News

Hoyleton Pen Pal Project Words have the power to bring joy or be a healing balm for a lonely soul. In a time where individuals are feeling physically and emotionally separated from one another, it is essential to find ways to connect. Technology allows people to stay connected virtually, but there is something magical about...

Hoyleton Youth and Family Services is partnering with Amazon and their Amazon Smile charitable giving program. Individuals often ask themselves how they can make a difference in their communities, but don’t know where to start. Amazon’s “Smile” program allows people to help children in care by doing everyday online shopping! When you choose Hoyleton Youth...

While we are all struggling with our current shelter-in-place order, and while we are working to stay healthy at home, we know it is difficult for children to explain how they are feeling. We hope this activity book will give you and your family a chance to discuss and address some of the many emotions...

Letter to the General Public, Clients, and Hoyleton Family and Friends, During this time of uncertainty, it is clear that we will continue to serve our clients and our communities while maintaining a healthy workplace for our employees. While communication is very fluid and the local, state, and federal governments are communicating continually, Hoyleton wants...

Puentes de Esperanza (Bridges of Hope) helps Spanish speaking individuals navigate the system, that can be quite intimidating at first. Ruth and Fabio are two individuals who have been impacted by our mission here at Hoyleton Youth and Family Services. Ruth, who came to the United States in 1993, heard of Hoyleton Youth and Family...

Though Stephanie Tesreau only recently became a part of the Hoyleton family with her new role as Director of Communications and Marketing, she is no stranger to our mission and the critical services we provide youth and families in Southern Illinois. That’s because she and her husband have been foster parents for over 12 years....

Starting on October 1, 2019, Kelly Bandy will become the Chair of Hoyleton’s Board of Directors. Kelly has been a member of the board for over 10 years, most recently serving as its Vice Chair. Kelly and her husband, Eric, are long-time supporters of Hoyleton.  Both are native to Southern Illinois and have a deep...

(Fairview Heights, IL) Hoyleton Youth and Family Services will work with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) as the only agency in Southern Illinois to implement the expansion of transition-age foster youth services as part of the $4.5 million grant awarded to the State of Illinois from Youth Villages.  Youth Villages is...

Chicago, IL — Recently, Governor-elect JB Pritzker announced the formation and members of the Healthy Children and Families Committee of the transition team at Children’s Home and Aid, the first social service agency JB visited while considering his run for governor.  Chris Cox, President and CEO of Hoyleton Youth and Family Services was named to the Governor’s committee. The Healthy Children and Families Committee will be chaired by...

Durante más de siete años, el programa Puentes de Esperanza de Hoyleton ha participado en los eventos anuales relacionados con la Pascua de Fairmont City, que incluyen un desfile vibrante y una emocionante búsqueda de huevos. Estamos orgullosos de ser parte de un día tan especial que trae tanta alegría a la comunidad cada año...

For over seven years, Hoyleton’s Puentes de Esperanza program has participated in Fairmont City’s annual Easter-related events, including a vibrant parade and an exciting egg hunt. We’re proud to be a part of such a special day that brings such joy to the community each year with the support of local institutions like the Fairmont...

After being a foster parent for over 30 years, Margie Lewis has impacted the lives of numerous children who have been in and out of her home. “Every child that comes in my home, I treat them like they are my very own. I want them to feel loved,” said Margie. “They may be gone...

The work our social workers do isn’t easy, but it’s so important, and they do it day in and day out. We’re always grateful for their hard work and dedication to our youth, but during National Social Workers Month this March, we want to take the time to acknowledge them for all that they do....

En 2004, se estableció un nuevo programa llamado Puentes de Esperanza ((traducido a Puentes de la Esperanza) en Hoyleton. El programa se desarrolló después de la Conferencia Sur de Illinois (Iglesia Unida de Cristo) y Hoyleton reconoció la falta de servicios bilingües disponibles para la creciente población hispana en la región. El equipo de Puentes...

In 2004, a new program called Puentes de Esperanza (translates to Bridges of Hope) was established at Hoyleton. The program was developed after the Illinois South Conference (United Church of Christ) and Hoyleton recognized the lack of bilingual services available for the growing Hispanic population in the region. The Puentes team at Hoyleton serves as...

2004 was a significant year for Vicki Sharkey. Although she didn’t realize it at the time, it would be the year she’d begin a celebrated 15-year (and counting) career at Hoyleton. Vicki is a Nurse Case Aid at Hoyleton, and she supports our nurses that care for 40 youth living at the residential services’ campus. ...

If you visit the Hoyleton Campus in Hoyleton, Illinois on a weekday around 8:30am, it might look like the streets in most neighborhoods. Youth scurrying around, making their way to school just-in-time for the opening bell. The campus is where almost 40 boys and girls live 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each...