skills.

These positive effects of early education demonstrate its profound influence on a child’s learning. It is important to realize that the emphasis is not solely on the child, but also on building strong partnerships with parents. At OHU, we recognize the vital role parents play in a child’s education. This is why we actively involve families in their children’s learning process by creating open lines of communication, providing resources, and engaging parents in their child’s education.

At our Early Education Centers, we provide a supportive environment where children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old embark on a transformative educational journey. These centers offer a wide range of programs designed to encourage children’s independence and curiosity. By providing a solid foundation for their academic and social-emotional growth, our goal is to empower children to become confident, lifelong learners.

We are committed to making a lasting impact on communities and empowering individuals to break free from the cycles of poverty, trauma, and neglect. Early education is a transformative force that shapes the trajectory of a child’s life. By nurturing children’s growth and partnering with parents, we are creating a solid foundation to set children up for success. To further our mission, we are hosting an event called Thriving Together on June 6th, 2023. Join us to become part of the movement to build a brighter future for all. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and communities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Buy tickets or donate today!

No Longer Silent

“You are the strongest person to ever sit in that chair,” Judge Ericka Sanders said to 16-year-old Bailey*. Bailey and her team of OHU counselors listened intently as Judge Sanders went on to praise Bailey for sharing her story of trauma and abuse, and bravely taking the next step in her healing process.   

Bailey’s testimony comes three years after that of her twin sister, Bree*, who testified in court to the horrific abuse both girls endured at the hands of their adoptive father. This man is now in prison for the sexual assault of Bree that resulted in a pregnancy at the age of 13, and for the kidnapping of Bree and her son, Eli*. In the same year that Bree became pregnant, the girls lost their mother to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, a disease that also inhabits Bailey’s body.   

Because Bree was the only victim identified in the case, Bailey was denied the opportunity to testify at their adopted father’s trial. For three years, Bailey has carried the weight of this forced silence with her. She has since been placed at One Hope United’s Centralia residential home for a second time after struggling with self-harm, suicidal ideations, and depression.  

In February of 2020, Bailey’s counselors had an idea. The team wondered what would be different for Bailey if she could rewrite her narrative. What if she could tell her story to someone who could make real changes in the system? How would life be different for Bailey if she had her day in court? Judge Ericka Sanders, the Marion County Juvenile Judge, agreed that Bailey deserved this opportunity.  

Judge Sanders has made great efforts to prioritize the mental health of any youth who comes into her courtroom. Knowing Judge Sanders’ propensity to be an agent of change, Bailey’s care team reached out to her with a novel idea. The team wanted to bring Bailey to the courthouse to testify in front of a judge and to share the story she had been unable to tell three years prior. Within 15 minutes of the email being sent, Judge Sanders responded saying she would be honored to help.   

Two weeks later, Judge Sanders met with Bailey’s care team at a local coffee house to iron out the details. OHU counselors Jayme Godoyo, Sarah Downen, Brandon Newcomer, and Jessica Perry shared more details of Bailey’s story with Judge Sanders. They agreed that Bailey’s court session should be treated as if it were a real court session, complete with Judge Sanders in her black robe and calling court into session for The People vs. Bailey’s abuser. Judge Sanders also shared with the team that the courthouse now has access to a therapy dog, and that it would be a good idea for Bailey to first practice being in the courtroom. The team agreed Bailey would love this idea, and it would be the perfect opportunity for the dog to use his skills.   

On the day of Bailey’s court session, Judge Sanders offered her the choice to sit at a table or in the witness stand. Without hesitating, Bailey chose the witness stand.   

When Bailey took her seat to the left side of the judge, she paused for a moment. Bailey was given the space and silence she needed to collect herself as her counselor, Jayme Godoyo, took a seat next to her. Quietly, Jayme provided Bailey the comfort she needed to regain her composure. Not sure where to begin, Jayme encouraged Bailey to start with her earliest memory.  

