Connections for the Homeless

Connections’ staff and community members attended the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council’s annual conference in Orlando, FL. earlier this month. Loren Taylor, who serves on CFTH’s Participant Advisory Board, was installed as the newest member of NHCHC’s National Consumer Advisory Board Steering Committee representing the Great Lakes & Midwest regions. Congratulations Loren!

Thank you to our Opal Supporters Connections for the Homeless for your sponsorship!

Opal’s Walk For Freedom, has received national and global recognition. Opals Walk for Freedom is a TV broadcast production and an Emmy award-winning, live-streaming TV special and community event. The 2026 event will commemorate both the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth and America's 250th birthday, both in person and virtually.

As Illinois' host city, Evanston will represent the entire state. Participants will walk 2.5 miles along our beautiful lakefront to symbolize the two-and-a-half years between the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the moment freedom was finally enforced in Texas on June 19th, 1865. The walk is a powerful reminder that freedom in America has often arrived unevenly — and that justice requires collective action to move it forward.

Grand Marshal Announcement 📣 We are proud to name Mrs. Dione Sims, President and Founder of Unity Unlimited and the "Granddaughter of Juneteenth," as Grand Marshal of Opal's Walk for Freedom in Evanston.

Register to walk with the granddaughter of Juneteenth here: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/114555/opals-walk-for-freedom-evanston

Full registration, route, press release, volunteering, and sponsorship details: https://www.kemonehendricks.com/juneteenth-celebrations

Opal Lee Barbie Giveaway:
In a nod to Dr. Opal Lee’s recognition as part of Mattel’s Inspiring Women Barbie collection, three registered walking groups will be selected to receive an Opal Lee Barbie doll. Winners will be announced during the after-celebration.

🎨 Colors of Juneteenth Coloring Contest:
Color the poster in The Colors of Juneteenth book, photograph it, and email to [email protected] with subject line "Colors of Juneteenth" by June 18th. Two winners announced at the celebration! Get your copy at a.co/d/009nuXnj
The Colors of Juneteenth: Coloring Book & History Guide
Celebrate freedom, culture, and learning with a Juneteenth Coloring Book that brilliantly blends artistry with history. The Colors of Juneteenth is a thoughtfully designed resource created by The Founder of Evanston’s Annual Juneteenth Parade, Kemone Hendricks, that invites families, classrooms, and community groups to color, reflect, and discover together. Short, accessible captions accompany illustrations of historical figures like “The Grandmother of Juneteenth” Opal Lee and the late Hecky Powell, along with skill-building and reflection prompts guiding readers through the Juneteenth story, from 1619 to today, without losing the joy of coloring.

Last week, Connections’ CEO, Betty Bogg; Connections’ Senior Director of Advocacy, Kristen White; and Connections’ Senior Director of Compliance & Government Investment, Kelsey Caspersen all attended the 2026 HOME Illinois Summit: Rising With Resilience in Springfield, IL.

We're feeling so grateful we were able to join advocates, providers, policymakers, and community leaders from across the state to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and advance innovative, community-driven solutions to homelessness. 💙