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You helped us surpass our Giving Tuesday goal, and in just 2.5 weeks, YOU granted 25 OCH kids' wishes! "Thank you" just doesn't capture the joy you have provided. We could not do this without our beloved community and staff. For the past 4 years, OCH kids have vulnerably shared their wishes, and EVERY year, YOU made sure all of their wishes came true.
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A message from our CEO...When my kids were little and I would be struggling, people would say to me, “the days are long, but the years are short” It did not help much then, but some 25 years later, I totally get it! We walk through a dark valley and feel like it will never end and then suddenly it is far in our past and we are using it as an example to help someone else.
Our Annual Impact Report provides us with the opportunity to reflect back every year and recognize the success and challenges that we faced as an agency. Day to day, the staff will likely tell you that their work is difficult and stressful. They work hard every day to help our youth reach a better place in their lives and for their future. But the days are long. Today, we look back on a year that had many achievements. We served over 130 youth at OCH. We saw 2 kids become valedictorian of their high school class! We helped families reunite and kids find their forever homes through adoption! Goals were met and lives are changed. The years are short. I hope you will take a few minutes and read our AIR. We had a great year because of the dedication of our case workers, the commitment of our foster parents, and the resilience of our kids. And a big thank you to you, our generous donors, who truly help make all of our work possible. So try to enjoy the days. Despite the difficulties, this time will be gone before you know it. Please take care of yourself and each other. Love, Marissa Allen, CEO |
We are looking for foster parents located in Northern Illinois/Chicagoland area. Request a Call to learn if fostering is for you!
Since 1995, Our Children's Homestead (OCH) has played an integral role in supporting Illinois' youth and families experiencing foster care.
OCH contracts with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to provide therapeutic foster care to youth placed under specialized contracts. OCH serves youth from birth-21 years old, with the majority being 12years+, who have been removed from their homes due to severe abuse, neglect or dependency. OCH supports clients who struggle with a combination of medical, developmental, mental health and behavioral issues that require intensive services.
We empower parents to heal and grow so that their children can be returned to them. If they are unable, we immediately work to identify an adoptive family for the youth; however, the sad truth is that not all youth get adopted. We support each youth to recognize and develop the power within them to become joyful, self-reliant, healthy, and successful adults.
OCH contracts with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to provide therapeutic foster care to youth placed under specialized contracts. OCH serves youth from birth-21 years old, with the majority being 12years+, who have been removed from their homes due to severe abuse, neglect or dependency. OCH supports clients who struggle with a combination of medical, developmental, mental health and behavioral issues that require intensive services.
We empower parents to heal and grow so that their children can be returned to them. If they are unable, we immediately work to identify an adoptive family for the youth; however, the sad truth is that not all youth get adopted. We support each youth to recognize and develop the power within them to become joyful, self-reliant, healthy, and successful adults.
"I have been in the system since I could remember, somewhere around 5 or 6. I was placed in about 15 different foster homes and 3 group homes. When I was a teenager I was placed into a new agency that ultimately changed my life. The best foster home I was in I was her first foster girl and she took a huge leap of faith for me. From there..."