Dually-Involved Youth Build Bright Futures at Hope House

Michael* first visited Hope House in October of 2020. Without this community home-based program, where only four teenage boys live and receive treatment at a time, he would have been forced to move to a locked down facility in Michigan. Still, Michael was skeptical about Hope House at first.

When Josie Bayona, Director of Programs at Hope House, visited Michael at the group home in which he was staying, he told her that he could not come to Hope House, because he was not interested in following their rules. Josie asked if he would come for just a visit, to have dinner together and meet the other youth. She would take him back to the group home in the morning if he wanted. 

Looking around at the three-story renovated home for the first time, Michael told Josie, “Someday, I want my kids to live in a house like this.” Dancing around, he confidently stated that he wanted to do what was right, so he could live somewhere similar when he grew up. 

Josie shared that she disagreed with previous youth care workers who thought Michael was impossible to work with. “My team is committed to making sure youth are heard, and receive opportunities, even though they are involved with both the juvenile justice and child welfare systems,” she said. “We will hold them accountable for their behavior and choices, but they have the right to be heard like everyone else.

Josie went on to say, Hope House stands out among other programs because it utilizes an Enhanced Home-Based Placement Model. At Hope House, we provide intensive support with a trauma-informed approach. This is an innovative approach which allows us to make a greater impact for our youth.”

In choosing the first Hope House location, Sarah Tunning, Executive Director of Florida Programs, said she wanted to provide “a really comfortable home environment for the young men, first and foremost.” Sarah and her team got the keys to the first Hope House location in August, and since then, have painted the inside of the home a cheerful sky blue, and furnished the home with everything the boys could need. The youth at Hope House focus on independent living skills like improving academic performance, getting a part-time job, and opening a savings account. They also take trips to the beach on the weekend and go out for dinner together with house parents. 

Josie shared, “I want people to know that we’re a program within a program. Our home is not just a place where our boys eat and sleep. They participate in therapy and have access to a lot of services and support. It is not common to find a full-time therapist and nurse for a group home serving four boys, in addition to partnerships with external therapeutic agencies.” 

Josie went on to say, “It has been amazing to see the progress we have made in just one year. We are helping our community partners see that we are taking a new and innovative approach. Our funders are seeing the growth and change in our kids, and they are seeing that our model works. It is exciting to have conversations about expanding, so we can serve more kids.” 

Youth who come to Hope House may be used to getting what they want through intimidation or scare tactics. Jose said that once house parents and staff build relationships with the boys, and provide them with structure and consistency, they see the boys’ walls come down. “It might take a while for them to see it, but eventually the boys understand that we really are here for them,” Josie said. 

“The boys also trust that if I tell them something, I’m not lying to them,” Josie shared. “I promise each young man that I will do everything I can to set them up for success.” 

Liam* was placed at Hope House shortly after Michael. He experienced many obstacles, and as his drug use continued to worsen, he was hospitalized a few times. Josie helped Liam understand that in-patient drug treatment would be the right decision, but Liam feared he would be left at the drug treatment facility for months – something that had happened to him in the past. Josie promised Liam she would be there for him until his last day in treatment.  

Liam ran away to Texas for two weeks, and when he returned, Josie worked with judge to make sure he could stay at Hope House after completing treatment. “That night, when he was released to our custody with an electronic monitoring device, he told me ‘Miss Josie, I know you’re fighting for me.’ I told him that I couldn’t fight for him if he wouldn’t fight for himself,” Josie said. When she drove Liam to the treatment facility, she told him he would face more severe issues with the court if he ran again. He said, “Miss Josie, I won’t run as long as you’re there with me.” 

Six weeks later, Liam was released from the drug treatment center, and Josie was there waiting for him at discharge. He successfully completed probation and is currently attending an alternative school while living at Hope House.  

When Liam completed probation in October, he took a moment to reflect on his progress with Josie. In just one calendar year, Liam had completed drug treatment and probation, and was on the path to graduate from high school. 

Liam told Josie that he had not believed her when she told him he would soon be in a better place, but he believes it now. “He said he wants to keep in touch with me forever and wants me to meet his wife and children someday,” Josie said. “Liam’s is an amazing success story that has helped bring down the other boys’ walls. They see our commitment and they know we aren’t going anywhere.” 

*Names have been changed to protect privacy. 

