April is Prevent Child Abuse Awareness Month
As we move into April we are reminded that every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment to grow, learn, and thrive. Yet, thousands of children across Illinois and the United States face the harsh reality of abuse and neglect. To bring attention to this critical issue, April is nationally recognized as Prevent Child Abuse Awareness Month, a time to educate the public, support families, and reaffirm our collective commitment to protecting children Spero Family Services is proud to partner with Child Abuse Prevention efforts to raise awareness and provide resources to families and communities throughout Illinois.
Child abuse and neglect leave long-lasting scars, both physically and emotionally, on children and their families. Abuse affects every aspect of a child’s life, from their mental health to their education and future relationships. When we work together to prevent abuse, we ensure children have the opportunity to grow up in a supportive environment, breaking cycles of trauma and building stronger communities.
In 2023, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) reported over 40,000 cases of child abuse and neglect statewide. Children under the age of 5 are the most vulnerable, making up a significant percentage of cases. Experts estimate that for every reported case, many others go unreported, leaving countless children without the help they need. These numbers are a sobering reminder of the work that remains. But with community efforts and increased awareness, we can make a difference.
This April, Spero Family Services is actively raising awareness and providing valuable resources for families in our community. We have two significant events that everyone is encouraged to attend. The first event marks the Child Abuse Prevention Month Kickoff on April 1st at 1:00 PM at John A. Logan College in Carterville. During this event, Spero Family Services, alongside other advocates, will come together to officially kick off the month dedicated to preventing child abuse.
The second event is the 10th Annual Spero Family Fun Fest, scheduled for April 24th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Wesley United Methodist Church. This family-friendly gathering promises an afternoon filled with free food, exciting games, and fantastic prizes. It’s not just about fun; this event will also serve as a platform to share information about community programs and resources available to families. It’s an excellent opportunity for attendees to connect and learn more about how they can support children and families in need. These events are open to everyone, and we encourage you to participate, learn, and help spread the message of hope and prevention.
If you or someone you know is struggling, know that there is help available. Spero Family Services, along with other organizations across Illinois, offers resources, counseling, and support to families in need. No one has to face challenges alone—there is a network of care ready to lend a hand. This April, let’s unite as a community to prevent child abuse and build a brighter future for the children of Illinois. Join Spero Family Services in our mission to raise awareness and extend love and support to every child and family. Together, we can make a difference.
Celebrating Success at the ICEARY Conference in Bloomington, IL!
The recent Illinois Coalition for Educating At-Risk Youth (ICEARY) conference held in Bloomington, Illinois, was a resounding success, bringing together over 700 attendees for an enriching experience. As we reflect on this incredible event, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kari Docherty, Spero Professional Development Coordinator, who has served as the conference director for the ninth consecutive year. Her dedication and leadership continue to make ICEARY a remarkable gathering for professionals.
One of the highlights of the conference was a thought-provoking session led by Spero’s Steven Winchell on Understanding Challenging Behavior. Attendees gained valuable insights and strategies to better navigate complex interactions, leaving everyone inspired to apply their new knowledge in practical settings. Additionally, the keynote speeches delivered by Liz Murray and CJ Reynolds captivated the audience. Their powerful messages resonated deeply, motivating attendees to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles in both personal and professional realms.
Spero is proud to attend this conference annually. It’s inspiring to witness the numerous teachers eager to make a positive impact on the lives of children.
Savoring Culture and Skills
Spero Introduces Key Leadership Changes for Growth
In December, Spero Family Services made significant changes to its organizational leadership chart. These strategic adjustments aim to foster growth and sustainability in the coming years. By enhancing efficiency in service delivery, Spero seeks to improve overall organizational effectiveness.
Mandy Bernard has been promoted to Chief Program Officer as part of this restructuring. With 16 years of dedication to Spero, Mandy brings a wealth of experience from various roles across multiple programs. In her new position, she will oversee community programs while supporting the Foster Care program. Mandy is excited to collaborate with fellow leaders to build strong, sustainable programs for the community. She emphasizes the importance of laying the groundwork for long-term success, stating, “The best part of this job will be helping the people that help the people, watching people grow into amazing leaders, and supporting others in having crazy ideas.”
Tammy Sweet has also been promoted to Chief Clinical Officer. With 8 years at Spero, Tammy has held many roles, including Residential Treatment Therapist, Clinical Director of Residential Treatment, and Executive Director of Clinical Services. In her new role, she will provide oversight and support for all mental health and behavioral health initiatives within Spero. Tammy is committed to ensuring all programs feel comfortable addressing mental health issues while keeping the organization’s CARE philosophy at the forefront of interactions with youth, families, stakeholders, and community partners. She highlights that the best aspect of her role is the people and her incredible team.
These leadership changes at Spero Family Services reflect a commitment to innovation and collaboration. With Mandy and Tammy at the helm, Spero is well-positioned to thrive now and in the future. This new leadership will ensure that Spero’s programs not only endure but flourish for decades to come.
A Joyful Christmas at Spero
The holiday season is a time of joy, love, and giving. However, for many children in residential and group homes, it can also bring feelings of loneliness and despair. For instance, some have never experienced a Christmas, while others have known only chaos. Recognizing this need, our community stepped up to sponsor these children, ensuring they have a joyful Christmas.
On December 16th, Spero Family Services organized a heartwarming gift-opening event. The children came together to celebrate with games, hot cocoa, cookies, and the excitement of unwrapping gifts from our generous donors. Moreover, this cherished tradition brings hope and cheer to those who struggle during the holidays.
