At the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF), our mission is clear: to mobilize community resources to drive systemic social change. Central to that mission is our commitment to support and uplift the diverse voices that make our community thrive.  

With a focus on inclusivity and thoughtful engagement, we strive to build a stronger Evanston — for now, forever, and for everyone. This commitment came to life in an exciting and transformative way in 2024 when Padres Empoderados put that focus on inclusivity to the test. 

Padres Empoderados- which translates to "Parents Empowered"- is a vital grassroots organization offering mental and emotional health programs entirely in Spanish. They host monthly meetings led by mental health professionals, and provide a culturally sensitive space for Latine parents to navigate their well-being. This is an essential resource as Evanston's Latine population has nearly doubled over the past 20 years.  

As this vibrant community grows, so does the need for accessible mental health support that respects language and cultural context. Padres Empoderados stands at the intersection of this need, recognizing the undeniable link between mental health, quality of life, and empowering Latine parents in Evanston to thrive.

Like many grassroots organizations, Padres Empoderados sought financial resources to continue their vital work. However, they faced an additional challenge — the barriers of language. As a Spanish-speaking organization, navigating the complex world of grant applications was even more daunting. In response to this challenging language barrier, Padres Empoderados initiated an open and honest dialogue with the Community Foundation and shed light on the critical need for bilingual resources in ECF's grant application process. We quickly recognized this as an opportunity to deepen our commitment to community engagement and examine our commitment to language equity.

This led us to a groundbreaking decision to proudly launch our first-ever fully bilingual grant slate. Not only were the applications available in Spanish, but the entire grant cycle, including the review process, was conducted in Spanish as well. This was a monumental step forward in reducing the language barrier to accessing resources. The success of Padres Empoderados is a powerful reminder of why listening to our community is so essential.

This achievement underscores our commitment to creating a just and resilient Evanston where every voice is heard, and every person has equal access to the opportunities that ECF provides. As we continue to move forward, we remain committed to listening to the needs of our community members.

We recognize that true inclusivity is about more than just access — it's about creating a space where everyone, regardless of language or background, feels empowered to contribute to the vibrant future of our community.