JCFS Chicago board members, employees and community partners gathered at the Abe & Ida Cooper Center in West Rogers Park on September 9 for the 2024 JCFS Annual Meeting. Attendees enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres, congregating in the conference room and out on the patio on a beautiful evening. The meeting program introduced our new Strategic Plan, recognized our dedicated employees and celebrated our past year’s accomplishments. Some highlights of the evening include:

• We honored Huntington National Bank as our 2024 Community Partner of the Year. Senior Vice President and Commercial Banking Team Lead Ryan Ferris, who is also starting his one-year term on the JCFS Board, accepted the honor on behalf of Huntington. We are so grateful for our partnership with Huntington National Bank and the opportunity to expand our reach and strengthen our community.
• Our Response for Teens Community Education Team received the Elaine Schwartz Impact Award for re-energizing itself to be a standout resource for adolescents and young adults. We are thankful to Alyssa Robbins and her team for their enthusiasm and dedication to young people and their families.
• President & Chief Executive Officer Stacey Shor spoke about how collaboration played a crucial role in our agency’s many accomplishments in FY 2024, as well as presented our five-year Strategic Plan, including new Mission and Vision Statements.
• Immediate Past Board Chair Michael Capone passed the gavel on to Simon Fleischmann, who will serve a two-year term at the helm. We also welcomed five new board members and said farewell to those leaving.
• Every year we recognize a board member who has gone “above and beyond” for the board and the entire JCFS community. This year’s recipient of the Above and Beyond Award is Liz Roberts Turnipseed, honored for the unwavering dedication, motivation and energy she brings to each and every project she undertakes.