1863FWD 3rd Anniversary Fundraising Gala: How Long Is Too Long?

1040 Ridge Road,Munster IN 46321

06 November, 2022

Description

1863FWD is a social enterprise that was founded October 2019 and by February 2021, the organization would earn a $629K award from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority that provided the platform of focusing on reentry needs. After 17 months of work in Assessment & Planning with the community, 1863FWD has endeavored beyond assessment to the provision of services for FY 23 to provide mental wellness group and individual counseling services, create workforce development opportunities in food & hospitality and tourism, launch a pitch deck platform for graduates of the program, maintain its status as a teaching institution with social work intern professional development, facilitate trainings and webinars for people in the helping profession and social justice field and provide services as a full service community agency. 1863 has outgrown our 800 sq ft leased space on 95th street. Just since Feb 2021, this organization has developed about 90+ partnerships with local organizations and several teaching institutions which include Chicago State University, Loyola University, University of Illinois School of Jane Addams, Governors State University, University at Albany and Texas A & M RESI. Our Keynote Speaker is Dr. Larry D. Turner who has a intriguing narrative on his worldly experiences as a registered nurse, drug addictions counselor, certified yoga instructor and a psychologist. His journey is a unique, yet familiar one to many who have been justice impacted. The primary question that is posed is How Long Is Too Long? Our other honored guests for the night include leadership from the Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition who will be recognized for their work to address the War on Drugs that was an intentional mandate to disenfranchise BIPOC individuals. Last, but not least is one of 1863FWD's R3 Assessment and Planning interviewees, Ms. Joyce Harris, with a heartwarming story of resilience and tenacity to overcome the odds of corrupt systems, traumas, grief and loss who pushed beyond her circumstances and became a beacon of light for incarcerated women waiting for HB 4218 to pass legislation for free underwear and sanitary products. Ms. Harris was instrumental in the launch of 1863FWD's Project Red program to restore dignity to women in carceral institutions who experience the natural cycle of life. There will be African American vendors on site, 50/50 raffle, silent auction items, a live band Nikita Nichelle and Dj Mike Burns for entertainment. This is a black tie plated fundraising event celebrating 1863FWds three year anniversary! Cocktail Hour (Hors d'oeuvres, 1863FWD Signature Lemonade & Tea, Cash Bar): 5 to 6 pm Vendor Supports occur before program and various times throughout program: 5 - 630 pm Nikita Nichelle Band: 6 pm - 8 pm Dinner--- Choice of Chicken, Honey Jerked Salmon or Vegetarian Plate): 6:45 pm Awards & Honored Guest Speakers: CEIC, Joyce Harris, and Dr. Larry D. Turner--- 8 pm Raffle, Auction & Total Evening Funds Raised Announcement: 9:30 pm *****COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS: THERE IS A PREFERENCE FOR VACCINATIONS AND BOOSTERS FOR COVID-19 AND MASK WEARING PRECAUTIONS. ATTENDEES WHO DO NOT WEAR A MASK TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR RISK TO INFECTIONS.