The adults in the room sat silent and still, fighting back tears at times, as Bailey took the next thirty minutes to tell the story she had waited years to tell. With Jayme at her side, Bailey recounted the abuse she endured, the devastation she felt over her mom’s death, and the guilt she still carries with her today because she couldn’t stop her sister Bree’s sexual assault. “I’m protective of her,” Bailey said. “I’m happy we have Eli [Bree’s son], but I’m sad she got pregnant.”   

When Bailey finished, she looked out onto the small crowd of people and said, “does anyone have any questions?” The conviction in her tone was that of a young woman in control of a room. When asked what advice she would give to other young girls who may have shared similar experiences, without hesitation Bailey softly but strongly stated, “Keep fighting…always keep fighting.”   

*Names have been changed to protect privacy. 

 LEARN MORE ABOUT OHU’S RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS

One Hope United’s 5th Annual Gala, Hope In Action: Why I Have Hope

One Hope United’s 5th Annual Gala, Hope In Action: Why I Have Hope, Features The Glee Project Alum Mario Bonds, May 3, 2019 at Hilton Chicago.

Guests will hear inspiring stories of hope and courage while enjoying a night of entertainment, dining and giving back.

CHICAGO — One Hope United, one of the country’s leading human services nonprofits, presents its 5th Annual Hope In Action gala, Friday, May 3, 2019 at the Hilton Chicago, featuring Mario Bonds, a national entertainer whose life symbolizes the meaning of hope. The 6 p.m. Why I Have Hope gala (5:30 p.m. VIP reception) is in the Hilton’s Grand Ballroom, 720 S. Michigan Ave.,. Tickets available at http://www.onehopeunited.org/hopeinaction.

Blind by the age of 10 and a survivor of childhood trauma, Mario Bonds is a motivational speaker, published author, singer-songwriter, and breakout star of NBC Universal’s The Glee Project.  Bonds’ unforgettable and powerful performance in song is living proof of how anyone can rise to meet any challenge.

Born with a degenerative condition that destroyed his eyesight, Bonds faced abuse, homelessness, and abandonment, yet, he never suffered from hopelessness. In his memoir, Without Sight but Full of Vision, Bonds describes how through hard work, perseverance, and personal responsibility we can all become “master of our destinies.” Bonds, who was adopted at the age of 16, is a licensed foster care provider in the process of adopting two teenage boys.

Also during Hope In Action: Why I Have Hope, One Hope United will honor extraordinary individuals who support the organization’s mission to provide every family and every child a “life without limits.”

They include 96-year-old volunteer Nannie Crudup, honored with the fifth annual Ermit Finch Impact Award.  Crudup is one of One Hope United’s most committed volunteers, giving her time nearly every school day for the past 26 years, helping the staff and three- to five-year-old children at One Hope United’s Bridgeport Child Development Center.

Patrick Kingston, Customer Development Manager at Tyson Foods will be recognized with One Hope United’s Chairwoman’s Award for his commitment to community advancement, empowering nonprofits, and inspiring leadership. Veteran One Hope United executive Todd Schultz, President of Restoration Ministries, will be honored with The President’s Award for his commitment to nonprofit stability, transparency, and leadership.

Guests at Hope In Action: Why I Have Hope will enjoy cocktails, a seated dinner, and the chance to bid on a wide variety of auction items. VIP ticket holders can meet Mario Bonds at a private reception preceding the gala.

“One Hope United is thrilled to welcome Mario Bonds, who understands the challenges and traumas that many of our clients face, and whose resilience is an inspiration and a testament to the types of services we provide,” says new President and CEO Dr. Charles A. Montorio-Archer.

“We’re also excited to add a new twist this year by debuting Hope After Dark, immediately following our gala at Hilton Chicago,” Montorio-Archer adds. “The after-event experience is the perfect complement to Hope In Action for supporters who might not typically attend a gala but love dressing up for a great cause.”

Hope After Dark, from 10 p.m. to midnight, is presented by One Hope United’s Chicago Ambassador Board and features a selection of beers, wines and cocktails, as well as live house and dance music provided by DJ Lady D. Hope After Dark tickets ($100) can be purchased in advance at https://onehopeunited.org/hopeafterdark, or when guests arrive at the Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom. All tickets for the Hope In Action: Why I Have Hope Gala ($300, $400 VIP) include admission to Hope After Dark.

