Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton Honored with Lifetime Caregiver Award
Dear Me Care Circle, a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization, will present its Third Annual Dear Me Care Circle Pre–Mother’s Day Awards Brunch honoring caregivers on May 2, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. in Chicago.
Founded by Wynona Redmond, based on her own personal journey, Dear Me Care Circle empowers family caregivers and provides them with vital resources, education and emotional support to help them care for loved ones while prioritizing their own mental and physical health.
Under the theme “Love Bears All Things,” the Third Annual Dear Me Care Circle Pre-Mother’s Day Awards Brunch will recognize the extraordinary dedication of caregivers while offering an uplifting and joyful experience for all mothers and family members who attend.
Guests will enjoy a warm and welcoming brunch experience and meaningful moments of recognition that celebrate the compassion, strength, and resilience of those who care for others.
“Caregiving is hard, heart work—both demanding and rewarding at the same time. Mother’s Day is one of the most cherished family celebrations, and this event is our way of honoring those professional caregivers and families who do an exceptional job caring for loved ones every day,” said Redmond.
Blending heartfelt tributes with a vibrant, celebratory spirit, the event provides caregivers an opportunity to relax, connect, and be honored in a memorable way.
The program will also acknowledge those who may be grieving this Mother’s Day, offering a supportive and inclusive environment grounded in community, reflection, and care.
Awards will be presented in a variety of categories. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton will be the Heart of a Leader Lifetime Caregiver Award honoree. Cook County Commissioners Stanley Moore, Tara Stamps, Alderman Emma Mitts and Assistant Majority Leader Senator Mattie Hunter will receive Policymaker Heart of a Leader Awards.
Mother Corine Little will receive the Mother of Faith Award. Pastor Chris Harris, Pastor Jeanette Jordan and Pastor Floyd D. James will receive the Caring Heart Clergy Awards. Melinda Kelly, Vanessa Taliferro, Yvette Moyo and Mable Buckner will receive Family Champion Caregiver Awards. LaShun James will receive the Professional Caring Heart Award. The Tracey Alston Family will receive Caregivers of the Year honors. The late Helen Robinson will receive a Mother of Faith Award posthumously.
As a part of the program, grief recovery specialist, author and honoree Dr. Portia Lockett will present a special tribute honoring women caregivers.
A panel discussion, “Caring for Our Queens: A Conversation on Policies, Challenges and Resources,” will be moderated by radio personality and caregiver Marseil Jackson of “The Brunch Bunch.” The panelists are:
- Pastor Jeanette Jordan, Dementia Dignified Academy
- Afrika Porter, Afrika Enterprises
- LaShun James, Addus Homecare
- Taylor Alston, First Ladies Health Initiative
For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.dearmecarecircleevents.org and/or call 708-435-0221.
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