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 – many professionals and systems strive to support children, but gaps remain that call for community-driven solutions and proactive collaboration. 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.
While Katrina considered several professional paths to support children, she recognized the need for a collaborative, community-based initiative focused on systems-level solutions. That vision led to the creation of 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.
We draw on multi-disciplinary expertise, personal experiences, and community voices to develop balanced solutions that help eliminate or minimize risks for organizations — a practice upheld across many industries. Proactive safeguards are widely used to reduce risk, and applying similar forward-thinking strategies to child welfare can strengthen protections for children and families. Delays in addressing children’s needs can lead to long-term impacts. Proactive safeguards are essential to prevent unnecessary harm and ensure every child’s right to safety and stability. Consider the lives of over *2.7 million children in Illinois who stand to benefit from these necessary changes.
(*Source: 2023 Illinois 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 intergenerational cycle of trauma. We welcome all caregivers—parents, guardians, and extended family—who are committed to prioritizing 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. 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.