 

 

Providing Hope and Healing to Survivors of Human Trafficking

January is National Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking is a pervasive issue that impacts millions of children, youth, and adults every yearand youth in foster or Residential care are at heightened risk. In fact, the National Foster Youth Institute recently estimated that 60 percent of child sex trafficking victims have had at least one foster care placement.  

“Human traffickers intentionally target vulnerable children and youth,” said Sarah Tunning, LMHC, CWCM, Executive Director of One Hope United’s Florida Programs. “It’s imperative that we find stable, long-term placements for foster youth, where they will have the supportive relationships they need to avoid the people who wish to harm them.” 

Read below to learn more about human trafficking, and the steps One Hope United takes to help survivors find hope and healing.

What is Human Trafficking? 

The Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as “the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” Traffickers might use violence, manipulation, or false promises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations. 

Children, youth, and adults are trafficked every day, right under the eyes of their friends and neighbors, in every community in America. Some signs and indicators of human trafficking may be surprising, while others are easily identifiable. 

Youth in the child welfare system are especially vulnerable to human trafficking for many reasons. After experiencing trauma or abuse, they have negative, warped perceptions of how they should be treated, or what they deserve. Traffickers may lure their victims with words of love and affirmation, and expensive gifts. When they later become physically violent or are ready to coerce their victim to provide labor or services, their victim often is emotionally and financially reliant on their trafficker and feels there is no possible way for them to get out. 

Identifying signs of human trafficking 

According to hopeforjustice.org, there are several indicators of human trafficking: 

  • Houses or flats with too many people, all picked up or dropped off at the same time 
  • People who seem scared, confused or have untreated injuries 
  • Few or no documents, or someone else in control of their documents/passport 
  • Low or no pay 
  • Limited freedom of movement and dependency on others
  • Note: Those affected are unlikely to self-identify as a ‘victim’ and may not realize or accept they are being controlled 

Preventing human trafficking

One Hope United’s Case Managers and staff take proactive measures to protect foster and Residential youth from traffickers. Staff at OHU’s Residential programs in Illinois have even collaborated with law enforcement in the past to help break up human trafficking rings. 

OHU staff shared that youth are at increased risk of being trafficked when they go on run from their foster or Residential placement. Staff members said that many young people in Residential homes are teenagers who have had very little structure for most of their lives. When they enter the child welfare system, much of their freedom and independence goes away. In this new restrictive environment, they begin to grapple with painful memories and emotions, which triggers a desire to run. OHU staff members work to help youth understand that although they have responded to difficult situations in the past in the best way they knew how, by running, that response is no longer necessary for their safety.

Melissa Y. M. Webster, M.S., LCPC, Executive Director of Residential and Day School Programs, said, “When we know youth have a secret, we listen to them, and try to show them they are safe with us. Consistency and support from staff are the biggest factors in preventing youth from going on run.

“When a youth returns from run, we tell are so glad they chose to come back – now let’s talk about what we can do to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

Providing hope and healing to survivors 

When a youth returns to foster or Residential care after being trafficked, staff go through a debriefing process with them, which includes a medical assessment, and an independent investigation conducted by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). 

In the weeks and months after a youth has returned to OHU after being trafficked, staff engage them in therapy, as well as conversations that happen organically when youth are ready to share their thoughts and feelings with staff. Jessica Perry, Director of Residential Clinical Services at OHU’s Centralia and Lake Villa campuses, shared that she and her team use a therapeutic technique called “unconditional positive regard” to help youth understand that what they went through wasn’t their fault – it was the fault of their abuser. She said, “We never want youth to feel ashamed or judged. We are always there to provide immediate attention and support, whenever youth need it. We meet them where they are emotionally, and work to help them understand that they deserve so much better. They deserve to be safe.” 

Jessica concluded, “If a youth is only in our care for a short period of time, at a critical phase in their development, we owe them all the support and love we can give them.” 

If you suspect someone is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or text 233733. Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocates are available 24/7 to take reports of potential human trafficking.

Hope Talks | December 2021

Hope Talks

“The Impact of Partnership”

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Hope Talks 

One Hope United is proud to bring you Hope Talks, monthly conversations with leaders in the child and family welfare sector. By having these conversations, we hope to inspire actionable change and work together to improve outcomes for the children and families we serve. 

In this month’s episode, Dr. Charles A. Montorio-Archer is joined by Lauren Wright, Executive Director, Illinois Partners for Human Service, to discuss The Impact of Partnership.

