Many Thanks to BCBSIL for our Primo Bright Beginnings Grant! June 8, 2026 Primo Center extends its sincere gratitude to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois for its generous investment in Primo Bright Beginnings, an innovative initiative designed to support pregnant mothers, new parents, infants, and young children experiencing homelessness. This partnership reflects a […]
From the Desk of CEO Felicia Blakley June 2, 2026 Every June, Pride Month offers an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, contributions, and diversity of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. It is also a time to reflect on challenges that persist—including one that is too often overlooked: homelessness. The connection between LGBTQ+ identity and homelessness is
Reconnection to the Mission: Reflections from the 2026 Home Illinois Summit May 19, 2026 By Katy Walsh, Chief Development Officer In May, advocates, service providers, healthcare professionals, philanthropists, elected officials, government leaders, and individuals with lived expertise gathered in Springfield for the 2026 Home Illinois Summit. The annual event provided an opportunity to reconnect with
An Extra Special Mother’s Day May 14, 2026 Primo Center was honored to welcome Senator Tammy Duckworth to our Austin Campus for a special Mother’s Day luncheon celebrating more than 50 moms and their children. The event provided an opportunity for families to enjoy a festive meal, connect with one another, and be recognized for the
From the Desk of CEO Felicia Blakley May 8, 2026 You don’t know her name. Anna Jarvis founded Mother’s Day in the United States to honor her mother’s wish for a day recognizing the sacrifices of mothers. After her mother’s death in 1905, Ms. Jarvis led a national campaign for the holiday. Her efforts gained
Anna’s Rough Patch! April 30, 2026 By Katy Walsh, Chief Development Officer I met Anna for coffee recently. I wanted to check in on her journey. I also had something special to share—her Distinguished Panelist Award from RedMane Technology. Anna had spoken so powerfully during their February webinar, The Intersection Between Data and Trauma-Informed Practice:
One Word, Two Worlds! April 23, 2026 A 12-year old girl is suspended for saying a curse word. By Michelle Mason, Kids Connected Care Coordinator There are moments in this work when the truth hits you harder than the incident itself. Not because the child’s behavior was extreme, but because the adults responsible for her
Monthly Love Letters! April 16, 2026 In a world where uncertainty often defines the day-to-day reality for families experiencing homelessness, recurring donations provide something invaluable: consistency. Monthly giving ensures that organizations like Primo Center can plan, respond, and deliver services with stability and confidence. It transforms generosity from a single moment into sustained impact—keeping shelter
VNA Foundation Grant… Game Changer! April 6, 2026 By Katy Walsh, Chief Development Officer Primo Center is proud to announce a transformative investment from the VNA Foundation—a $71,000 grant that will expand access to critical mental health services for families experiencing homelessness across Chicago. This funding comes at a pivotal moment, as Primo’s clients are
