#whyweconnect
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OUR MISSION
We will go on the offensive with the frontline caregivers already providing refuge on a daily basis. Connect will resource the resources.
OUR VISION
Our goal is to prioritize the hearts and minds of children, along with their foster and biological families, including the traumatized and those needing healing. We want to be a “safe place” when lives are being disrupted and, ideally, repaired as well.
OUR STORY
We are Adam and Kathryn Adrian, local foster parents that have developed a passion for the foster community. After our first placement, it quickly became apparent that we have multiple teams working around the clock to provide excellent quality of care to the children, foster families, and biological families in this community. These resources seem to always give, without being adequately resourced themselves. We long to provide a solution to that problem.
BOARD MEMBERS
ELISE SUTTER
Elise Sutter is the owner of Lee Marie, a charitable jewelry organization, and also a part-time preschool teacher at St. Dominic School. Elise is married to her husband, Clint Sutter, and they have two little girls. They love serving as a family at their church, St. Anthony of Padua, and at their school. In her free time, Elise loves to read, spend time gardening, and finding a way to give back to friends, family, and her community.
WHAT WE DO
A Bit of Background
Connect is a community-based non-profit. We partner with local fostering agencies, both public and private, and have created the resources of this organization based on the needs voiced by our city’s frontline caregivers.
WHY WE CARE
Source: STATS - https://www.illinois.gov/dcfs
As of April 30, 2021, Illinois has 21,396 children in care, with 231 in Adams County.
RESOURCES
RESOURCE CLOSET
Available to any foster family
A child can enter foster care at any time of the day or night. They often have nothing with them except the clothes on their backs. This also means foster families can get a call at any time, often not having extra time to prepare for the child and age they'll be welcoming into their homes. We want the children and families who receive your donations to know that they are truly valued, so we prefer that donations are in new or like new condition. It's especially helpful to us when donations are freshly washed and sorted by size and gender. This allows us more time to distribute to the children who need them. If you are in need of resources, call us! We would love to coordinate a time to show you around the closet or deliver essential items to your door. If we don't have what you need, we'll work with you to find it!
FOSTER-FRIENDLY SPACE
Available to all
One of the most urgent needs we've seen is a safe, inviting, healing space for a variety of resources. We imagine our space being used for visits with foster children and their biological families, classes, support groups, play dates, and much more. We believe in the work that's evolving in this community. This space is intended to come alongside Adams County so doors can be opened and hearts can be mended.
OVERNIGHT REFUGE
Coming Soon
You may have heard the stories in the news about children spending the night in offices or 24-hour restaurants while agency employees work to find a home. This isn't only happening everywhere else, it's happening here too. We don't fault the agencies that are overworked and under supported. At Connect we're raising our hand to try and stop this growing problem. We will be available 24/7 to provide a comfortable bed to any child and office space for the agency caretaker that will be making phone calls the child doesn't need to hear. Nothing is going to make the first few hours in foster care easy, but it is possible to make it a little less scary, so that's what we intend to do.
EMERGENCY CHILDCARE
Coming Soon
State workers have confirmed the number one reason licensed foster homes reject placement is due to the need for childcare. Connect is currently working to create a partnership with a network of childcare providers that accept DCFS pay. With this network, we will assist agencies and foster families to find an immediate childcare placement for their young ones. If we are unable to do so we will be the daycare provider until we can find one. Connect is working to create a space that complies with all state licensing requirements and hopes to be able to provide this resource in the near future. Foster parents, when you get a call, call us. Childcare providers, if accept DCFS pay and would like to partner with us to keep your facility full, please reach out as well!
DAYTIME OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY - THURSDAY: 12-3
(closed for lunch 12-1)
Connect Wants to Serve You
We are working diligently to provide daytime hours, as all of our above resources would benefit from them. From accepting donations to providing childcare, or putting together starter kits, we want to be available.
Allison Sutter
Office Coordinator
Erica Perry-Broekemeier
Jacob Wiemelt
Office Coordinator
Family Connections Specialist
GET INVOLVED
Your support is important to our work at Connect Child & Family Solutions. There are several ways you can contribute toward our causes, and every little bit that you commit goes a long way in helping us fulfill our mission. Learn more about how you can get involved and take advantage of the opportunity to do some good.
MAKE A DONATION
Our organization always appreciates the generosity and involvement of people like you, with every contribution going towards making Connect Child & Family Solutions an even better Non-Profit Organization than it already is. We want to provide you with the correct and appropriate information pertaining to your mode of support, so don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions.
VOLUNTEER
Want to get involved with Connect? There are so many ways to do so! From volunteering in our resource closet to donating essential items for foster children and families, we can’t make a difference without you. We appreciate you and your kindness!
To volunteer, please click the button and submit your volunteer application. We will contact you within two business days.
PARTNER
Connect seeks partnerships with businesses, churches, organizations, and schools committed to helping foster youth. There are all kinds of ways to get involved, and we are happy to brainstorm with you!
Please email us and we will contact you shortly. Thank you for supporting Connect Child and Family Solutions and families who need hope in Adams County.
CONTACT US
Mondays & Fridays 9AM-5PM (Closed 12-1 for lunch)
Or call to schedule an appointment.
436 South 6th Street Suite 204, Quincy, IL