As Gads Hill Center enters Fiscal Year 2026, CEO Mariana Osoria outlines a bold and values-driven vision rooted in team cohesion, service excellence, and a culture of philanthropy. This year, GHC is recommitting to its foundational promise—to ensure that all people, regardless of where they start, have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Deepening Our Commitment to Chicago Communities

In FY26, Gads Hill Center will continue to strengthen its impact across the South, West, and Southwest sides of Chicago by expanding access to its comprehensive, two-generational services. This includes:

• Deepening community partnerships to bring the full spectrum of GHC programs—including early childhood education, youth development, mental health support, and workforce development—to our neighborhoods.

• Building alongside community through a renewed emphasis on collaboration and coalition-building, in service of breaking down barriers to access and responding to decades-long challenges our community faces.

• Reinvesting in our current programming and ensuring that our impact increases across our current service offerings.

• Identifying service gaps and opportunities to provide wraparound supports to families beyond the programs they are already enrolled in.

This intentional, community-focused approach reflects our continued belief that strong families build strong communities—and that no one should fall through the cracks due to a lack of accessible, holistic care.

Striving for Excellence in Service Delivery

Delivering high-quality, culturally affirming programming remains a core priority. In FY26, GHC will:

• Strengthen program integration to ensure families receive coordinated support across departments.

• Maintain high standards of excellence across all service areas—meeting families’ needs today while preparing them for a better tomorrow.

Becoming an Employer of Choice

Gads Hill Center is powered by dedicated, mission-driven staff. In the year ahead, we will invest in our team by:

• Enhancing employee benefits and supports to meet the personal and professional needs of our workforce.

• Promoting a culture of collaboration, excellence, and shared purpose, rooted in the voices and leadership of our team members.

• Creating pathways for growth and leadership within the organization.

This focus not only strengthens our internal culture—it also improves the experiences of the families and communities we serve.

Centering Solidarity, Safety, and Care

In 2026, GHC will pursue new opportunities that advance community safety, belonging, and collective well-being. As systems and challenges evolve, our programs must evolve with them—adapting to protect and empower our participants at every stage of life.

A key part of this work is nurturing a culture of philanthropy—both within our organization and throughout the communities we engage. We believe giving is an act of solidarity, and we aim to foster deeper understanding of how every contribution—of time, talent, or resources—supports lasting change. By embedding this mindset across staff, board members, families, and supporters, we strengthen the foundation for sustainable impact and invite more people to take ownership in building a more equitable future.

Collaborating on a Strategic Plan for the Future

Gads Hill Center will embark on a comprehensive strategic planning process in FY26, engaging stakeholders across all levels of the organization. This includes:

• The Executive Team

• Board Members

• Program Staff

• Program Participants

This collaborative effort will help guide the next chapter of our work—ensuring GHC continues to be a responsive, community-rooted leader in education, health, and family support services.

At Gads Hill Center, we believe in the power of people, partnerships, and purposeful action. As we step into a new fiscal year, we invite you—our supporters, partners, and neighbors—to join us in building a stronger, more equitable future for all Chicago families.