About Lauren Wright

Lauren is driven to create a more equitable future for all Illinoisans. Her vision and experience with building global coalitions, cultivating relationships with diverse stakeholders and creating new opportunities for growth and sustainability are at the core of the Illinois Partners mission.

Lauren previously served as the Director of Programs at Mama Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to partnering with grassroots organizations around the world and investing in programs that support education, climate justice, health, gender equality and financial security. Lauren holds a Master of Arts in Sustainable Development from SIT Graduate Institute and a master’s degree in International Policy and Practice from George Washington University. Lauren represents Illinois Partners as a member of the State Health Improvement Plan Committee, the Responsible Budget Coalition, Vote Yes for Fair Tax Ballot Committee, Westside ConnectED, and the Illinois Count Me in 2020 Steering Committee.

About One Hope United 

Founded in 1895, One Hope United is a multistate nonprofit that helps children and families build the skills to live life without limits. We serve over 10,000 children and families each year through education centers, child and family services, counseling, and residential programs. With our evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, we empower children and families to see and create a future where, regardless of their past, they can reach their full potential. 

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Supporting Older Youth in Care

Barbara Rosga has always been passionate about supporting older youth who have not grown up with a traditional family structure. “My heart goes out to the young men at One Hope United’s Rebound program, who have to support themselves at age 18,” Barbara shared. “These young men are important, and they deserve a chance. We can help them get an education and provide the structure they need. What a miracle to be able to guide them and support them on their journey to becoming responsible and fulfilled adults.” 

Barbara is a member of One Hope United’s Scofield-Gibbs Society, and she has given generously to OHU’s Rebound and Home Visiting programs for many years. When Barbara reflects on the struggles her own family faced throughout her childhood, she remembers that even during challenging times, she and her three older brothers always had the love and support of their mother to fall back on. When Barbara thinks of the young men at Rebound, she thinks of her older brothers. “My brothers had a strong family connection, and all of the resources they needed to succeed. The young men at Rebound deserve that, too. They deserve everything we can give them.” 

After living most of her life in Chicago, Barbara recently moved to Michigan, where she is enjoying retirement. She began her career as a billing clerk, but she “never dreamed” of the success she would eventually find, rising to Vice President at a major advertising company. “Now I have enough resources to share,” Barbara said. “I get a lot of satisfaction from sharing with others.” 

Barbara is also an avid traveler. One day, while walking back to her office over lunch, Barbara noticed a poster hanging in a travel agency’s window, advertising a trip around the world. She brought the flyer home and asked if her mother would like to join her on her first-ever trip around the world. Since then, Barbara has visited 128 countries, been around the world three times, and visited all continents and states in the U.S. A few of her favorite travel experiences include going on safari in Southern Africa, and walking the streets of Petra, an ancient city in Jordan. She believes “experiences are the best investments you can make. Traveling is a wonderful way to spend your time.” 

After Barbara retired, she was recommended to serve on One Hope United’s Board of Directors by a close friend, John Dawson, from her church, North Shore Baptist Church.  She and North Shore have partnered as donors with matching gifts from their foundation. Joyce Heneberry, Planned Giving Officer with One Hope United, shared, “Barbara’s interest in serving older youth in care, a group that is often overlooked by other people and by society, speaks to her character. I hope she feels proud of the impact she has made with One Hope United.”

Barbara celebrated her 90th birthday on November 16. Her humble spirit and passion for supporting the youth in One Hope United’s care continues to inspire members of the One Hope United community.

Learn how you can make an impact for One Hope United through a planned gift. 

Creating a Happy Holiday Season for Youth in Residential Care

Many youth who complete treatment and step down from One Hope United’s Residential programs have fond memories of their time at their OHU home. Of all the experiences and memories they create at One Hope United, former clients share that the holiday season is their favorite and happiest time. In this special guest blog, Melissa Y. M. Webster, M.S., LCPC, Executive Director of Residential and Day School Programs, and Sarah Tunning, LMHC, CWCM, Executive Director of Florida Programs, share how they and their teams create a happy holiday season for the youth in their care. 

Melissa Y. M. Webster, M.S., LCPC, Executive Director of Residential Programs 

When we hear from former clients from our Centralia and Lake Villa Residential programs in Illinois, it is usually around the holidays. They love to reminisce about activities, gifts they’ve received, and the big holiday party. 