“Many young professionals have told us they want to support our event, while at the same time living within their charitable giving budgets,” says Mike Carpenter, One Hope United’s Chicago Ambassador Board Chair. “The Hope After Dark party appeals to a new and broader audience of donors and we hope it will become one of the highlights of the Spring gala season.”

WCIU TV reporter and host Jon Hansen will serve as Hope In Action’s Master of Ceremonies. Hansen is an Emmy-nominated reporter and a talk show host for WGN 720 AM and can be seen on WCIU’s The Jam and Now.Chicago.

Tickets for Hope in Action: Why I Have Hope are available here.

Tickets for Hope After Dark are available here.

One Hope United would like to thank the following Why I Have Hope sponsors for their support:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel George Architects          Grant Staff, Inc.       Michelle Damico Communications           StrateBen         Ultimate Software

Continental Benefits.       Terra Properties               WT Group

 

About One Hope United
One Hope United is a private human service organization that offers a diverse array of prevention, intervention and community-based programs including early education, foster care, adoption, residential, and other support services. What began in 1895 as a children’s home in Chicago now serves 9,000 children and families each year in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Florida and employs nearly 800 passionate and talented professionals. For more information, please visit http://www.onehopeunited.org.

Go Blue 4 OHU for Child Abuse Prevention Month!

One Hope United Kicks Off 4th Annual “Go Blue 4 OHU” Restaurant Collective, Dine Out and Do Good During National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Some of the hottest city and suburban restaurants are participating in One Hope United’s month-long event. Diners visiting Go Blue 4 OHU restaurants will have the opportunity to purchase a featured Go Blue food or beverage item with a percentage of sales being donated to One Hope United’s programs to prevent child abuse.

See participating restaurants BELOW or visit onehopeunited.org/goblue  for complete list!

“One Hope United is thrilled to welcome a growing number of restaurants that have joined Go Blue 4 OHU and will be encouraging guests to support the programs that help prevent child abuse in our communities,” says the organization’s new President and CEO, Charles Montorio-Archer.

“These restaurant owners are pillars in our communities, giving back in so many generous ways. They understand that everyone plays a role in providing families and children with a life without limits,” added Montorio-Archer.

Reflecting that giving spirit are owners such as Dino Perez, at Rio’s D’Sudamerica Peruvian restaurant in Bucktown. Perez was a supporter of One Hope United even before becoming one of the founding Go Blue partners five years ago. Perez has hosted a Career Day for OHU’s WINGS program for teen parents, where he helped young women explore career and entrepreneurship opportunities in hospitality.

Another generous restaurateur is the West Loop’s Cafe Ciao owner Julie Chung. Her restaurant may have a small footprint, but she has a giant heart. Cafe Ciao is the organization’s biggest Go Blue 4 OHU supporter for the last two years, donating 100% of proceeds from featured wine flights to One Hope United. Chung and has spent years developing a deep understanding of the organization’s early learning programs, information which she shares with her guests.

The Go Blue 4 OHU Restaurant Collective includes a fun element of competition for any Instagrammer who loves to post and share photos of menu items from their favorite bistros or bars.

You’ll have the chance to win fabulous prizes, including gift certificates from participating establishments by tagging #GoBlue4OHU in their posts. Follow One Hope United on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/onehopeunited/ and see details at https://onehopeunited.org/goblue.

Here is the full list of ways OHU will be recognizing the restaurants and diners who participate throughout the month of April:

  • Most money raised – Awarded to the Go Blue restaurant partner that provides the largest financial contribution to One Hope United
  • Most Go Blue items sold – Highest number of Go Blue items sold by a Go Blue restaurant partner
  • Friend of One Hope United – Restaurant who goes above and beyond to promote the Go Blue campaign to diners and spread the word about the cause
  • Instagram Contest Winner – Diner who visits the most restaurants and tags featured items on Instagram with #GoBlue4OHU (Instagram profile must be public to win) 

Restaurants participating in Go Blue 4 OHU 2019

Keep checking here for new restaurant’s joining One Hope United’s efforts to raise funds to prevent child abuse. All locations in Chicago unless otherwise noted.

