State of Illinois

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Illinois Capital Region ( BBBS ) was organized and incorporated in 1972. A group of ten members of the community recognized a need for a mentoring program that focused on positive youth development. During the first year of the organization, 50 children were matched with positive adult mentors ( Big Brothers and Big Sisters ). During the first two years, the program was run strictly by volunteers, many of whom worked out of their own homes. In 1976, BBBS hired its first Executive Director, Debra Beard, who served the agency for nearly 30 years. In 1999, after identifying the need for mentoring services in Christian County, Big Brothers Big Sisters expanded its services to include Christian County, and an office opened in Taylorville. In January 2007, the agency began serving children in Montgomery County. The agency's current Executive Director, Chris Hembrough began July 2007.Big Brothers Big Sisters offers one-to-one mentoring relationships to children who have been referred to us, either by a parent or a teacher. We serve children in Sangamon, Christian, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties through both the Community-Based and School-Based Mentoring programs. In 2008, BBBS served 875 children through our mentoring programs.As we continue to serve more children and make an impact in our community, we will serve these children as we always have--one child at a time.

Community Child Care Connection is a regional agency based in Springfield, Illinois, dedicated to increasing access to high-quality, affordable childcare and education for families across several local counties. By housing the Child Care Assistance Program, the agency aids parents and guardians in finding safe and reliable childcare options while also providing vital resources and training for childcare providers. Recognized as a leader and catalyst in the community, Community Child Care Connection serves the counties of Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Sangamon, and Scott. Its mission encompasses supporting both parents in their search for quality care and enhancing the capabilities of childcare providers through an array of training and development resources. Generated from the website

AFSCME Council 31 is a prominent labor organization representing over 90,000 active and retired public service employees across Illinois, including those from state, county, and city governments, as well as educational institutions and nonprofit agencies. The council is dedicated to advocating for workers' rights, providing a strong voice in the workplace, and promoting fair labor practices. Through initiatives like union organizing, scholarship opportunities, and career advancement programs, AFSCME Council 31 empowers its members to secure better wages, benefits, and working conditions. The organization also plays a crucial role in mobilizing support for labor movements, ensuring the interests of public service workers are prioritized in legislative matters. Generated from the website