Some children and youth love to drive through our communities with staff and look at the holiday lights. Our youth also enjoy decorating their bedrooms and our communal areas, as well as crafting homemade ornaments to hang on our Christmas tree. Throughout the holiday season, we drink hot chocolate, and bake cookies and other holiday treats. Children and youth help staff bake special desserts, trying new recipes and learning new skills along the way. 

And the gifts! Gifts are an undeniable part of the holidays, and for many of our youth, it is the best holiday they have ever had. Youth are encouraged to make wish lists, and we work with generous individuals and organizations in our communities to make those wishes come true. Making a holiday wish list is challenging for some youth, as some have not had special holidays in the past. If I could give any gift to the generous people who donate gifts, it would be to see the faces and hear the joy that our youth express when they open their gifts. 

Our holiday parties vary from site to site. Many of the young boys in our care enjoy fun holiday games and like to win prizes. Our girls talk to Santa and Mrs. Claus about their wishes. The Christmas story is read, usually by a youth who volunteers for the honor. Our oldest young men prepare their own holiday dinner, with coaching and guidance from staff. The food is the highlight of the celebration, as it is for most families.  

Some youth visit families as a part of the season. Our youth who do not have traditional families celebrate with us. We do our best to make sure those who remain with us create special holiday memories. 

One Hope United’s Residential staff, many of whom leave their families to celebrate with our children, talk about the joy our youth express. Staff members share that so many youth are genuinely appreciative and astounded at the gifts they receive. It makes leaving their own children behind for part of that day easier, knowing what special memories they help create. 

Sarah Tunning, LMHC, CWCM, Executive Director of Florida Programs 

This year, at Hope House, our Florida Residential program where four boys receive individualized treatment and care in a home-based setting, our holiday season kicked off on December 8. One Hope United volunteers decorated the three-story home while our boys and house parents went out for a nice seafood dinner. When the boys returned, they found decorative snowmen, a Christmas tree, and special holiday mugs with hot chocolate kits. Santa also visited the boys that evening, and chatted with them about their wish lists. 

One of the most exciting and unique things about the approach we take at Hope House is our emphasis on family connections. In many situations, dually involved youth – youth who are involved with both the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, like those we serve at Hope House – face many restrictions that prevent them from visiting with family members. Even before Hope House opened, these family relationships have been a priority for us. If it is possible for the youth we serve to have positive relationships with their families, we will do everything we can to support these relationships.

Experiences like celebrating the holidays, going on trips, seeing family members, even going to the grocery store…these events, from the memorable ones to the day-to-day outings, often go away for youth when they enter group care. Providing these experiences creates normalcy for our youth, and normalcy helps relieve anxiety and depression as youth settle into their new routines at Hope House. 

The boys we serve have been through severe trauma, and most of their previous holiday experiences were not positive. At Hope House, we aim to change how they feel about the holiday season – helping them feel hope for the future, in an environment where they are surrounded by people who care about them. 

Want to make a difference for the youth we serve? Make a donation this holiday season.

Paternal Grandparents’ Guardianship Finalized, Securing Family Ties

Nikia Jones has cared for her 5-year-old granddaughter, Aniyah, since she was four months old. In 2021, after working with One Hope United for four years, Aniyah’s case was closed, and Nikia and her husband, Delrico Jelks Jr., were named Aniyah’s private guardians. 

One of the most special things in Aniyah’s life is her connection with Nikia’s second son (Aniyah’s uncle), who is three years older than her. “Their relationship is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Nikia shared. “If one of them has a cookie, they will break it in half and give that piece to the other child. When they come home from school, they hug each other right away. They’ve always been this way – I can’t imagine them being apart.” 

Nikia found out that her eldest son’s girlfriend was pregnant with Aniyah about one month before Aniyah was born. “My son and I can talk about most things, but he hid this. He was making bad decisions at that point in his life, but now, he and Aniyah have a beautiful relationship,” Nikia said. 

When Aniyah was an infant, Aniyah’s father asked Nikia and Delrico to come to the hospital, because Aniyah was sick. Nikia received a call from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) around the same time, letting them know Aniyah’s arm was broken – probably from someone picking her up the wrong way – and they worried her son’s home wasn’t suitable for an infant. Nikia looked at her husband and said, “we have to go get that baby.” 

When Nikia and her husband arrived at the hospital and met Aniyah for the first time, they immediately noticed that Aniyah looked just like Nikia. That night, they brought their infant granddaughter home, stopping on the way to purchase formula, diapers, and everything they would need to care for her. 

