Cook County Government’s Post

CHILDREN’S DAY: August 4th is National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day. Not only does this day allow Australians to show their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, but to also learn about the impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every child. Learn more about how you can support and get involved in this day here: https://bit.ly/3xWoVi6 #RomerMaud #FamilyLaw

As we commemorate Juneteenth, the day marking the end of slavery in the United States, we are reminded of the ongoing journey towards true equality and justice. Affordable housing is a critical piece of this puzzle. The Legacy of Housing Inequality 🏠 : For too long, systemic racism has created barriers to affordable housing for Black communities. From redlining to discriminatory lending practices, the legacy of these injustices continues to impact families today. Juneteenth is not only a day to celebrate freedom but also a call to action. We must continue to advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to affordable housing. This includes supporting fair housing laws, increasing funding for affordable housing projects, and promoting inclusive community development. How You Can Help: Educate Yourself: Learn about the history of housing discrimination and its impact on Black communities. Advocate: Support local and national initiatives that aim to create affordable housing opportunities. Get Involved: Volunteer with organizations dedicated to housing justice and support efforts to create inclusive neighborhoods. We can honor the spirit of Juneteenth by working towards a future where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. #Juneteenth #AffordableHousing #HousingEquality #FairHousing #CommunityDevelopment

Housing access and equity for Latinos in Massachusetts in Dímelo Talks! 🏠 . Check out this highlight from our recent Dímelo Talks! on Housing, where Vanessa Calderon-Rosado, and Joesiah Gonzalez discussed critical issues around housing affordability and accessibility for Latino communities in Massachusetts. This insightful conversation shed light on how housing security strengthens families and creates stable, thriving communities. . Catch this moment, and let’s work together for fair, accessible housing for all. Visit our website and subscribe to Unidos in Power for more updates! . Unidos in Power www.unidosinpower.org . #HousingForAll #LatinoCommunities #DimeloTalks #CommunityStability #UnidosInPower Video credits: FOCUS SPRINGFIELD INC

🎬 The mission is simple: we are here to empower Latino families. Through our classes, programs, and unwavering dedication, Ser Familia is transforming lives and helping to create a brighter, healthier future for Latino families. 🌟💙 #SerFamilia #LatinoFamilies #HealthyHomes  #EmpoweringLatinoFamilies #CinematicStorytelling

This is fascinating and really well written.

Remembering 9/11: Honoring Resilience and Standing for Unity Today, we pause to reflect on the 23rd anniversary of the devastating events of September 11, 2001. We remember the lives lost, the families torn apart, and the bravery of first responders who risked everything to save others. The tragedy of 9/11 was a pivotal moment in our history, and its impact is still felt deeply. We also recognize that the aftermath of 9/11 had a profound effect on immigrant communities. They faced increased racism, xenophobia, and discrimination, leading to a climate of fear and mistrust. At Project Libertad, we stand with these young individuals and families, providing a safe haven and essential support services. We empower them to build a brighter future, free from the shadows of racism and fear. Let's commemorate this anniversary by: ⚫️ Honoring the lives lost and the bravery of first responders ⚫️ Acknowledging the ongoing impact of 9/11 on immigrant communities to this day ⚫️ Speaking out against hate and discrimination ⚫️ Advocating for inclusive communities ⚫️ Supporting immigrant youth #NeverForget #9/11Anniversary #ImmigrantYouthMatter #UnityInDiversity #ProjectLibertad

As part of our ongoing work to suppprt the conditions to play for children and adolescents we recognise a huge part of advocacy work is with adults. So many nostalgia groups on Facebook are full of stories of more daring carefree times, where adults recall with pride the near death experiences they had and have the scars to prove it, whilst out of parental over sight. If asked ‘what stops kids nowadays having the same freedom as you had?’ (Which is kind of a bucket of cold water over the reminiscing at times) how do you think the adults respond? Who or what do they think is stopping children today? For many of us involved in community development & spatial justice work are keen to create bridges between generations, to navigate ways forward in the current paradigm we live in. We may never get back to those days, but we can gently frame empathetic conversations and prompt small local actions to support playful cultures.

Today, we honor Orange Shirt Day 🧡 Orange Shirt Day is a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed in residential schools across Canada, where Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families, stripped of their culture, and subjected to unimaginable harm. Today, we wear orange to remember that Every Child Matters—a call to reflect on this dark history and commit ourselves to ongoing reconciliation. As we reflect, let’s recognize that healing requires more than wearing a color. It demands active listening, education, and concrete actions to support Indigenous communities in their fight for justice, land, and rights. Let’s ask ourselves: How can we create spaces for truth-telling and healing? What can we do to amplify Indigenous voices in our workplaces and communities? Let’s stand together for justice, accountability, and healing. Every child mattered then, and every child matters now. To learn more check out the link in the comments! #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #IndigenousRights #TruthAndReconciliation #JusticeForIndigenousCommunities

Your pews are filled with new faces, eager to connect and engage. The energy is electric, and your church is buzzing with life. 🎉 All this is possible when you focus on outreach and community engagement. It's not just a dream—it's your future! #ChurchGrowth #CommunityEngagement #ChurchLeadership #simplesystems #churchgrowth #pastors #ministry #kingdom #churchsystems #discipleship #evangelism

Did you know that only 11% of churches, parishes, and synagogues in the United States today actively welcome families with disabilities? The remaining 89% turn them away by not providing ministry for them, essentially saying, “You are not welcome here.” Jesus told us to go into all the world and share the gospel, but nowhere does it say we should only reach those who fit a certain mold—those with an IQ over 70 or those who are "typical." The mandate is clear: all are welcome. Our churches should reflect that same message by creating spaces where every child, regardless of their abilities, feels valued and included in God’s family. You don’t have to launch a full program right away—start small! Simple accommodations like a sensory-friendly space, a buddy system, or printed visual schedules can make a huge difference. Perfection isn't the goal, but every step toward inclusivity helps create a welcoming environment for all children. Start somewhere, and watch how small changes can create a space where every family feels welcomed and loved.