Wraparound Program Expansion
Spero Awarded Eagle Accreditation
Spero Awarded Eagle Accreditation MT. VERNON, IL – Spero Family Services has been awarded EAGLE Accreditation by the EAGLE Accreditation Commission. Educational Assessment Guidelines Leading toward Excellence (EAGLE) is the only faith-based accreditation program in the United States and is managed by the United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries (UMA). EAGLE is a voluntary program that recognizes health and human service organizations that go beyond the requirements of licensure to improve operational processes while pursuing excellence in a holistic, Christian mission. EAGLE challenges organizations not just to compete in challenging human services environments, but to soar above the competition while living their faith values.
“Being EAGLE Accredited means a lot to Spero Family Services. It adds to our credibility as a quality service provider and gives focus to our Christian-based mission work,” says Joe Bernard, Spero CEO. “Also, being peer-reviewed has allowed us to develop stronger relationships with other child care ministries as well as identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.”
The EAGLE Accreditation Program includes the compilation of a rigorous self-study that covers all facets of care delivery and operations followed by a site visit from a review team of independent healthcare and human service professionals from across the country. Designation as an EAGLE-accredited organization continues for four years, during which Spero will submit annual reports to ensure all accreditation standards are being met. “We extend our congratulations to Spero Family Services for its commitment to upholding EAGLE’s principles that reinforce the importance of faith-based mission, operational excellence, and responsible stewardship,” said Mary Kemper, President/CEO of UMA.
JOE BERNARD NAMED CEO OF SPERO FAMILY SERIVCES
The Board of Directors for Spero Family Services announces with pleasure, the appointment of our new Chief Executive Officer, Joe Bernard. Joe has been acting CEO, since November 2021, when former CEO John Shadowens resigned.
“Joe has served as our CFO for a number of years and for the past seven months has been our acting CEO. During this time, he has proven that he is the person best suited to lead this agency. Joe has a solid track record of financial expertise, positive relationships, and deep respect among fellow co-workers. He has the wisdom to make decisions that benefit the agency’s long-term success, even when those decisions are difficult,” said Rev. Victor Long, Board Chairperson. “Most important are his strong leadership traits – good judgment, resilience, team building skills, and he is a tough-minded individual.”Joe began his career at Spero over 20 years ago as
Chief Financial Officer. During his tenure at Spero, Joe has served as an EAGLE Accreditation reviewer and was appointed to the EAGLE Accreditation Commission in 2016. He is also an active member of the Mt. Vernon Rotary Club. Bernard holds a B.S. degree in Communication from SIUC. He and his family currently reside in Mt. Vernon and are active in the community
Prior to Spero Family Services, Bernard, spent 5 years as a regional retail manager at Citizen’s Bank and 6 years as a district manager for Wax Works Inc. Joe was drawn to the non-profit arena due to his passion to help others.“I am proud for the opportunity to lead this organization because we help so many people right here in Southern Illinois. Spero has a passionate team of employees that have a heart for helping people,” said Joe Bernard.
The Spero Board of Directors invites the public to a reception in Joe’s honor on July 12, 2022, from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm in the Youth Services Building at Spero main campus.
SPERO FAMILY SERVICES GRANTED U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR YOUTHBUILD GRANT
YouthBuild, a program of Spero Family Services, has been awarded a $864,000 grant from the US Department of Labor. YouthBuild has been serving young adults in Jefferson and Marion counties since 2006 and continues to be an asset to the community.
YouthBuild is a federally funded, education and training program that helps at-risk y
outh complete high school or state equivalency degree programs, earn industry-recognized credentials for in-demand occupations, and undergo training to build housing for low-income or homeless individuals and families in their communities. “This was a very competitive grant process and we’re excited to be able to continue this important service. We will begin taking applications in late summer for our next cohort of students to begin this fall,” says Mandy Bernard, Spero Community Services Director.
One of the largest aspects of the YouthBuild program is the way they give back to the community while learning a skill. Over the years, YouthBuild participants have partnered with the City of Centralia to build two shade shelters for the dog park, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, rehabilitated multiple homes in Mt. Vernon, and assisted community members in need with the construction of ramps for their homes.“We are excited to be fully funded for another two years and for what this means for the young people in our community,” says Cheryl Young, Program Manager.