“Aniyah has been with us ever since,” Nikia said. “She is sweet, sassy, funny, and everything a little girl is.” 

One Hope United Case Managers checked in on Aniyah, helped obtain vouchers for furniture in her bedroom, and engaged with Nikia and Delrico in honest conversations about their family’s progress. “Our One Hope United workers got to know our children, which meant a lot to me,” Nikia said. “They wanted to be a friend if we needed anything. They helped us understand terminology from the child welfare world, and worked with our family’s schedule to set up visits. I appreciated those things so much.” After three years of visits, Nikia and Delrico’s OHU team agreed that their home should be Aniyah’s forever home. 

Nikia’s OHU team describes her granddaughter as “sweet, respectful, and very intelligent.” She is currently in kindergarten, but she is already getting a head start on first grade-level learning. Aniyah loves reading, Minnie Mouse, and her older brother. 

Aniyah and her brother know that they are actually niece and uncle, but they “protect each other as siblings.” Her relationship with her biological father, Nikia’s oldest son, is also blossoming. He visits often and helps Nikia with laundry and day-to-day household needs. “Aniyah knows her dad loves her, and she loves him so much,” Nikia said. 

When asked what she would tell other parents or guardians in similar situations, Nikia advised, “make sure you’re doing this for the right reasons. We don’t want our children to grow up hurting, or asking questions and hearing lies or unclear answers. As parents, we are shaping them for the world, so we owe them truth and clarity.” 

She concluded, “These children need us. We are all they have.” 

Learn more about One Hope United’s foster care and adoption programs here. 

Hope Talks | November 2021

Hope Talks

“The Science of Hope in Foster Care”

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Hope Talks 

One Hope United is proud to bring you Hope Talks, monthly conversations with leaders in the child and family welfare sector. By having these conversations, we hope to inspire actionable change and work together to improve outcomes for the children and families we serve. 

In this month’s episode, Dr. Charles A. Montorio-Archer is joined by Ashley Cross, Nonprofit Advocate and Leader, to discuss The Science of Hope in Foster Care.

About Ashley Cross

Dr. Cross has dedicated her life to building and sustaining hope in vulnerable children and families, and in the professionals working with them. She established the first girls’ home in Tulsa, OK, and raised awareness in the city about the issues concerning girls in foster care and youth aging out. Through civic engagement, the local church, a dedicated community, and a lot of faith and hope, Dr. Ashley raised over one million in funds and properties to house girls aging out of foster care or experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma. Dr. Cross sits on the board of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Rochester Excellence Academy, and she is the founder of the Hub585. Dr. Ashley also Pastor’s alongside her husband Melvin Cross Jr at Glory House International.

About One Hope United 

Founded in 1895, One Hope United is a multistate nonprofit that helps children and families build the skills to live life without limits. We serve over 10,000 children and families each year through education centers, child and family services, counseling, and residential programs. With our evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, we empower children and families to see and create a future where, regardless of their past, they can reach their full potential. 

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Give Hope on GivingTuesday

What is GivingTuesday? 

GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. This day of generosity was built by a broad coalition of individuals, nonprofits, community groups, and businesses. Over the past nine years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and make a positive impact with causes they care deeply about.  

GivingTuesday falls each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This year, GivingTuesday is on November 30. The holiday season can be a difficult time for many children and families, including children in foster and residential homes, and parents struggling to make ends meet. And while we’ve all faced unprecedented challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, these challenges are felt even more by children in unstable circumstances, like youth experiencing frequent moves in foster care. GivingTuesday is a time to practice radical generosity, and support One Hope United’s efforts to provide life-changing services to these children and families all year round.

One Hope United donors are people who want to make sure that every child and family has the resources and support they need to thrive. Together, we can see One Hope United’s vision become reality: For Every Child and Family, Life Without Limits.  

How to Get Involved 

Donate to Wishbook: Wishbook gives you the opportunity to directly impact the children and families we serve by contributing to One Hope United’s Annual Fund. The Annual Fund helps provide children and families with necessary services, programs, and assistance.

This year, One Hope United has an exciting donation match opportunity! If OHU raises $10,000 on GivingTuesday, a community foundation will make a matching donation, so your gift will go twice as far for the children and families we serve. You can donate to Wishbook here. 

