WHO ARE WE?
Our campaign represents a united coalition of frontline workers, organizations, providers, and policy leaders
dedicated to a shared goal: increasing wages for human service workers across the state of Illinois.
Human service workers are the backbone of our communities, serving as therapists, disability advocates, child care
workers, health navigators, counselors, and more. Despite the vital roles they play in supporting organizations, individuals,
and families, they remain underpaid. We are fighting to ensure these workers can thrive and reach their full potential.
dedicated to a shared goal: increasing wages for human service workers across the state of Illinois.
Human service workers are the backbone of our communities, serving as therapists, disability advocates, child care
workers, health navigators, counselors, and more. Despite the vital roles they play in supporting organizations, individuals,
and families, they remain underpaid. We are fighting to ensure these workers can thrive and reach their full potential.
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WHAT ARE WE FIGHTING FOR?
Living Wages, Thriving Communities is fighting for wages that allow human service workers to thrive.
For too long, these workers have been forced to make sacrifices simply to get by.
Our mission is to tackle pay inequity, confront systemic racism and sexism, and address the chronic underfunding of state contracts.
Together, we are pushing for bold policy changes and demanding Fair Pay Now!
For too long, these workers have been forced to make sacrifices simply to get by.
Our mission is to tackle pay inequity, confront systemic racism and sexism, and address the chronic underfunding of state contracts.
Together, we are pushing for bold policy changes and demanding Fair Pay Now!
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OUR CAMPAIGN ASKS
We are asking for increased funding for Human Services in the FY26 State Budget, as well as:
Co-Sponsor and Support Living Wages, Thriving Communities Resolution (HR151/SR123).
Support Investment in the Human Service Professional Loan Repayment Program (HB1588/SB1306).
Support the Human Service Equitable Pay Act (HB2695).
OUR CAMPAIGN TEAM
Illinois Partners for Human Service Team
Cosette Ayele, Director of Advocacy and Workforce Initiatives
Adela Carlin, Senior Director of Training and Community Partnerships
Evan Finamore, Senior Manager of Development and Strategic Communications
Lauren Wright, Executive Director
Cosette Ayele, Director of Advocacy and Workforce Initiatives
Adela Carlin, Senior Director of Training and Community Partnerships
Evan Finamore, Senior Manager of Development and Strategic Communications
Lauren Wright, Executive Director
Living Wages, Thriving Communities Strategy Committee
Nick Boyle, Access Living
Anthony Bryant, Raise The Floor Alliance
Beth Carey, DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform
Julissa Cruz, Carole Robertson Center for Learning
Sherrie Crabb, Arrowleaf
Jill Edelblute, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
Ireta Gasner, Start Early
John S Herring Sr., Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL)
Gary Huelsmann, Caritas Family Solutions
Tionna Menzies, Anew
Khayla Moore, RACES (Rape, Adv., Counseling & Ed. Services)
Sebastian Nalls, Access Living
Jessica Ortega, Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL)
Mansi Patel, Family Service Association of Greater Elgin
Patrick Phelan, The Center for Youth and Family Solutions
Griselda Piedra, PODER
Margarita “Margie” Ramirez, Spanish Community Center
Rosa I. Rodriguez, DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform
Taylar Tramil, Workers Center for Racial Justice
Anne VanderWeele, New Moms
Carrie Ward, Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Renita R. White, Of Color, Inc.
Heather Wills, Workers Center for Racial Justice
Nick Boyle, Access Living
Anthony Bryant, Raise The Floor Alliance
Beth Carey, DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform
Julissa Cruz, Carole Robertson Center for Learning
Sherrie Crabb, Arrowleaf
Jill Edelblute, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
Ireta Gasner, Start Early
John S Herring Sr., Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL)
Gary Huelsmann, Caritas Family Solutions
Tionna Menzies, Anew
Khayla Moore, RACES (Rape, Adv., Counseling & Ed. Services)
Sebastian Nalls, Access Living
Jessica Ortega, Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL)
Mansi Patel, Family Service Association of Greater Elgin
Patrick Phelan, The Center for Youth and Family Solutions
Griselda Piedra, PODER
Margarita “Margie” Ramirez, Spanish Community Center
Rosa I. Rodriguez, DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform
Taylar Tramil, Workers Center for Racial Justice
Anne VanderWeele, New Moms
Carrie Ward, Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Renita R. White, Of Color, Inc.
Heather Wills, Workers Center for Racial Justice
