sperofs-giving-catalog

Mt. Vernon First United Methodist Church Becomes First Sponsor of Bright Start Classroom

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:54:21 GMT

The congregation of Mt. Vernon First United Methodist Church, a longstanding pillar in the spiritual and civic life of the community, has become the first-ever sponsor of a Bright Start Early Learning Center Classroom. This milestone marks a new chapter in community collaboration, connecting local faith communities directly with early childhood education.

Mt. Vernon First UMC has a rich history of service, outreach, and compassion. Through efforts such as its Angels on Assignment ministry, the church has consistently responded to community needs — supporting families during times of hardship, creating opportunities for fellowship, and fostering environments where individuals of all ages can grow in faith. This newest initiative continues that legacy in a meaningful and forward-thinking way.

"The Building Looks Brighter": How One Team Is Bringing Wesley Campus Back to Life

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:11:24 GMT

When Spero Family Services took over the Wesley Church Campus in Mount Vernon, the potential was clear. So was the work ahead.

"When Spero took over, the campus looked tired ," says Cindy, who oversees facilities at the campus. "Facilities jumped right in and started to put some life back in it."

That was August 2025. Since then, the team has worked through the building systematically, doing the steady, unglamorous work that turns a tired space into one that actually serves people well.

Each item on that list is part of making the Wesley Campus fully ready for the people it's meant to serve. "Wesley will streamline how Spero collaborates by serving as a staff hub for many of our programs," Cindy shared. "Once the fellowship hall is fully revamped, it will become a venue for training that can serve multiple organizations, in addition to the Spero team."

That's the whole point of this renovation. Not a beautiful building for its own sake, but a functional, welcoming, safe place where effective training and education can happen for Spero, and the communities we serve.

The facilities team has done remarkable work with the resources available. What still needs to be done will take community investment to finish.

Your gift to the Wesley Campus through the Spero Giving Catalog helps complete what this team started — and keeps this building ready for every family that walks through its doors.

The Staff Behind The Wheel

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:44:56 GMT

"Just Doing Our Best": Meet The Staff Behind the Wheel

Every morning, before a single YouthBuild participant steps foot in the program, two staff members are already working.

They're checking tire pressure in a parking lot. Adjusting a side mirror that no longer holds its position. Unplugging a camera so the battery doesn't die overnight. They're thinking about traffic, about the commute from Centralia to Mount Vernon, about whether the van will make it — and about the young people counting on them to show up.

This is what transportation looks like at Spero Family Services. And the people doing it don't complain. They just do what it takes.

Beccah McConnaughay is a YouthBuild Case Aide and van driver. Her role goes well beyond getting participants from point A to point B. "I was hired on to YouthBuild as a van driver to transport participants from Centralia, Illinois to Mount Vernon," Beccah says. "I also drive participants to and from the work sites, tours, and community service projects. I also will take our participants to court, go get any legal documentation they may need, or take them driving so they can get their driver's license."

Every morning, she runs through her own checklist before the route begins.

"First thing in the morning when I get to work, before I start my morning, I am making sure the tires are full of air and that I plug in our camera," she says. " I do have to unplug the camera every time I get out of the van because it has been draining the battery, so I have had to jump start the van a few times. I also have to make sure the mirror on the driver's side is adjusted since the sensor does not work."

Jamie has been driving for YouthBuild since 2015, and she's seen the vehicles age over the last 10 years.

"The vehicles I am driving today are the same ones I started with over a decade ago," she says. "While we strictly follow scheduled maintenance, the vehicles are reaching a point where repairs can no longer mask their age. Their physical appearance is deteriorating, and more importantly, their reliability is failing. We have recently experienced minor breakdowns that required 'rescue' rides for our students, which is both stressful for the youth we serve and inefficient for our operations. Older vans become money pits as maintenance costs rise and fuel efficiency stays low."

She's proud of what the team does. And she's honest about its limits.

"I am proud of the work we do, but we are currently 'just doing our best' with equipment that is no longer up to the task."

Beccah puts it simply when asked what a better vehicle would actually change.

"[With a new vehicle I wouldn't be] worrying about the check lights coming on all the time" she says. " Just peace of mind in general while I drive, knowing my vehicle is safe for someone's child."

Someone's child. That's who is in the back seat.

Reliable transportation isn't a nice-to-have at Spero. It's the first step in showing a young person that someone cared enough to show up — safely, on time, and ready to invest in their future.

Support the people who show up every morning. Give through the Spero Giving Catalog today.

A Day in the Life at Bright Start Early Learning Center

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:56:32 GMT

Most childcare centers focus on supervision. At Bright Start Early Learning Center, we focus on transformation.