Post on social media: This year, One Hope United is launching the #GiveHopeChallenge21 on GivingTuesday. OHU’s #GiveHopeChallenge21 means giving loudly, and inspiring others to join in making a difference for the thousands of children, youth, and families we serve each year. This GivingTuesday, you can share that you’re supporting us on social media to inspire others to give.

Be sure to follow along with our social media channels on GivingTuesday! We will be sharing stories of hope throughout the day, and we encourage our supporters to share what the #GiveHopeChallenge21 means to them. 

Thank you for showing your support for the children and families we serve on GivingTuesday! 

About One Hope United 

Founded in 1895, One Hope United is a multistate nonprofit that helps children and families build the skills to live life without limits. We serve over 10,000 children and families each year through education centers, child and family services, counseling, and residential programs. With our evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, we empower children and families to see and create a future where, regardless of their past, they can reach their full potential.

Healing on the Path to Family Reunification

If a biological parent can gain the tools and resources they need to provide a safe and happy home for their child, reunification is likely to be the primary outcome of a foster care placement. Reunification is an incredible milestone, and can only be possible with community support. The people who work with families on the path to reunification, like foster parents and case workers, make an impact that will be felt in families and communities for generations to come. 

After mother and baby tested positive for illegal drugs at birth, Katy’s* son, Ben*, was placed in foster care. Katy received services from One Hope United, and she later elected to participate in a voluntary home visiting program. After more than seven months apart, on August 27, 2021, Katy was reunited with her son. Katy and her OHU Case Manager, Maria Guzman, have continued their close relationship, and communicate regularly. Maria told Katy she will always be available if she needs anything. Maria said, “my job is to make sure Ben is safe at all times, and that Katy has someone in her life that she can count on.” Maria still visits Katy and Ben once a week to check on their progress, and though DCF only required Katy to participate in one parenting class, she has chosen to enroll in two programs for additional support. Maria described Ben as “a happy, healthy, chunky little baby.” 

“Katy accepted any and all help offered to her,” Maria shared. “She was always on time or early for visits, and came prepared with diapers, wipes, extra clothes, formula, and even a small bed for Ben to nap in.” 

Maria worked closely with Katy week-by-week to complete her case plan, often texting or talking on the phone with Katy after hours to answer parenting questions, and to check in on Katy’s mental health. Katy enrolled in a substance abuse treatment program soon after Ben was placed in foster care. Because Ben was removed at birth, Katy had about 3 hours each week to visit and bond with her child. After a few months, Katy had the funds she needed to sign a home lease, and soon after, Maria was able to conduct a home study. Katy moved closer to reunification when she was approved for unsupervised home visits. 

“Katy approached any feedback we shared with her with an open mind. She has a positive outlook on life and was consistently cheerful and engaged when spending time with Ben during visits. Even today, she will say things like ‘teething irritability is the best thing ever,’ because she is able to be there with Ben for that developmental milestone,” Maria said. 

Katy faced significant obstacles on her journey toward building a happy life for Ben and for herself, many of which originated in her childhood, which left her with little support from her family. Throughout their childhood, Katy’s siblings had an open case with child protective services, but their mother often pressured them to hide the truth of their lives from their caseworkers. She and her siblings silently endured abuse from their mother, as well as mood swings caused by their mother’s multiple personality disorder.

Katy’s older brother often sheltered her and her younger siblings from the worst of the abuse, and he mostly raised his younger siblings on his own. When he passed away, Katy struggled with depression, and felt the walls that had housed her childhood trauma for so long coming down. After Katy’s mother kidnapped her niece and tried to coach Katy on what to say to authorities at the hospital, she “felt the blinders coming off of her eyes,” and realized her mother did the same to her and her siblings as children. When Katy’s niece was placed in foster care, and Katy could not claim guardianship of her niece, she turned to drugs to cope. Katy tried to begin counseling, but could not continue sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic. She became pregnant with her son Ben less than one year later. 

After working for nearly a year to be reunited with Ben, Katy is working with a psychiatrist who has helped her see that she can have “a healthier, more positive mental health baseline.” She has also completed a substance abuse program and is now sober. Katy is currently participating in several family programs and services voluntarily, including a support group for parents who have been recently reunified with their children. Katy shared that she finds comfort and support in conversation with other parents who have experienced similar struggles. She shared, “If I had known these support systems were available when my niece was in my care, I would have taken advantage of them.” 

