Who We Are.
How We Work.
Benefit Illinois is a public-private partnership working to connect more eligible people to the public benefit programs they qualify for.
By advancing solutions across programs and across sectors, Benefit Illinois is transforming the safety net to center around the needs of low-income people so that more Illinoisans receive the supports they need.
Our Values
We take a data-driven and stakeholder-centered approach to focus our efforts where they are needed most and advance strategies that are both impactful and actionable:
Grounded in Data. Exploring data and research helps us better understand which programs have under-enrollment, by which populations, in which parts of the state, and for what reasons.
Working Holistically. From learning about programs to determining eligibility, we’re examining each phase of the enrollment process to identify opportunities to make it easier for families to enroll and stay enrolled.
Guided by People. To ensure successful solutions, we’re integrating diverse perspectives on the safety net: administrators designing and delivering programs; individuals participating in programs; organizations helping people apply; and advocates advancing ways to make programs work better.
Focused on Impact. As we explore and implement solutions, we’re assessing their reach and the time and resources needed to implement them so we can advance strategies that are both high-impact and actionable.
Our Process
We began our work with a comprehensive and inclusive scoping process. We examined each phase of public benefit enrollment to understand what barriers drive under-enrollment in programs. We reviewed data and research and talked with a range of stakeholders, including program participants, program administrators, community organizations, and subject matter experts.
To develop an action plan, we convened advisory bodies to further identify and prioritize solutions that are both impactful and actionable.
We are now working to implement solutions to strengthen individual programs and improve how safety net programs work together.
Our Partners
Our work is informed by stakeholders touching every facet of the safety net, from policy and funding; design and delivery; to utilization and advocacy.
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Our Scoping Steering Committee included leaders of organizations that operate benefit programs or provide services to a range of populations and geographies. The Steering Committee advised on project direction and helped identify key pieces of the strategy.
Greater Chicago Food Depository, Kate Maehr, Executive Director & CEO
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Lawrence Benito, Executive Director
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Elizabeth Whitehorn, Director
Illinois Department of Human Services, Dulce Quintero, Secretary
Illinois Department on Aging, Mary Killough, Director
Office of Governor JB Pritzker, Grace Hou, Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services
Senior Services Plus, Emily Jackson, Director of Development
Shriver Center on Poverty Law, Audra Wilson, CEO
Southern Illinois Community Foundation, Byram Fager, CEO
Start Early, Celena Sarillo, Executive Director
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Our Advisory Group was comprised of subject matter experts representing diverse populations and public benefit programs. The Advisory Group developed the details of workplan recommendations. They also identified other stakeholders to provide input and inform strategy development:
AIDS Foundation Chicago, Nadeen Israel, Senior Vice President, Policy & Advocacy
AARP Illinois, Courtney Hedderman, Senior Associate State Director, Advocacy & Outreach
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Niya Kelly, Director of State Legislative Policy, Equity, and Transformation
Economic Security Illinois, Erion Malasi, Illinois Policy and Advocacy Director
Greater Chicago Food Depository, Sophie Milam, Special Policy Advisor
Illinois Action for Children, Chris Tokarski, Vice President of Family and Provider Resources
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Luvia Quiñones, Senior Director of Health Policy
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Dorian Manion, Chief of Staff, Division of Medical Programs
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Emma Watters Reardon, Director of Policy
Illinois Department of Human Services, Mahi Mahmood, Senior Healthcare & Human Services Strategy Officer
Latino Policy Forum, Jose Marco-Paredes, Vice President of Civic Engagement
New America Chicago, Meegan Dugan Adell, Director
Office of Governor JB Pritzker, Isabella Hurtado, Deputy First Assistant to the Deputy Governor, Health & Human Services
Start Early, Carie Bires, Director, Illinois Policy
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In addition to our advisory partners, Benefit Illinois seeks input from low-income households, community organizations, program providers, and policy experts. We gather input at each phase of the project, from identifying and understanding pain points to developing and implementing solutions. Input is collected through surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one or group meetings.
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Benefit Illinois is funded by Illinois’s philanthropic community, including an anonymous foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, the J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation, and The Steans Family Foundation.