For children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, Bright Start provides more than quality early childhood education in Southern Illinois — we provide the foundation for lifelong learning, emotional security, and healthy development. Our teachers don't just watch children. They nurture, guide, and empower them.

But what does that actually look like on a Tuesday morning in the Twos classroom?

Bright Start: Where Every day Starts with "Good Morning, Friend"

We asked Ms. Lucille and Kadee, the lead teacher and assistant teacher in our Twos classroom, to walk us through their day. Here's what quality early learning looks like in real time — and how your support through the Spero Giving Catalog makes it possible.

That atmosphere isn't accidental. It's the result of intentional investment in quality early childhood education — classroom materials, teacher training, curriculum development, and facility improvements that donors like you make possible through the Spero Giving Catalog.

THE DAILY SCHEDULE

6:00-6:45 AM: Waking Up

Quality early childhood education starts long before children walk through the door.

Ms. Lucille starts her day with intentional preparation:

"My alarm goes off at 6:15 AM. I set it for 45 minutes early to fully get awake, make coffee while getting ready, and listen to a devotional series while drinking my coffee. This helps me prepare not just physically but mentally and spiritually every day."

Kadee has her own morning ritual that centers and focuses her for the day ahead:

"My morning ritual is important to me. I wake up at 6:00 AM, starting with getting dressed, skincare and vitamins. After that I pack my lunch alongside my partner, all while drinking my electrolytes. Jumping in the car, grabbing a coffee and arriving early."

Both teachers' morning routines reflect the dedication of every Bright Start educator. They arrive early, prepare thoughtfully, and show up fully present for the children in their care.

7:15-7:30 AM: Preparation Creates Safety

Kadee arrives at Bright Start with time to spare:

"I arrive about 7:15 — lateness is a fear of mine, so I'm always sure to be 15 minutes early. I clock in at 7:27 and start prepping the classroom at 7:30."

In those critical 15 minutes before children arrive, Kadee completes three important tasks:

Putting the chairs down — creating an accessible, welcoming space
Checking diaper supply — ensuring basic needs can be met throughout the day
Preparing cleaning solutions — maintaining health and safety standards

These aren't glamorous tasks. But they're essential. And they're only possible because donors provide the funding for adequate supplies, appropriate furniture, and safe cleaning materials.

Your Giving Catalog support ensures that teachers like Ms. Lucille and Kadee never have to choose between having enough diapers or enough cleaning supplies. Both are available, every single day.

7:30-8:15 AM: Every Child Deserves to Be Seen

The first interaction between teacher and child sets the tone for the entire day. Both Ms. Lucille and Kadee understand how critical these moments are.

Ms. Lucille focuses on personal connection:

"Greeting the child by name! I think that gives them a sense of belongingness, and for parents I think that gives them the feeling that their kids are safe and they will be fine, even if they have a hard time during drop-off."

Kadee brings warmth and enthusiasm to every greeting:

"I'm always smiling, being sure to welcome any and every child with open arms. Phrases I use are 'good morning friend' and 'it's so good to see you today!'"

Why does this matter so much? In Southern Illinois, many families face significant challenges — financial stress, housing instability, limited access to resources. For some children, Bright Start is the most stable, nurturing environment they experience all week, so that warm welcome isn't just nice. It's therapeutic. It's essential. And it's what your donations make possible by supporting teacher training in trauma-informed care and social-emotional development.

9:40 AM - 11:00 AM: Structure Creates Freedom

The late morning hours are where intentional curriculum meets child-led exploration. Both teachers work together to balance structure with flexibility.

Kadee explains their outdoor routine:

"We then play in centers until 9:40 unless we decide to go for a walk before, but the weather can prevent this. But if we do not walk, we head outside to play until 10:20."

Ms. Lucille adds depth to the indoor activities:

"If it's not too crazy I will start some crafts with them, sometimes by two's or individually. For me, circle time is most meaningful, where kids can be calmed down a little bit and learn. I can say they love our circle time."

Notice the rhythm: meals, play, outdoor time, circle time, crafts. This isn't random. It's developmentally appropriate practice — the gold standard in early childhood education.

Your Giving Catalog support funds:

Nutritious meals served family-style to build social skills
Age-appropriate learning centers with rotating materials
Safe outdoor play spaces with appropriate equipment
Circle time materials including books, songs, and sensory activities
Craft supplies for hands-on learning experiences

11:00 AM: The Most Meaningful Moment

When asked what moment stands out as most meaningful, Kadee didn't hesitate:

"Lunch is then ready at 11. This is one moment that is most meaningful to me, singing songs as the children find their seats. Being sure each friend is happy and eating plenty before naptime."

