Involved, Inc., founded by Teresa Collins, is dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals who have experienced adversity and emotional trauma. This executive summary highlights the organization's mission, unique perspective, and qualifications for addressing the pressing challenges faced by individuals ages 10 years to adulthood.

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BACKGROUND: Teresa Collins grew up on the Eastside of Joliet, Illinois, a neighborhood plagued by issues such as gang violence, drugs, and hopelessness. Despite facing numerous hardships, including personal trauma and academic struggles, Teresa successfully graduated from college with honors and raised three sons as a single parent. Her personal experiences have shaped Involved's vision to uplift and empower individuals in overcoming obstacles that threaten their well-being and success.

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MISSION AND APPROACH: Involved aims to nurture individuals by providing them with tools, confidence, and a positive attitude to navigate challenging circumstances and build a brighter future. Involved team members have firsthand knowledge of the struggles faced by the beautiful individuals they serve, having grown up and thrived in similar environments. This unique perspective allows Involved to connect with clients on a deeper level, building trust and understanding, and gaining high success levels through their programs and services.

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PROGRAMS AND SERVICES: Involved offers a range of programs and services tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals of all ages who have experienced emotional trauma. These initiatives include services for survivors of domestic violence, substance use disorders, and poverty. Involved has a wealth of programs geared toward inspiring hope and building good esteem in youth. By combining academic guidance with emotional support and life experiences, Involved seeks to inspire resilience, self-confidence, and personal growth among youth and adults through mentorship programs, academic support, trauma-informed counseling, life skills training, and community connections and outreach.

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COMMUNITY IMPACT: Involved has a proven track record of positively impacting the community, evidenced by Teresa Collins' own journey and the successes of the organization's programs. By leveraging her 20 years of experience in outreach and nonprofit work, along with her academic background in Applied Psychology and Organizational Leadership, Teresa brings a wealth of expertise to the organization's initiatives. Furthermore, her authorship of two books demonstrates her commitment to sharing knowledge and empowering others.

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PARTNERSHIPS AND FUTURE GROWTH: To maximize its impact, Involved collaborates with local schools, churches, community organizations, and stakeholders invested in the well-being of community members. By forging strategic partnerships and expanding its network, the organization aims to secure additional resources, funding, and support. With a clear growth strategy and a passion for making a difference, Involved looks to extend its reach beyond regional walls, potentially impacting a wider range of communities nationally facing similar challenges.

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CONCLUSION: Involved, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded by Teresa Collins, driven by her personal experiences and passion for empowering individuals facing adversity. With a deep understanding of the challenges in their service area, Involved is uniquely positioned to provide the support, guidance, and mentorship needed to transform lives. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and a dedicated team, Involved aims to foster resilience, educational success, and personal growth among all individuals, leaving a lasting positive impact on the community.