April 16, 2025
It has been two years since I began my tenure at MYSI, and the journey has been incredibly rewarding. Many of the goals I initially set for the agency have now become a reality. Over the past year, MYSI successfully completed a rigorous re-accreditation process with the Council on Accreditation (COA). The year prior, we underwent an interim review, and in 2024, we achieved full re-accreditation—securing our accreditation status for the next four years. This experience deepened my understanding of what it takes to effectively lead a child welfare agency. MYSI presented comprehensive evidence to COA, demonstrating our commitment to excellence in financial management, governance, risk prevention, group living services, and other core operational areas monitored by licensing bodies. I am incredibly proud of the phenomenal job my leadership team did throughout this 14-month process.
As part of the re-accreditation requirements, agencies must submit a strategic plan and an annual report. Developing the strategic plan was one of my top priorities as a new CEO, as it allowed me to define our agency’s vision and goals for the next three years. We pursued and secured funding to engage Morten Group, one of Chicago’s premier strategic planning consultants. With their support, MYSI hosted a two-day retreat that brought together staff from across the agency. The result: a refreshed vision, mission, and set of core values, as well as a comprehensive three-year plan focused on four key pillars—Leadership (Staff and Board), Programs and Services, Systems and Operations, and Financial Management.
This second year has been a time of tremendous growth, collaboration, and transformation. It has required bold decision-making, relationship-building, and a continued focus on strengthening our organizational culture. During this time, I finalized the formation of our executive leadership team and filled several other key positions.
We have also enhanced our program offerings for youth in care and deepened our partnerships with external stakeholders to ensure our young people have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive as they transition to independence. A key part of this enhancement involves restructuring our TLP and DD/TLP programs. We are moving toward a team-based case management model that emphasizes interprofessional learning and evidence-based practices.
I am humbled and honored to lead MYSI into its next chapter. In June, we will be celebrating our 60th anniversary as a nonprofit organization. I hope you’ll join us as we reflect on our legacy, honor past leaders, and look ahead to the future—one defined by greater visibility, deeper collaboration with stakeholders, and a growing base of supporters and donors.
Andrea “Drea” Hall
President & CEO