91社区福利

The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management announced the winners of its Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and its Excellent Emerging Organization Award as part of the Center鈥檚 20th anniversary conference for nonprofit professionals and volunteers on May 2, 2019.

The 2019 Alford-Axelson Award, given for exemplary nonprofit management practices, was presented to Bridge Communities with an honorable mention awarded to Chicago Children鈥檚 Advocacy Center. The 2019 Excellent Emerging Organization Award, presented to an up-and-coming Chicago area nonprofit, was presented to Dream On Education with an honorable mention awarded to Shift: Englewood Youth Orchestra.

The Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence recognizes nonprofits serving the seven county Chicago region who exemplify outstanding nonprofit management practices. This year鈥檚 award winner, Bridge Communities, helps homeless families in DuPage County transition to self-sufficiency by working with partners to provide mentoring, housing, and supportive services. The award review committee believes Bridge鈥檚 ongoing success can be attributed to a clear understanding of the connection between strong organizational infrastructure, strategy, and quality programs. For over 30 years, the organization has operated with a balanced budget. Bridge鈥檚 sound financial performance and diversified funding model enable the organization to secure sustainability into the future.

The winners of this year鈥檚 Alford-Axelson Award received a $10,000 cash prize and commemorative award symbolizing the organization鈥檚 dedication to nonprofit managerial excellence. This award honors and continues the legacies of Nils G. Axelson, a devoted community health care leader and visionary, and Jimmie R. Alford, a leading contemporary thinker and practitioner in the nonprofit arena.

Dream On Education, the 2019 Excellent Emerging Organization Award winner, prepares high-performing, low-income 6th鈥�8th grade students for the rigor of a high school and college curriculum.

Dream On鈥檚 unique curriculum focuses on scholastic development, mentoring, career exposure, and cultural exposure to keep high-achieving, low-income 6th鈥�8th graders鈥攁n underserved and often forgotten demographic鈥攆rom falling through the cracks.

The award committee attributes Dream On鈥檚 success to strong leadership, a rigorous theory of change with clear outcomes and accountability, resourceful collaborations, and a determined mission combined with creativity and innovation.

Dream On Education received a $5,000 cash prize, a commemorative award and a capacity-building package that will support improvement of services and efficiency.

Learn more about both the Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and the Excellent Emerging Organization Award, and review lists of past award winners at the Axelson Center website.

The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at 91社区福利 is the source for informative and engaging nonprofit professional development in the Chicago region. Through regular workshops, webinars, and an annual two-day conference, the Axelson Center delivers a superior educational experience for nonprofit managers, leaders, and frontline staff, covering a vast array of topics including program evaluation, strategic planning, communications, and financial management. The valuable information presented through these programs enhances the impact of both the nonprofit sector and its professional staff. Visit www.northpark.edu/axelson for more information.

91社区福利 has been approved as an entitled institution for the Gateways to Opportunity ECE (Early Childhood Education) Credential鈥擫evel 5 through 2023. As an entitled institution, students at 91社区福利 have the opportunity to qualify for state-recognized credentials as they take courses or complete a degree through the School of Education.

91社区福利 is among a select group of institutions in Illinois to be entitled for the Gateways to Opportunity Credentials. All Gateways to Opportunity Credentials have competencies that reflect multiple professional standards, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards. The faculty at 91社区福利 has worked diligently to align their courses with the Gateways to Opportunity competencies.

Dr. Ida Maduram, professor and coordinator of Elementary and Early Childhood Programs, says she is delighted for the opportunity. “The Gateways ECE Credential Level 5 is an additional professional opportunity that we are able to provide for our students in the Early Childhood Studies. As our program is growing, we are delighted that our students will be able to able to empower and invest in the future of young children in traditional and non-traditional learning environments.”

91社区福利’s Early Childhood program is a robust teacher education program offering a BA in Early Childhood for students seeking Illinois licensure and a BA in Early Childhood Studies for students interested in a non-licensure degree. In a time when Early Childhood Education is defining itself as a field that promotes professional development, 91社区福利 has become entitled to help further this goal by graduating students ready to provide quality care and education to young children in Illinois.

Gateways to Opportunity, Illinois Professional Development System, is designed to provide guidance, support and recognition to practitioners who serve children and families in Illinois. Gateways to Opportunity is administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) on behalf of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Visit the Gateways to Opportunity website at to learn more.