Our annual Spring Luncheon, Thriving Together, exceeded all expectations! Held at the beautiful BMO Harris Bank Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, the event brought our community together in support of OHU’s mission to serve and advocate for the thriving of children, youth, and families.
We proudly raised over $127,000, which will support initiatives like our ‘Safety Net Pilot Project.’ This project offers financial aid and growth opportunities to OHU alumni facing emergencies and essential needs. Unlike many who benefit from parental health insurance until age 26, many of our alumni lack this vital support system. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters at Thriving Together, these funds will provide the resources these young adults need for a successful transition into adulthood.
We were also thrilled to honor Adiat Baker, the recipient of this year’s Ermit L. Finch Impact Award. Adiat, the Global Diversity Manager at Mintel, has been a dedicated partner of OHU for over 12 years. Adiat is always finding unique ways to raise funds, donate items, and bring others along with her to support our cause. We are so grateful for her involvement and impact!
A special thanks to Heidi E. Mueller, Director of Illinois DCFS, for her inspiring speech. Her leadership in child welfare and juvenile justice has reshaped care models for at-risk youth, enhancing Illinois’ support for children and families. Her words at the event were a powerful reminder of the importance of building stronger, more equitable communities.
For more photos from Thriving Together, be sure to check us out on Facebook.
To further support our mission, you can still donate here. Let’s continue thriving together!
