LIFT

09/24/2026

Some Illinois families wait up to 17 months for Early Intervention services their child is legally entitled to. LIFT-Chicago Senior Executive Director Sarah Spunt's daughter got the support she needed quickly, simply because of luck and their zip code.

Her message on the coming Illinois budget: fund what works — Early Intervention, Home Visits, and real increases to childcare reimbursement rates —because "every Illinois family, regardless of where they happen to live, should have access to the same success story."

Read her full statement: https://bit.ly/4y7EoFJ

My daughter was 7 months old the first time I shifted from a worried gut feeling to ‘I know something is off’. She still couldn’t…

09/23/2026

LIFT-Chicago member NaaTsotsoo Wright testified before Illinois legislators about how home visiting and early intervention helped her two young children grow in confidence and her whole family build a stronger foundation.

Her message on the FY28 Illinois budget: parents need programs "that are accessible, consistent, and responsive to the realities of our lives."

Read her full testimony:

Good afternoon. My name is NaaTsotsoo Wright. I am a parent, a member of the LIFT community, and the Chairperson of the Start Early Parent…

09/15/2026

This past weekend we had an amazing time bringing families and community members together for The Power We Have: Parent Advocacy 101, in collaboration with New Yorkers United for Child Care!

From learning how to get involved in advocacy to discussing the issues that matter most to families, the event was a great reminder that change starts with us!

We’re excited to continue building community and creating opportunities for families to advocate with us and on their own.

08/26/2026

Policy change starts when people show up and consistently speak up for their communities.

LIFT-Chicago member and Policy & Advocacy intern Raquel learned what a difference she could make when she traveled to Springfield with nearly 20 LIFT members to advocate for NEST and the Save Our SNAP campaign. She went in expecting distance. She found legislators who listened, and who cared about hearing from people directly involved in the community.

Read her reflection. 🔗

LIFT-Chicago member reflects on traveling to Springfield this legislative session, what surprised her about the policymaking process, and why she believes everyday voices matter.

08/25/2026

This year, Illinois passed NEST and approved a $70 million investment in FRESH — wins that wouldn't have been possible without the leadership of LIFT members.

Nearly 20 LIFT-Chicago members traveled to Springfield four times over the legislative session to advocate for families.

As we wrap our first year of member-driven policy and advocacy, we're reflecting on how stronger policy outcomes and stronger community leadership depend on one another.

Read more: https://bit.ly/45MqPPK

This legislative session, Illinois passed NEST and a $70 million investment in FRESH. Looking back on our first year of member-driven advocacy — what LIFT-Chicago members made possible, and what it took to get them there.

08/25/2026

Last year, LIFT-DC members advocated for and helped win a local child tax credit. But that win was just a starting point. Their fight wasn't over.

Our members know that cash changes what's possible for a family, and coaching is what makes that change last. They want both, and they're organizing for it.

LIFT-DC Executive Director Neils Ribeiro-Yemofio joined Mike Montoya on the Stronger Consulting Inc Podcast to talk about what it means when members set the policy agenda — and what they're still fighting for.

🎧 Listen now: https://hubs.li/Q04tMdCh0

08/18/2026

A huge thank you to New York City FC for gifting LIFT-NY 20 tickets for our families to cheer on the team together. We are so grateful to NYCFC for creating moments of joy in our families’ lives.

NEW YORK IS BLUE AND WHITE 💙⚽️

08/14/2026

Meet Sarah, from LIFT-LA Changemakers!

LIFT-LA members and alums are learning how policy works in their districts so they can teach other parents build better policy for families in LA.

Policy & Advocacy for families has to start with parents. Sarah and the Changemakers are showing us what that looks like.

"We are a voice, as parents, as residents."

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

08/11/2026

For 60 years, Head Start has paired early learning with family engagement, health, and economic well-being. Now, a proposed rewrite of its Performance Standards threatens that comprehensive, two-generation approach.

At LIFT, we know what’s at stake. We’ve partnered with Head Start on family economic mobility and know firsthand how critical these supports are to families’ ability to thrive.

We’re standing with Head Start families. Read LIFT CEO Michelle Rhone-Collins' statement and learn how you can take action.

https://bit.ly/4wonwJj

08/10/2026

This past Saturday, LIFT-NY's families celebrated our annual Back-to-School Family Fun Day. There was magic shows, face painting, balloon animals, dance parties, and cotton candy galore! Parents also participated in our Policy and Advocacy workshop where they envisioned what childcare for all ages should be in order to meet the needs of their families.

A special shout out to Lazard and our Board Chair Cesar Trelles for providing 50 backpacks and school supplies to our families. Your support helped make sure our families can head into the new school year supported and celebrated!