Consequently, the event’s success hinges on the incredible generosity of our donors. They sponsor each child and provide personalized gifts that bring smiles and warmth to their hearts. As a result, on the evening of December 16th, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and togetherness. Laughter filled the room as they engaged in various activities, creating lasting memories.Furthermore, the highlight was the gift opening. Each child eagerly unwrapped carefully chosen presents—ranging from electronics and books to clothing—bringing a sense of belonging and love.Ultimately, the impact of this event goes beyond immediate happiness. It reminds children that they are not forgotten and that people genuinely care about their well-being. This support, therefore, brings light to their lives and helps them embrace the joy of the season.
YouthBuild Takes Home Best Float in the Mt. Vernon Christmas Parade
In a remarkable display of creativity and community spirit, YouthBuild proudly emerged as the winner of the Best Float award at the Great Mt. Vernon Christmas Light Fight Parade on December 6th. This success story began with a simple conversation among the members of the YouthBuild Council. The group was eager to engage in a community project, but with the busy holiday season upon them, time was of the essence.
Initially, the group considered replicating last year’s effort of collecting donations for a local nursing home. However, realizing the limited time available, YouthBuild staff suggested entering the Christmas parade instead. This idea sparked excitement among the participants, setting the stage for their upcoming project.Once a trailer was secured, the next challenge was to choose a theme for the float. The options included The Grinch (live-action), National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and an Enchanted Forest. Ultimately, the Grinch was selected as the winning theme. The team then decided to recreate two memorable scenes from the film: the Cheermister scene and the mailroom scene. Lynn, the YouthBuild Class President, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Playing the Grinch was silly but a lot of fun. I was very proud of it, and I loved it!”
The hard work and dedication of the YouthBuild members paid off when they were announced as the winners of the float competition. Beccah McConnaughay, a YouthBuild staff member, described the moment, saying, “When they told us we won, I couldn’t believe it. We all started jumping up and down and high-fiving each other. I was so proud of the work each and every one of them put into the float, and it really showed.
“This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of the community. Our YouthBuild Construction Trainers, Rick Daniels and Russel Hayes, made building the throne a reality. YouthBuild also received several donations to help create the float, including two Christmas trees, cardboard from SCI Box, LLC to build Max’s dog house, and white tablecloths from Rebecca Payne to simulate snow. Lights borrowed from the Spero main campus added the perfect finishing touch to the float.
The YouthBuild float not only won an award but also fostered a sense of pride and teamwork among its members. Their dedication to creativity, community involvement, and holiday spirit truly made this year’s parade a memorable event. As they look forward to next year, the YouthBuild team is already dreaming up new projects to continue making a positive impact in their community.
Spero YouthBuild Participants Make a Difference at Angels on Assignment
The dedicated participants of Spero YouthBuild rolled up their sleeves and stepped into the heart of community service at Angels on Assignment, the signature ministry of the First United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon. This organization is renowned for its commitment to supporting Jefferson County residents facing challenges with basic family needs, including food, rent, and utilities. The YouthBuild participants arrived with enthusiasm and a shared goal – to make a tangible impact in their community. In the spirit of volunteerism, they dove into the task of packing and organizing food items, transforming the room into a bustling hub of activity. With laughter and camaraderie, they sorted canned goods, fresh produce, and essential household items, ensuring that every family in need would receive a well-balanced food package. “This experience has opened my eyes to the challenges faced by many families in our community,” said one participant. “It feels great to be part of something that helps people get back on their feet.” Angels on Assignment relies heavily on community involvement to sustain its mission. By volunteering their time and energy, the Spero YouthBuild participants not only learned valuable teamwork skills but also deepened their connection to the local community. Their efforts contributed significantly to the organization’s ongoing work, which serves hundreds of families each month. For more information on YouthBuild visit sperofs.org/youthbuild
USOA Ms. Illinois Visits Spero
Shanale openly shared her personal journey of overcoming grief after losing her parents, recounting the hurdles she faced in her early adulthood. Drawing strength from her experiences, she transformed challenges into triumphs, ultimately earning the title of Ms. Illinois and serving as the Communications Outreach Director for the Illinois State Senate, representing the 30th District. Her message struck a chord with our youth. One participant remarked, “I gave up on my goal, and today I didn’t want to come, but you helped me change my mind, and I plan on working towards my goal again.” Shanale expressed her admiration for Spero Family Services, stating, “It was wonderful to see that Spero is providing youth with a safe and encouraging environment that promotes healing, restores hope, and empowers them to aim for a bright future. As someone who spent my childhood in southern Illinois, I was thrilled to make this visit.” In addition to her inspiring chat with our youth, Shanale sat down with Tunezia Badger, Spero’s Development Officer, for an upcoming episode of the Anchor of Hope Podcast so that others can hear her story. Be sure to tune in on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to hear more about Shanale and the wisdom she has to share.
Sun, Water, and Smiles – A Perfect Pool Party!
Our Parents
As Teachers Program recently organized an unforgettable pool party at the vibrant Mt. Vernon Aquatic Zoo, a delightful venue that perfectly set the stage for a day of joy and connection. Families from our amazing client base gathered together, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with laughter and excitement.
As the children splashed joyfully in the cool, refreshing water, while parents mingled and enjoyed each other’s company. The air was filled with the sound of giggles and playful shouts, accompanied by the tantalizing aroma of sweet treats wafting from the snack table. Whether it was indulging in ice cream cones or savoring delicious snacks, everyone relished the chance to celebrate the day together. There’s truly nothing quite like the magic of sunshine, the thrill of splashing water, and the joy of being surrounded by wonderful friends and families. This event not only fostered community spirit but also created cherished memories that will last a lifetime. We are grateful to everyone who joined us for this special occasion and look forward to many more joyful gatherings in the future!
Embracing Faith and Growth
