Executive Director Report
Rita Kahn, Executive Director

As we embark upon 2025, I am thankful to be part of a community of staff, board members, volunteers and supporters who continue to care so deeply about children growing up feeling safe and having access to quality education. I am pleased to report our 2024 annual appeal was a success, raising over $125,000 to support HOPES after school and parent programs. This funding will enable HOPES programs to reach more children experiencing diverse circumstances of homelessness. 
HOPES is welcoming two new VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members to the team, Olivia Simon and August Munoz. Olivia graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelors in Psychology and decided to join HOPES to gain experience at a nonprofit and contribute to an amazing mission. August  was a flight attendant for Spirit Airlines before joining HOPES. She became a VISTA to more deeply connect to the Chicago community and eventually become a CPS teacher. We are thrilled to welcome both of them to the HOPES community! ​

We ask for your partnership now more than ever to keep all children and families in our Chicago community safe. Many safeguards for migrant families have been removed, and we need to work together to ensure those impacted know their rights and to interrupt harmful actions. Resources from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights can be found here: https://www.icirr.org/. Thank you for being part of the HOPES community and for your support and commitment to children experiencing homelessness in Chicago.