Spero YouthBuild Participants Make a Difference at Angels on Assignment

The dedicated participants of Spero YouthBuild rolled up their sleeves and stepped into the heart of community service at Angels on Assignment, the signature ministry of the First United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon. This organization is renowned for its commitment to supporting Jefferson County residents facing challenges with basic family needs, including food, rent, and utilities. The YouthBuild participants arrived with enthusiasm and a shared goal – to make a tangible impact in their community. In the spirit of volunteerism, they dove into the task of packing and organizing food items, transforming the room into a bustling hub of activity. With laughter and camaraderie, they sorted canned goods, fresh produce, and essential household items, ensuring that every family in need would receive a well-balanced food package. “This experience has opened my eyes to the challenges faced by many families in our community,” said one participant. “It feels great to be part of something that helps people get back on their feet.” Angels on Assignment relies heavily on community involvement to sustain its mission. By volunteering their time and energy, the Spero YouthBuild participants not only learned valuable teamwork skills but also deepened their connection to the local community. Their efforts contributed significantly to the organization’s ongoing work, which serves hundreds of families each month. For more information on YouthBuild visit sperofs.org/youthbuild

USOA Ms. Illinois Visits Spero

Last month, we had the honor of welcoming USOA Ms. Illinois, Shanale Mason, to our main campus. During her visit, she captivated our youth in the Transitional Living and Residential Treatment Program with an inspiring talk that was centered around her platform, Hope Restored, which addresses adolescent grief and loss.

Shanale openly shared her personal journey of overcoming grief after losing her parents, recounting the hurdles she faced in her early adulthood. Drawing strength from her experiences, she transformed challenges into triumphs, ultimately earning the title of Ms. Illinois and serving as the Communications Outreach Director for the Illinois State Senate, representing the 30th District. Her message struck a chord with our youth. One participant remarked, “I gave up on my goal, and today I didn’t want to come, but you helped me change my mind, and I plan on working towards my goal again.” Shanale expressed her admiration for Spero Family Services, stating, “It was wonderful to see that Spero is providing youth with a safe and encouraging environment that promotes healing, restores hope, and empowers them to aim for a bright future. As someone who spent my childhood in southern Illinois, I was thrilled to make this visit.” In addition to her inspiring chat with our youth, Shanale sat down with Tunezia Badger, Spero’s Development Officer, for an upcoming episode of the Anchor of Hope Podcast so that others can hear her story. Be sure to tune in on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to hear more about Shanale and the wisdom she has to share.

Sun, Water, and Smiles – A Perfect Pool Party!

Our Parents As Teachers Program recently organized an unforgettable pool party at the vibrant Mt. Vernon Aquatic Zoo, a delightful venue that perfectly set the stage for a day of joy and connection. Families from our amazing client base gathered together, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with laughter and excitement.

As the children splashed joyfully in the cool, refreshing water, while parents mingled and enjoyed each other’s company. The air was filled with the sound of giggles and playful shouts, accompanied by the tantalizing aroma of sweet treats wafting from the snack table. Whether it was indulging in ice cream cones or savoring delicious snacks, everyone relished the chance to celebrate the day together. There’s truly nothing quite like the magic of sunshine, the thrill of splashing water, and the joy of being surrounded by wonderful friends and families. This event not only fostered community spirit but also created cherished memories that will last a lifetime. We are grateful to everyone who joined us for this special occasion and look forward to many more joyful gatherings in the future!

 

Cornell Visits Spero

Cornell recently paid us a two-day visit for a Children and Residential Experience (CARE) workshop and tour. They toured the campus, engaged with the youth, and met with our teams to discuss the CARE journey. On the second day, Cornell gave our leadership team a reflective practice workshop at the First United Methodist Church. Cornell was impressed with the ongoing improvements we’ve made. We’re excited to continue applying the CARE model to support our community.