One Hope United is inviting community members and professionals across industries to get involved with its Advocacy Council and support its work with children and families across Illinois and Florida. A recent example of the organization’s work in the community is the dedication of its Waukegan early learning center as the Ellen Rudnick and Paul Earle Early Learning Center, honoring two longtime supporters and the center’s history of serving local families.
A Longstanding Commitment to Children and Families
Since its inception in 1895, One Hope United has expanded its work to support children and families through a range of services across Illinois and Florida. Today, those services reach children from early childhood through young adulthood. They include early childhood education centers, family support programs, foster care services and Hope Houses, a specialized foster home model for teenagers who have run out of placement options. While these programs serve different needs, they share a focus on helping children and families find stability and build supportive relationships. For a parent, that support might mean reliable childcare that allows them to go to work. For a young person in foster care, it may mean a safe place to live while qualified adults help them navigate their next steps.
For professionals looking to support an organization with a range of community services, One Hope United offers an opportunity to learn about needs that extend across age groups and stages of family life.
Celebrating the Legacy of Busy Bee Children’s Center
One example of that work is the former Busy Bee Children’s Center in Waukegan, which has provided early care and education to local families since 1968. On October 10, One Hope United celebrated the center’s history with a community gathering and dedicated it as the Ellen Rudnick and Paul Earle Early Learning Center, honoring two long-time supporters. The celebration brought together community members and supporters to recognize the center’s role in Lake County and the people who have helped sustain its work. It also highlighted a renovated playground, providing an updated space for children to play and learn.
“For generations of families, Busy Bee has been a place where children take their first steps, learn their first lessons, and build relationships that can last well beyond their time in our classrooms,” said Shanta Payton, Executive Director of Early Learning Services at One Hope United, in the organization’s press release.
Supporting Early Learning and Family Stability
The Waukegan center serves children from birth through age five and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. It is located in a designated childcare desert, where access to quality childcare can be limited. For families, a center like this provides more than a place for children to spend the day. It offers early education and opportunities for children to develop relationships and skills before entering school. Reliable childcare can also help parents and caregivers maintain their work and family responsibilities. The center’s programs include infant, toddler and preschool care, along with Head Start and Early Head Start options for eligible families. One Hope United also encourages family involvement through activities such as workshops, family nights and conferences.
Donations to One Hope United support services across the organization, including early childhood education, foster care, counseling and transitional living programs. For businesses and professionals considering charitable support, learning about these different programs can help identify an area that aligns with their interests and priorities.
Get Involved Through the Advocacy Council
The One Hope United Advocacy Council is a group of community members and professionals who lend their voices, networks, and expertise to advance One Hope United’s work with children, youth, and families. Formed in 2026 and led by volunteer co-chairs Susan Barclay and Skye Bergeson, the Council serves as an ambassadorial body that helps the organization build relationships, raise awareness, and extend its reach further than it could alone. Members raise awareness, open doors within their communities, and connect others to the mission. The Council is currently welcoming new members across the greater Chicago area.
How Chicago Professionals Can Get Involved
There are several ways to support One Hope United, whether personally, through your company, or by introducing the organization to people in your network.
One of the most direct is joining the Advocacy Council, a volunteer group of community members and professionals who lend their voices, networks, and expertise to advance One Hope United’s work with children, youth, and families. Members raise awareness, open doors within their communities, and connect others to the mission. The Council is currently welcoming new members across the greater Chicago area.
As a supporting media partner, we know our events and hospitality community specializes in bringing people together and creating opportunities for others. Those same skills can make a real difference beyond the workplace.
To explore joining the Advocacy Council, contact Jennifer Sutherland, Director of Advancement Strategy, at [email protected]. To learn more about the organization or make a donation, visit onehopeunited.org or its donation page.
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