This is a free program. Anyone interested should apply online at www.sperofs.org/youthbuild.
Spero Welcomes New Congregate Care Director
MT. VERNON, IL- Spero Family Services is proud to welcome our newest Director of Congregate Care, Kim Tate. Kim joins Spero with over 26 years’ experience in the child welfare setting with 13 of those years at Sp
ero Family Services. Her social work background includes case manager, QRTP home supervisor, and Residential Manager and Director. She has also held positions as the TASC-juvenile justice/substance abuse case manager, Rural Gang Initiative and Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program (SHOCAP). Kim has a master’s degree in Public Administration. She returns to Spero after working as a SASS supervisor for adolescents with mental health needs. Kim will be working in our Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) and group home.
At Spero, she will be overseeing the treatment services for residents in the QRTP and Group home programs. She will also help develop strategies for the Spero Youth Counselors, that work with youth, to facilitate good mental health and positive behavior support. “I am excited to make QRTP and group home the best it can be. I want us to be the premiere agency, where everyone wants their youth to receive treatment.” says Kim.
Spero QRTP and Group homes of Mt. Vernon is a team of highly qualified, experienced and caring professional Mental Health Therapists, Case Managers, Youth Care Workers, Nurses, Home Supervisor, Program Manager, Clinical Director and Spiritual Life Coordinator that are available to youth and their families around the clock. The programs support the whole child and their healthy development. While the primary focus is to support the youth’s mental health needs, we also provide opportunities for growth in spirituality, social skills, education, life skills and recreation both on and off campus.
Spero Awarded Pilot Program to Support Quality Improvements for Child Care Providers in Rural Illinois Communities
Spero Family Services Rev. Deb Pollex releases book-PRESS RELEASE
Spero Charity Golf Classic
We are so excited to announce the Spero Charity Golf Classic will be held Friday, July 17, 2020 at Green Hills Golf Club in Mt. Vernon, IL. For more information or to sign up your team of 4 visit our golf event page! Spero relies on fundraisers like this to be able to continue to provide the highest quality social services during times of uncertainty.
Spero Amazon Wish List
We have made donating to Spero easier than ever. Just click on this Spero Amazon link for the most up-to-date items we need for various programs and families. Once on the wish list, add an item to your cart and it will be shipped directly to us. We will continue to add items as they are needed. For more information on how to support Spero Family Services visit our website.
YouthBuild Success!
We love to share success stories from our programs with the public. This week we would like to share a story of a former participant of our YouthBuild program.
Shaylyn Stover was a participant with the YouthBuild Program October 2017-April 2018. Shaylyn attained her GED in March 2018. She was in the Rend Lake College Bridge Program. When Shaylyn came to the Youthbuild program she had an unstable living situation. Her situation made it difficult to care for her child. Thankfully her family was able to take care of her child, so she could get back on her feet. Shaylyn showed great determination and did an exceptional job during her time at YouthBuild. Shaylyn’s drive and determination continues beyond YouthBuild. She is working a full time job, and has her own apartment. Shaylyn’s child is back in her care. Shaylyn also had a baby in October 2019. She is continuing to provide a stable environment for her family. Shaylyn is a strong independent women and it was a privilege to work with Shaylyn during her time at YouthBuild. Shaylyn shared some words of wisdom to help current and future YouthBuild participants.
“There will be people who tell you that you wont amount to anything. I know, I did, but I always remember two quotes.”
“When people undermine your dreams, predict your doom, or criticize you, remember they’re telling you their story, not yours.”
-Cynthia Occelli
“The future belongs to those who believe in the future of their dreams.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
“Don’t listen to the haters. You got this!”
If you or someone you know are interested in our YouthBuild program, visit sperofs.org/YouthBuild or call 618/533-5288 or 618/242-6723.
They are accepting applications until March 2nd for the next cohort, so now is a perfect time to get started!
#YouthBuild #EarnAsYouLearn
