Our Impact

Over our 50-year history, the Shriver Center has secured hundreds of law and policy victories with and for people living in poverty in Illinois. Building on these wins and our comprehensive view of poverty, we connect and train lawyers, community leaders, and activists nationwide to advance opportunity — for all, not just some.

The Illinois Supreme Court made a historic decision this week by upholding a law that eliminates cash bail. Illinois will now be the first state in the country to end cash bail for defendants.

Everyone should have basic workplace protections so that they can sustain themselves financially, be healthy, and be able to take care of their family.

States are on the frontlines of systems change for racial and economic justice.

Unfair background screening practices create barriers to housing.

The fight for racial and economic justice takes commitment from everyone—no one can stand on the sidelines anymore.

Collection of debt based on unproven overpayments deprives needy people of critical support.

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