Let It Be Us

May is National Foster Care Month - a time to recognize the thousands of children who are waiting for safety, stability, and belonging.

Right now, around 16,000 children are in foster care across Illinois. Behind every number is a child who deserves to be seen, supported, and loved.

This month, join Let It Be Us in raising awareness, supporting families, and helping more children find the permanency they deserve.

Learn how you can make a difference: letitbeus.org

We are proud to join Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in recognizing May as Foster Parent Appreciation Month, officially proclaimed by Governor JB Pritzker.

Across Illinois, foster families open their homes and hearts to children who need safety, stability, and care. Their compassion creates life-changing opportunities for children and helps strengthen families and communities.

To every foster parent making a difference each day - thank you. ❤️

Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed May . Please join us in thanking the incredible foster families who have opened their homes and hearts to children in need!

Season 3 is here.❤️

In honor of National Foster Care Month, we’re proud to launch a new season of the Let It Be Us podcast - featuring meaningful conversations, honest perspectives, and stories that shine a light on foster care, adoption, and the power of showing up for children and families.

Tune in, listen, and be part of the conversation. New episodes are live now at letitbeus.org/podcast

Heidi Mueller, Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and Genie Gillespie, adoption attorney of Gillespie Law Group, LLC, are helping shape the future of adoption in Illinois. Join Let It Be Us on Thursday, May 21 from 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM at the Center on Halsted for a powerful symposium exploring adoption as a path to permanency, along with the state leadership and legal frameworks driving real outcomes for children in foster care. Register today: https://letitbeus.org/event/let-it-be-us-adoption-symposium-the-future-of-adoption-as-a-form-of-permanency-in-illinois/

Adoption Symposium: Adoption as a Path to Permanency, State Leadership in Action, and Legal Frameworks
📆 Thursday, May 21 | 9:00 am - 11:30 am
📍Center on Halsted - Chicago, IL

Thank you to the Canning Foundation, a sponsor for our 2026 Be Mine Gala ♥️

Be Mine Gala | May 30, 2025 | The City Hall

We are accepting sponsorships – learn more and download our packet at letitbeus.org/bemine26

Earn 1 hour of foster parent credit while gaining tools that make a real difference.

Join Let It Be Us, in partnership with Belonging Education, on Wednesday, May 6th at 6:30 PM for Belonging at School: What Adoptive Families Need to Know, a virtual conversation designed to help families navigate the school experience after adoption. Learn practical strategies to support children’s sense of belonging, confidence, and success in the classroom. Register at https://letitbeus.org/event/belonging-at-school-what-adoptive-families-need-to-know-with-belonging-education-and-let-it-be-us/

Be Mine Live Auction Item ❤️
US Open Championship

A championship experience awaits. 2026 US Open tickets could be yours - if you’re in the room. Purchase your Be Mine Gala tickets now for the opportunity to bid at letitbeus.org/bemine26

A possible long term family is needed for 3 children - boy (4.5), girl (2) and boy (1). All three children are friendly and outgoing. The sister likes dolls and dollhouses. The baby likes to play with age appropriate cars and trucks. The oldest also likes cars and trucks while Spiderman is his favorite superhero. The oldest is in preschool and does very well with structure and attention. While a home for all three is preferred, a family who can take the oldest brother and can be in close proximity to the younger two in DuPage county will be considered. Areas for all three include Northern Region and Cook County North and Central.

If you think you can help with these children, please complete our form, and we will reach out with more information if you are a possible match. Please refer to CASE #4768. https://letitbeus.org/inquire

Thank you to the Foglia Family Foundation, a sponsor for our 2026 Be Mine Gala ♥️

Be Mine Gala | May 30, 2025 | The City Hall

We are accepting sponsorships – learn more and download our packet at letitbeus.org/bemine26

Join Let It Be Us on Monday, May 18th at 7:00 PM for Navigating Adoption: Microaggressions and Identity Challenges in Adoption with Dr. Amanda Baden, a virtual conversation designed to help families better understand adoptee identity, belonging, and the impact of everyday adoption-related stigma. Register today at https://letitbeus.org/event/navigating-adoption-microaggressions-and-identity-challenges-in-adoption-with-dr-amanda-baden-and-let-it-be-us/

Be the difference when it matters most. ❤️ Join us to explore the purpose, connection, and joy of opening your heart and home to a child in need at our Zoom event Learn About Foster Care and Licensing with Children’s Home Association of https://letitbeus.org/event/foster-care-and-licensing-with-childrens-home-peoria-tazewell-and-woodford-illinois-counties/

Learn About Foster Care and Licensing with Children’s Home
📍Zoom Webinar
📆 April 28 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Targeting those in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties.