Insight

Illinois’ 2026 budget was a crucial test of the state’s willingness to fight the ongoing federal attacks on our social safety net and the basic rights of our residents. Unfortunately, lawmakers failed to deliver a bill to protect Illinois from potentially devasting cuts to Medicaid and other essential programs that support low-income families.

Audra Wilson took over as president and CEO of the Shriver Center five years ago this month. In her essay, Audra reflects on her tenure, which began as two transformative forces collided in real time: the COVID pandemic and the George Floyd uprisings.

Aysa Gray, the Shriver Center’s racial and economic justice trainer, says that in times of political backlash, advocates need to understand the roots of structural racism and learn the tools to combat it. In a recent conversation, Aysa explains how the Shriver Center’s trainings meet the moment.

On the day we commemorate Dr. King’s life and legacy, we rarely confront and discuss his most stinging criticism of America’s grossest injustice: how could a country of such great wealth have so many of its citizens trapped in vicious cycles of poverty?

As the season of gratitude begins, we’re reminded of the strength and importance of our amazing community of leaders, advocates, grassroots activists, and beyond. Erin Dowland Kabwe, the Shriver Center’s vice president of development, profiles the Community Memorial Foundation, a critical partner that funds necessary work in the pursuit of health and racial equity.

Stephani Becker, the assistant director of health justice for the Shriver Center, recently spoke about the significance of the exchange and our continued efforts to expand health care to everyone in Illinois.

Erin Dowland Kabwe, the Shriver Center's vice president of development, reflects on the 2024 annual gala's key note speaker Chris Singleton. His message of hope unites us in the fight against racism and poverty.

Vice President of Advocacy LaTanya Jackson Wilson writes that community and family justice is the heart of the Shriver Center's work.

President and CEO Audra Wilson writes that the core of the Shriver Center's 60-year history remains the same: changing rules to change lives. That’s why we chose it as the theme of our 2024 Annual Gala.

Author's keynote underscores the need for narrative power in the fight to end poverty

President and CEO Audra Wilson reflects on our history and solutions to advance our shared mission

A year ago, Illinois passed a law making it a civil rights violation to deny housing based on an individual's source of income. Housing justice attorney Joerika Stitt looks at the law's impact.