DePaul Annual Report 25-26

You Made It Possible

For the fourth year in a row, the E. C. Wareheim Foundation has awarded DePaul’s Independent Living (IL) Program a generous $20,000 to support young adults ages 18 to 21 who have aged out of foster care. Again, this year, Irvin and Sam Marshall also made sure every IL youth received Christmas gifts, adding a special touch to the season. Ayers Financial Services and Keller Williams further stepped up by organizing donation drives with their clients and employees, helping provide items from the youths’ monthly supply and apartment wish lists. These young adults have faced significant hardships in the foster care system, and many have endured abuse and neglect. Without a permanent family or the opportunities needed to thrive, they are at heightened risk of challenges such as homelessness, substance use, violence, and incarceration. Thanks to the incredible support from these partners, DePaul’s IL Program can strengthen the odds for these youth and equip them with the tools they need to pursue their goals and build brighter futures. contributions strengthen our emergency support fund, which helps at‑risk children and their families access urgent needs, assistive items, and therapeutic services they would otherwise be unable to obtain or afford. Every day at DePaul, we see children in foster care and their families facing crises and struggling to secure services that could significantly improve their quality of life. When agencies deny funding for essential services or emergency items, the financial burden falls on families who may lack adequate Medicaid or insurance coverage. Without this critical support, children can experience serious setbacks to their health, well‑being, and long‑term outcomes. Thanks to the Hughes Philanthropic Society, children served by DePaul do not have to go without the vital items and services they need. Their generosity continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children across our communities. For six years, the Hughes Philanthropic Society has generously supported DePaul’s work with children in need. Their

Scan for donor listings and additional Annual Report content

12 | depaulcr.org/annualreport