Project Description

Fostering Dignity (FD) provides backpacks to children entering foster care at the time of an investigation by the State of Illinois. Our project will provide backpacks to Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Investigators. FD is a non profit organization in partnership with Illinois Prairie Community Foundation.

Objective

Fostering Dignity strives to give with a sense of gratitude and abundance to smooth the transition of children being placed in foster care by providing a suitable and dignified carrier for their essential belongings, replacing the current use of a garbage bag. We believe the more a child feels valued the stronger his values will be. We recognize the subtle impact a simple backpack may make in a child’s life. We are certain that Fostering Dignity’s contribution to that child’s need of an organized and dignified transition is worthwhile. Amidst the chaos and confusion of removing that child from his or her home the backpack is something the child can call his own, a symbol that there are people who care.

History/Facts

In fiscal year 2012 4,454 Illinois children were removed from homes and placed in protective custody as a result of indicated findings of abuse or neglect. Fiscal year 2013 that number increased to 4,488.

Partnered Organization

Illinois Prairie Community Foundation (IPCF)

What is Illinois Prairie Community Foundation (IPCF)? : A community foundation is a tax exempt, independent, publicly supported philanthropic organization established and operated as a permanent collection of endowed and pass through funds for the long-term benefit of a defined geographic area.

Location

Fostering Dignity is located in McLean County, and is chartered to serve the State of Illinois.

Officers

Valerie Gray Beguin

President

Valerie studied Social Work at the University of Illinois and spent 20 years with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. She has direct experience in many child welfare cases and has placed hundreds of children in foster care.

Robert Gray Beguin

Vice-President

Bob has been an IT Technical Services Manager in the Chicago area for 10 years. He is a compassionate supporter of worthy endeavors.

Daniel
Duback

Treasurer

Dan Duback is recently retired as a Project Manager after 44 years in the nuclear power generation industry. He has spent 30 years in a mentor capacity with various organizations.

Stephen
Parrish

Secretary

Stephen Parrish is the editor of the Lascaux Review and the author of several novels, short stories, and poems. He holds degrees from the University of Louisville and the University of Illinois.

Heather
Schmidt

Media Coordinator

Heather is a proud nurturing Mom of three children. She is a Master Organic Gardener, Girl Scout Leader, and an active member of MADD. Heather looks forward to assisting FOSTERING DIGNITY reach an otherwise invisible population.