In that simple moment — singing songs while toddlers find their seats for lunch — Kadee creates routine, predictability, and joy. Children learn:

They belong
Their needs matter
Mealtimes are safe and pleasant
Adults can be trusted

For children experiencing instability, these lessons are life-changing.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Every Child Leaves Feeling Loved

As naptime ends and the day winds down, both teachers focus on making sure every child feels seen and celebrated.

Ms. Lucille describes the afternoon routine:

"After naptime, we have snacks, and kids have assigned seats so most of the time they know where to go. I give them the chance to put their blanket in the basket if it's our laundry day, and they like doing that. After snacks is free play and time outside if the weather permits, also time for me to finish some crafts with them."

Kadee focuses on connection during pickup:

"I personally put on fun songs, singing and dancing silly to make friends smile. As each friend is picked up, we give hugs and always end with 'see you tomorrow!'"

Ms. Lucille explains why this matters:

"I think that gives them a sense of assurance that they are loved and we are excited to have them again tomorrow."

The day ends the way it began: with connection. Every child is seen. Every child is hugged. Every child hears, "See you tomorrow" — a promise of stability and continuity.

After 3:30 PM: Why They Keep Coming Back

After the last child leaves, both teachers face their commute home. We asked them what makes them want to come back and do it all over again the next day.

Ms. Lucille's answer was simple and profound:

"No matter how busy or crazy the day was, I still call it 'a finished day'. What makes me keep doing what I'm doing? I love my kids."

Kadee reflected on the impact of her work:

"After everyone has gone home and things are much more quiet, I think about the 30 minute drive back home. Knowing that every child was fed, changed and had another good day makes me want to come back. It is important that children feel safe and are safe. And if I can be that for them, I will. Every day."

That commitment — "I will. Every day." — is what separates adequate childcare from transformative early childhood education.

And it's only sustainable when teachers are supported with:

Competitive wages
Adequate supplies
Ongoing professional development
Manageable class sizes
A mission-driven organization behind them

We asked both teachers to share specific moments where they saw a child have a breakthrough. Their answers capture everything Bright Start is about.

From Kadee:

"One child in our classroom always played by themselves, becoming frustrated when others would join. One day after some time with new friends, they came into class and joined a friend who was alone, and was interacting, talking, playing together. This brought slight tears to my eyes because loneliness as a young child may be harder as they grow. Seeing them grow the confidence to branch out was magical."

From Ms. Lucille:

"There was an instance that one kid dropped trash on the floor and another student saw it, and she told her friend, 'Hey, we don't throw trash on the floor - throw it in the trash can'. Listening to her brought a smile to my face. We are always reminding them that if we make a mess, we should clean it. That simple stuff carries through as they grow."

A lonely two-year-old learned to connect. A toddler reminded a friend to clean up after themselves. These aren't small things. Research shows that early social-emotional skills are the strongest predictors of long-term success — stronger than early academic skills.

Former Stewardson United Methodist Church Purchases New Van for Spero Family Services

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:18:02 GMT

The elders of the former Stewardson United Methodist Church recently made a generous and impactful investment in Spero Family Services by purchasing a new van through Spero’s Giving Catalog. This thoughtful decision came after church leadership took the time to carefully review the Giving Catalog, meet with representatives from Spero, and tour the campus to better understand the needs and mission of the organization. Recognizing the critical role transportation plays in the lives of the children served by Spero, the church chose to support the purchase of a van that will be used specifically to transport children to family visits and essential medical and social service appointments.

This meaningful donation is a strong reflection of Stewardson UMC’s commitment to supporting children and families. By addressing a practical and urgent need, the church has demonstrated its dedication to helping vulnerable children maintain important family connections and access vital services. Spero Family Services is deeply grateful for this partnership and the confidence Stewardson UMC has shown in the work we do every day.

“We are so thankful to Stewardson United Methodist Church for their thoughtful support and investment,” said Joe Bernard, CEO of Spero Family Services. “This van will play a vital role in safely connecting children with their families and ensuring they can attend necessary appointments. Their generosity directly enhances our ability to provide, reliable transportation, a service that is often taken for granted but is crucial to the well-being of the children in our care.”

Spero Family Services encourages members of the community, local congregations, and businesses interested in making a positive and lasting impact to explore the Spero Giving Catalog. This catalog offers a wide range of meaningful items and programs donors can choose to support, allowing for flexible opportunities to invest in the futures of children and the overall well-being of families. Whether it’s providing transportation, classroom supplies, or other essential resources, every contribution helps strengthen the foundation for children to thrive.

To learn more about how you or your organization can make a difference in your community, please visit sperogivingcatalog.com/.