FAQs

 

We are leading efforts to fully fund human services to ensure that all Illinoisans reach their full potential and have access to a sector that is equitable, sustainable and speaks with a collective voice.

What does “human service” mean?

Human services play an integral role in fostering human potential by providing an infrastructure of well-being that supports all members of society. This includes ensuring that we have the essential elements to build and maintain our physical, emotional and economic well-being at every phase of life. 

Human service includes health care, mental health, early childhood services, after school programs, job training and workforce development, homelessness, nutrition, immigration, youth services, support for victims and survivors of domestic violence, and care for older adults, among others.

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Who are your “Illinois Partners” and where are they located?

From Chicago to Springfield to Cairo, our coalition partners represent a wide range of Illinois human service organizations located in every legislative district. 

Visit Our Partners

What are your strategic goals and priorities?

View Illinois Partners Strategic Plan

Public Policy

Our priorities are focused on two areas: robust public investment and collective power. We are leading efforts to fully fund human services to ensure that all Illinoisans reach their full potential and have access to a sector that is equitable, sustainable and speaks with a collective voice. Our strategic priorities include advocating for increased government efficiency and investment in human services, such as full funding of the minimum wage, and supporting the fair tax, a vital solution to building a more equitable Illinois.  

View our Policy and Advocacy

Research

Our team is developing key resources to increase equity and the visibility of issues facing the human service sector. These priorities include providing research that demonstrates the value of human services, such as the sector’s contributions to the Illinois economy and the relationship between low wages, employee turnover, and community well-being.

View our Research and Reframing Human Services

Reframing Human Services

We are expanding the reach of our statewide reframing initiative, an evidence-based communications strategy designed to build broader and deeper support for human services.

View our Reframing Human Services

How do you measure your success?

View Illinois Partners Strategic Plan to learn how we measure our success.

How is Illinois Partners funded?

Illinois Partners is primarily funded from two sources – voluntary coalition partner contributions and foundational support through granting opportunities. At this time, a very small percentage (<10%)  of our revenue is generated by way of individual donations and we do not seek or accept funding from government entities.

How does a human service organization join the coalition or become a partner?

There are a variety of ways you can get involved. 

You can sign up today  to be a partner and join the 800+ human service organizations in our coalition. If you have questions please email info@illinoispartners.org and a staff member will be in touch.

Is Illinois Partners a membership organization?

Illinois Partners is not a membership organization. There is no fee to join our coalition. However, we rely on the generous contributions of our coalition partners as 50% of our annual revenue comes from partner support. We understand that our partners represent a broad spectrum of financial capacity; therefore we recommend pledge amounts based on publicly available revenue information (see the chart below). Each organization determines the level that best suits their budget. All amounts are accepted and appreciated. Make a donation today!

Suggested Pledge Levels:

$150   =  Revenue up to $300,000      

$250   =  Revenue from $300,000 – $750,000

$500   =  Revenue from $750,000 – $1M

$750   =  Revenue from $1M – $4M

$1000 =  Revenue from $4M – $8M

$2,500 = Revenue from $8M- $12M

$3,500  = Revenue from $12M- $25M

$4,500  = Revenue greater than $25M

What are the benefits of being a contributing or paid partner?

Contributing or paid partners receive advanced access to special events and webinars as well as invitations to working groups with key administrative and legislative leaders. See the chart below for detailed benefits.  Join our coalition.

What are Local Area Council and who can attend their meetings?

Local Area Councils are one of the ways that we engage leaders in collaborative opportunities and idea sharing for increasing the visibility of the sector.

Led by experienced community leaders, Local Area Councils address legislative policies, engage leaders in bipartisan efforts and promote collaborative opportunities and research.

Anyone interested in supporting human services can attend a Local Area Council meeting. For more information or to establish a council in your community, call 312-243-1913 or send an email to info@illinoispartners.org.

Visit Local Area Councils

How do I find and join Local Area Councils?

Contact the Local Area Councils near you for more information.

Bloomington-Normal

Lauren Wright
lauren@illinoispartners.org

 Peoria

Kim Cornwell
EPIC!
1913 W. Townline Road
Peoria, IL 61615
kcornwell@epicci.org

Rock Island

Kathy Weiman
Alternatives for the Older Adult
1803 7th Street
Moline, IL 61265
kweiman@alternativesforyou.org

Lake County

Dora Maya
Arden Shore Child and Family Services
329 N. Genesee Street
Waukegan, IL  60085
dmaya@ardenshore.com 

North Shore LAC

Kristen White
YWCA Evanston/North Shore
1215 Church St.
Evanston, IL 60201
k-white@ywca-ens.org

Southern Illinois

Sherrie Crabb
Arrowleaf
P.O. Box 759
Golconda, IL  62938
sherrie.crabb@myarrowleaf.org

Springfield

Karel Homrig
Prevention First
2800 Montvale Drive
Springfield, IL 62704
karel.homrig@prevention.org 

Will-Grundy

Pam Heavens
United Cerebral Palsy Center for Disabilities (UCP/CDS)
311 South Reed Street,
Joliet, IL 60436
pamh@ucp-cds.org

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Human services matter to ALL of us.