Awards

Mothers Trust Foundation Receives 2011 Liberty Bell Award

On Wednesday, April 27, 2011, the Judges of the 19th Circuit Court presented Mothers Trust Foundation with the 2011 Liberty Bell Award. This award originated in the 1960's in Michigan to honor extraordinary service to the justice system and dedication to the furtherance of the administration of justice. The Circuit Court of Lake County has bestowed the honors since 1996. Chief Judge Victoria Rossetti presented the award, and cited the services provided by Mothers Trust Foundation to the children of Lake County who lack necessities and opportunities due to limited financial resources, as justification for the honor. The award was received by Cheri Richardson, Executive Director of Mothers Trust Foundation, and Barbara Monsor, Founder and Board Member. Mothers Trust has been particularly helpful to wards of the Juvenile Court by providing its niche funding for needs not met by traditional sources. Grants approved by the foundation have provided enrichment and semblance of a normal life through offering opportunities for summer camp, school fees, music lessons, and seasonal clothes to the poorest and most vulnerable children in Lake County.

Also recognized was Roycealee Wood, Illinois Regional Superintendent of Schools, who was presented with the individual Liberty Bell Award for her contribution to the welfare of Lake County's youth and commitment to activities which further the administration of justice, including her vital support of the annual Red Ribbon Rally and Law Day activities. Mrs. Wood is also a member of the Mothers Trust Board of Directors.

The Guest Speaker at the event was Mark D. Hassakis, President of the Illinois State Bar Association, who commended the 19th Circuit Court for its advances in reducing recidivism of children and youth in the Juvenile Justice System.

Barbara Monsor Receives 2010 Rotarian Award

Bill Rickert presents to Barbara Monsor the Service Above Self Award.

Barbara Monsor, MTF Founder and Executive Director Emeritus, was honored by the Libertyville Sunrise Rotary Club with the club's "Service Above Self Award."

Barbara was selected based on her service efforts on behalf of children and families in Lake County; her hard work and efforts have improved the quality of life of thousands of children.

Pictured behind Barbara Monsor, left to right: Larry Neal, Theo Figliulo, Jim Monsor, Allison Pasquesi, Mike Monsor, Joannie Keller, and Cheri Richardson.

For more than 10 years, she served as the volunteer Executive Director of Mothers Trust Foundation who sought to make a difference to children in need or crisis. Barbara saw a compelling need and decided to do something about it. Her vision, commitment and dedication to the cause of underprivileged children made Mothers Trust Foundation the vital organization it is today.

Because of Barbara Monsor, Mothers Trust Foundation continues making a difference in the lives of children, one child at a time.

MTF Receives 2009 Catholic Charities Award

Pictured above, left to right: Father Michael Boland, Catholic Charities Administrator, President and CEO; Cheri Richardson, Mothers Trust Foundation Executive Director; Nancy Wells, MTF Service Committee Chair; and Ray Swaback, Catholic Charities of Lake County Services Board of Advisors, Chair.

Mothers Trust Foundation was the recipient of a 2009 Special Recognition Award from Catholic Charities. The award recognized Mothers Trust "For Your Dedicated Support of Catholic Charities" and was presented by, the Catholic Charities Lake County Services Board of Advisors to Cheri Richardson, Mothers Trust Foundation Executive Director

Partnerships with organizations such as Catholic Charities allow Mothers Trust to provide the requested assistance. Currently MTF alone does not have the staff, time or ability to vet the families and children in need as do those who work directly with them.

Mothers Trust values the collaboration with our service partners in our efforts to help clients receive the best possible result. Referrals from, and cooperation among, agencies allows us to serve our clients more thoroughly and efficiently.

2007 Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Volunteer Center Award

In 2007, Mothers Trust Foundation's founder, Barbara Monsor, was honored with a Lifetime of Service Award from the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Volunteer Center.

2007 Jefferson Awards

NBC-5 in Chicago selected Barbara as one of eight local finalists for a 2007 Jefferson Award for public service.

Although we have many accomplishments, there is much left to do to achieve our goal of providing emergency assistance to the children of Lake County. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to help - an opportunity given to us by our donors.

Thank you for your support