Our Story
“Is this the best we could do for a child?”
Katrina, the visionary and founder of Unity for Children, reflects on numerous nights spent pondering the extent to which a child's voice is heard. Through countless nights of reflection, she arrived at a poignant realization – the individuals involved, policies, and programs designed to advocate for children's rights and well-being often fall short. This realization isn't unique to her; it’s an ongoing thought that resonates with those that provide legal, social, and health services to children.
Although the idea of becoming a lawyer briefly crossed her mind, a thorough review of her options did not convince for a sustainable and efficient path to enhance current systems and policies for the optimal support of children. This realization gave birth to Unity for Children.
Unity for Children is not a cry for battle, but a call to come together. A call to deliver a solution. When children are involved, they are not just a priority. They are the priority. Our priority.
“In the past 8 years of my professional career, I have been entrusted with the critical task of collaborating with resources to assess, develop, and implement safeguards to eliminate or minimize risks for organizations - a practice upheld by professionals across industries. If we can effectively protect organizations and professions, why can't we extend the same level of protection to the most vulnerable members of our society? Neglecting our duty to proactively safeguard children comes with grave, often irreversible consequences for all involved. Think about the lives of over *2.7 million children in the state of Illinois who can benefit from this much needed change.”
(*Source of 2023 children population: https://www.census.gov)
What is Unity for Children project?
The Unity for Children Project is an all-volunteer, community-driven initiative across different districts of Illinois, with a strong presence in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
This project brings together engaged community members, as well as individuals who have personal experience or insight into the gaps in proactive protection for children affected by substance use, domestic violence, and neglect. We also welcome both mothers and fathers who are dedicated to prioritizing their children’s well-being. Our goal is to combine these personal experiences with input from organizations and experts to propose solutions and advocate for systemic change, shaped by the voices of those most affected by these challenges.
Vision
A future where no child is trapped in the intergenerational cycle of trauma.- where healing replaces harm and every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Mission
We unite community members, experts, agencies, organizations, and survivors, to drive collective action with shared vision towards intentional collaboration for change in policies, programs, and systems - breaking the cycles of trauma caused by parental substance use and domestic violence. Together, we create pathways for healing and lasting transformation.
Unity for Children is committed to driving change in programs or policies that affect children, developing stronger sustainable systems, and empowering people of power to make well-informed decisions.
Our Commitment
Lasting solutions emerge when everyone comes together. We create a space where families, communities, and leaders collaborate, breaking down barriers to build a shared vision. By uniting diverse voices, we foster meaningful conversations and collective action that drive real, sustainable change.
United for Impact
Advocacy is the catalyst for systemic transformation. We work to ensure that the voices of families, communities, and those impacted by systemic challenges are heard where decisions are made. Through strategic partnerships, education, and policy engagement, we push for meaningful reforms that prioritize justice, equity, and the well-being of future generations.
Advocate to Transform
Empowered decisions thrive on the collective strength and wisdom of families, communities, experts, and leaders. Through collaboration with our partners, we champion ongoing education and training for people responsible for decision making, ensuring that children's well-being remains the top priority.
Empowered Decisions
Develop and strengthen credible support networks that serve all children by helping encourage comprehensive local systems with community leaders and families. Our collaborative efforts will create access to reliable resources for families with children in need.