Katy’s long-term goal is to move where she can be closer to extended family members who provide unconditional love and support. Her case will be open for an additional six months, during which time Maria will conduct unannounced home visits. Katy will also continue to engage with parent support groups as part of her family safety plan. 

Ben is now seven months old. Katy shared that she feels relieved to be able to care for her baby, and is now enjoying their creative routine, which is centered around Ben’s cognitive development. They went to the beach together for the first time on August 28, one day after reunification. 

Maria concluded, “Katy is a beautiful person, and Ben’s happy smile is contagious. If Katy continues on the road she has chosen, she will be successful.” 

*Names have been changed to protect privacy. 

 

Want to support One Hope United’s efforts to help children, youth and families lead happy, healthy lives? Make a gift here.

Continuing a Legacy of Servant Leadership 

Pictured: Clarke Robinson with his four children at his 90th birthday. Left to right: Sarah Michael, Philip Robinson, Clarke Robinson (center, seated), Jim Robinson, and Becky Reeve.

Clarke Robinson held many titles in his life: student, Harvard-educated lawyer, husband, father, church leader, quilter, rare book collector, history enthusiast, and early childhood education advocate. As one of the founding members of One Hope United’s Scofield-Gibbs Society, Clarke’s spirit of service will continue through his charitable major trust. Because of Clarke’s generosity and commitment to One Hope United’s mission, the organization will have the resources it needs to serve thousands of children and families for years to come. 

Clarke’s passion for giving back began at an early age. After moving from New England to Mount Prospect, Illinois as a child, his family soon became active in the Baptist Church in their neighborhood. Clarke also met his wife of 56 years, Lucia, through her father, who was the pastor at their church. For many years, Clarke’s church supported the Central Baptist Orphanage – the organization that would one day be known as One Hope United. 

Becky Reeve, Clarke’s daughter, shared, “My dad was a humble servant throughout his entire life. He always did what he could to help people, often quietly and without seeking recognition. He understood that in life, you plant seeds, often without knowing what will come of your efforts – but you plant seeds for future growth and happiness for your loved ones, and for your community.” 

After attending Harvard Law School, Clarke returned home to Illinois, where he served as a Probate and Estate Planning Lawyer in Chicago for over 40 years. Through their church and philanthropic involvement, Clarke and Lucia learned more about foster care, and even though they had four biological children already, they answered the call to become foster parents. Their teenage foster son was with them for five years, and their foster son later shared that he felt their family “saved his life.” He served in the United States Marine Corps and has built a happy life with his wife and three children. Years later, he spoke at a One Hope United board meeting about his experiences in foster care. He shared that when he was growing up, he heard a lot of kids say they wanted to be a police officer, fire fighter, or teacher. What he wanted was to be a parent like Clarke. 

Soon after welcoming his foster son into his family, Clarke joined the Central Baptist Children’s Home’s Board of Directors. He served as Chairman of the Board for many years, and saw the organization through several periods of growth, including the organization’s expansion into early learning. Clarke became closely involved with OHU’s preschool programs, developing an interest in the connection between early learning and children’s future academic development. 

Clarke said, “I grew my understanding of the needs of children, and I’m generally very satisfied with what I’ve seen and what I’ve been able to do with One Hope United.” He also shared that one of his favorite aspects of his involvement with OHU was bringing members of his church to tour and read to children at the Elgin Early Learning Center. 

Clarke’s daughter, Becky, shared that Clarke was able to accomplish so much in his life because he had a loving partner standing beside him. “A lot of what he was able to do at OHU was done with and because of mom,” Becky said. “They showed us kids the importance of giving what we could to our community.” The Robinson family also enjoyed supporting and volunteering at many One Hope United events throughout the years, including the Annual Charity Golf Outing. 

“Clarke was humble and unassuming, considering all he accomplished personally and professionally,” said Joyce Heneberry, Planned Giving Officer at One Hope United. “He approached our early learning programs with such intellect and curiosity. I admire him so much.”

RJ Young, former Chairman of One Hope United’s Board of Directors, and Joyce Heneberry felt privileged to present One Hope United’s Life Director Award to Clarke at his church. Clarke passed away in March of 2021. He is survived by four children, eleven grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren. One Hope United is grateful for the spirit of love, service, and generosity Clarke shared with our organization, and the impact he continues to have in the lives of the children and families we serve. 

 

Learn how you can make an impact for One Hope United through a planned gift.

 

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