  • Ambrosia Euro-American Patisserie (Barrington)
  • Arbella (River North)
  • Beatrix (River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market)
  • Bijan’s Bistro (River North)
  • Bombay Wraps (Lakeview)
  • The Brunch Café (St. Charles, Huntley, Niles, Roselle, Fox River Grove, McHenry)
  • Ciao! Café & Wine Lounge (West Loop)
  • Chez Moi (Lincoln Park)
  • Coco Pazzo Cafe (Streeterville)
  • Cupitol (Streeterville and Evanston)
  • Fabulous Freddie’s Italian Eatery (Bridgeport)
  • Farraguts on Clark (Andersonville)
  • Franco’s Ristorante (Bridgeport)
  • Elgin Public House (Elgin)
  • Gaslight Bar & Grille (Lincoln Park)
  • Gigi’s Kitchen (Bucktown)
  • Half Sour (South Loop)
  • Jellyfish (Gold Coast)
  • McNally’s Irish Pub (St. Charles)
  • MORA (Bolingbrook and Oak Park)
  • Portillo’s (location[s] TBA)
  • Rio’s d’Sudamerica (Bucktown)
  • The Royal Grocer & Co. (Bucktown)
  • Slurping Turtle (River North)
  • Tanta (River North)
  • TRIA (Bridgeport)
  • Victory Italian (River North)
  • Vintage 53 (St. Charles)

One Hope United is excited to welcome DiningOut Chicago, as our media sponsor – Chicago’s premier print and online source for the best reporting on the city’s culinary scene. DiningOut Chicago offers a unique brand of in-depth, thoughtful lifestyle stories combined with highlights of Chicago’s vibrant restaurant landscape. Throughout April, DiningOut will highlight the many tasty options guests can enjoy by participating in Go Blue 4 OHU while helping prevent child abuse.

About One Hope United
One Hope United is a private human service organization that offers a diverse array of prevention, intervention and community-based programs including early education, foster care, adoption, residential, and other support services. What began in 1895 as a children’s home in Chicago now serves 9,000 children and families each year in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Florida and employs nearly 800 passionate and talented professionals. For more information, please visit http://www.onehopeunited.org.

OHU Dedicates the Toni Sandor Smith Future Scholars Learning Lab in Edgewater

With a giant pair of child-safe scissors in hand, Toni Sandor Smith, a member of One Hope United’s board of directors for nearly 20 years, cut the ribbon at a ceremony in her honor on Friday, August 17th.

The dedication took place at our Edgewater Early Learning Center, where One Hope United celebrated her contributions to the center, the board, and the Edgewater community by naming the center’s second floor the Toni Sandor Smith Future Scholars Learning Lab.

Friends of Toni, fellow board members and OHU staff gathered for the ceremony, along with Alderman Harry Osterman, who shared his appreciation for Toni’s and the center’s contributions to the Edgewater community.

“The real impact of her work with kids in our community is amazing,” said the Alderman. “Very early in life, the gift of education, when they come here, opens up their world and entire future.”

An Edgewater resident, Toni is a frequent visitor to the Edgewater Early Learning Center and has become a favorite storybook reader of our students. And as a member of the board and former chair, she has made a major impact on our organization.

“It takes a special person to take the time and interact with the kids like Toni does – and be able to ask really insightful questions at board meetings,” said CEO Todd Schultz.

“Toni’s legacy of leadership and her relentless commitment to governing and growth have allowed One Hope United to experience higher levels of service, deeper community relationships, and stronger strategic partnerships,” shared OHU Board Chair, Theresa A. Dear.

In addition to naming the second floor in Toni’s honor, the board also established a scholarship in her name.

