May 1, 2026
As I enter my third year as President & CEO of MYSI, I continue to be inspired by the progress we have made and the resilience of the community that makes our work possible. We have not only built upon prior successes—we have taken bold, intentional steps to strengthen our foundation, evolve our programs, and position MYSI for long-term sustainability and impact.
In 2025, one of our most important achievements was the completion of a fully realized leadership team. With the right structure and talent in place, we have been able to move more strategically and cohesively as an organization. This alignment has enabled us to make programmatic and operational decisions with greater clarity and confidence, always centered on improving outcomes for the youth we serve.
A major focus this year has been transformation—both in how we deliver services and how we operate internally. We implemented meaningful structural changes across our programs to better meet the complex and evolving needs of our young people, while also improving efficiency across the agency. This includes continued progress in restructuring our TLP and DD/TLP programs, where we are advancing a team-based case management model rooted in collaboration, accountability, and evidence-based practice.
At the same time, we undertook a significant financial systems conversion to modernize and strengthen our finance department. This investment represents more than a technical upgrade—it reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and long-term fiscal health. Strong financial infrastructure is essential to sustaining our mission and positions us to better support growth and respond to future challenges.
We also remained focused on safety, quality, and compliance across our residential services. In 2025, we further strengthened this commitment by creating a Learning & Development Specialist position and promoting an internal candidate who was able to make an immediate impact. We also successfully renewed our Group Home license while continuing to reduce risk factors and enhance the quality of care provided to our youth. These efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to maintaining environments where young people feel safe, supported, and empowered.
Our impact is strengthened through partnership, and this year we are proud to collaborate with Youth Outreach Services to expand emergency housing options for runaway and displaced youth. This partnership has expanded our reach, allowing more young people in crisis to access immediate, stable support when they need it most.
We also deepened and expanded our network of partners to better support the holistic needs of the youth we serve. Through our collaboration with Chicago Furniture Bank, young people transitioning into independent living have gained access to essential furniture and resources that help create stability and dignity during a critical life stage. Our newest partnership with Family Solutions has enhanced our ability to provide therapeutic services, ensuring youth have access to the emotional and mental health support they need. In addition, our work with Chicago Public Schools has expanded resources that strengthen our case management teams and broaden workforce development opportunities.
Equally important to our growth has been our investment in people—both those we serve and those who serve alongside us. In 2025, MYSI experienced its highest level of workforce growth to date, including a 16% increase in total headcount over a six-month period, driven by intentional recruitment strategies and enhanced employee benefits. We also expanded the ways we recognize and celebrate our staff and leadership, hosting town halls, summer outings, and holiday gatherings that foster connection, appreciation, and a strong organizational culture. This investment in our people is reflected in our strong retention, with an average tenure of 3.38 years. Our team is our greatest asset, and we are committed to creating an environment where they feel valued, supported, and inspired.
Last June, we proudly celebrated MYSI’s 60th anniversary—a milestone that honored our legacy while energizing our future. In partnership with our Board of Directors, we hosted our first Friendsgiving fundraiser, bringing together supporters, community partners, and past leaders to reflect on our journey and invest in what lies ahead. It was a powerful reminder that our work is sustained not only by our staff, but by a broader community that believes deeply in our mission.
As we look forward, we do so with purpose and momentum. The progress we’ve made over the past year has strengthened our ability to serve, adapt, and lead in a rapidly changing environment. While there is still important work ahead, I am confident in the direction we are heading and the collective commitment that drives us forward each day.
In times of uncertainty, our responsibility becomes even clearer. We must provide unwavering support—not only to the youth who depend on us, but also to the dedicated employees who carry out this mission every day. It is through this shared commitment to care, stability, and opportunity that we will continue to move forward with strength and intention.
It is an honor to lead MYSI during this period of transformation and growth. I remain grateful to our staff, Board of Directors, partners, and supporters for their continued dedication and belief in our mission. Together, we are not only building on a proud legacy—we are shaping a future defined by compassion, resilience, and lasting impact.
Andrea “Drea” Hall
President & CEO