Family Councils’ Positive Impact – By Diana

I found Birth to Five Illinois in a time when I was vulnerable and learning how to be a new parent with all the challenges that come with little ones. I found the Birth to Five Illinois Family Council through Basics programming. When I realized that it was a great way to become involved in the community, I was excited to jump in and help programs expand so more people could reach them.  

What I found was not just a Council of voices from the community, but a connection to families going through the same struggles that I was. I found camaraderie, people that want the community programs around them effective for not just themselves, but for the kids that we are trying to raise. I am thankful for Birth to Five Illinois because it showed me that I wasn't alone and that my kids could grow and benefit from the area's resources and help other families find them. The last 3 years have flown by. I've built friendships, seen programs like Basics expand exponentially, and had a helping hand in shaping more programming that can be targeted to areas like behavioral health. 
 
It is my hope that our Regional Action Plan will continue to help families as they come upon various challenges, making those challenges easier to navigate and making it easier to find the resources they need. I would love to see parents get the support they need, and I feel like the Regional Action Plan is a healthy step in making that a reality.