Though Toni was the guest of honor, she made sure to recognize the One Hope United staff and the programs at Edgewater. “It’s not about me, it’s not about a wing – it’s about supporting something really important,” she explained. “This is an honor, but I’m a surrogate for the work of the staff.”

Following the ceremony, students surprised Toni with a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork before singing a special song. Guests then enjoyed refreshments and a musical performance by award-winning saxophonist Michael Salter, a teaching artist with the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, which brings jazz education into Chicago Public Schools.

To learn more about the Edgewater Early Learning Center, visit https://onehopeunited.wpengine.com/edgewater-early-learning-center.

PHOTO: Toni Sandor Smith (with scissors, center) cuts the ribbon to dedicate the Toni Sandor Smith Future Scholars Learning Lab at Edgewater Early Learning Center. She is joined by (from left) Anthony Ruth, SVP, Marketing & Communications; Todd Schultz, CEO; Rosanne DeGregorio, Director of Programs; Alderman Harry Osterman; Board Chair Theresa Dear; and musician Michael Salter.

Hope In Action 2017 | Thank You!

One Hope United would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who attended Hope In Action 2017.

The night was a big success: with our guests and sponsors together, we raised over $300,000! We’re very appreciative of the immense support that has been shown for our organization, which only brings us closer to fulfilling our vision,

“For every child and family, life without limits.”

Two of the biggest highlights of the night were the presentations of the 3rd Annual Ermit Finch Impact Award to Marco Foster and the Leadership in Giving award to Get IN Chicago! Check out their inspiring stories captured in the videos below.

Visit our Facebook to view all of the fun photos from the night. Be sure to tag yourself and your friends!

Share your feedback! Let us know what you thought of the event by completing our survey.

Didn’t have the chance to raise your paddle at Hope in Action 2017? You can still support OHU by clicking here.

One Hope United Presents Hope in Action 2017!

Mark your calendars! One Hope United’s signature spring fundraising event returns on April 29, 2017 at the JW Marriott Chicago.

OPEN BAR | SEATED DINNER | STAND-UP COMEDY

 SILENT & LIVE AUCTIONS | RAFFLE

Be prepared for a night of laughs, with performances by comedians and Saturday Night Live veterans Tim Meadows and Colin Quinn. They will be joined by our emcee, Marion Brooks of NBC5.

Join us and stand up for children!

Get Your Tickets Here!

Want to become a sponsor? Learn more about how you can support OHU at this one-of-a-kind event at onehopeinaction.org.

26th Annual Charity Golf Outing

THANK YOU to all who came out to support One Hope United’s 26th Annual Charity Golf Outing on September 13, 2016!

Your generous donations allow us to serve even more children and families.

Check out this video for photos of the Golf Outing and to learn more about the impact that One Hope United has on children and families:

P.S. Be sure to share this email with your Golf foursome!

Picnic For Hope 2016

The second annual Picnic for Hope was a huge success! Hosted by OHU’s Lake County Ambassador Board on August 13th, the event raised over $18,000 for the Day School on our Lake Villa campus! The Ambassador Board is a terrific group of community volunteers who are dedicated to raising funds to support the children and families of One Hope United. Thank you for all of your generous efforts!

13924964_651188825039250_3673663362019005616_n-114064134_651188861705913_4560965137959690426_n14046054_651155855042547_8014113223062760076_n13937966_651155898375876_509263884772661356_o

Hope in Action 2016 Recap!

One Hope United would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who attended Hope in Action 2016.

The night was a smashing success; together with our guests and sponsors we raised nearly $215,000, more than doubling the amount raised last year! We are so appreciative of the amazing support that has been shown for our organization, and all of it only brings us one step closer to fulfilling our vision, “For every child and family, life without limits.”

Though there were many, one of the most unforgettable moments of the night was honoring Dianna Klockenga and her family with the Ermit Finch Impact Award. Below, you can view Dianna’s story captured in this heartwarming video.

Don’t forget to check out all of the fun photos from the night on our Facebook page and tag yourself and your friends!

photo135200

Translate »