About LEAD

Mission Statement

Making a difference in the community...

LEAD™ supports parents and other adults shaping the future of our youth and is dedicated to promoting healthy family relationships and preventing alcohol, tobacco, drug use, and other risky behavior by youth.

LEAD's goals' include...

• EMPOWERING parents with knowledge and skills.
• RAISING awareness of the importance of strong families in the prevention of risky behavior.
• ENCOURAGING the community to UNITE against underage drinking and other risky behavior.

We make this happen through...

LEAD's work in the community...

• PRESENT workshops focusing on core parenting skills and issues facing our families today. Topics include teen risky behaviors, cyberspace, social and emotional wellness, communicating & setting boundaries.
• CREATED the award-winning "Our Stories" DVD, viewed by over 2,000 parents and teens and added to the Lake Forest High School Health Department curriculum. (Other local high schools are using the DVD)
• DEVELOPED & DISTRIBUTED prevention materials across Lake County to educate ALL on the harmful effects of underage drinking.

Supporters for LEAD

• Volunteers
• In-kind Donations
• Financial Supporters
• Collaborative Partners
• SpeakUp! Coalition Members

How We Fund What We Do...

Percentages based on our 2008-09 fiscal year. We expect to rely even more heavily on individual and private donations going forward.

• United Way 23%
• Fundraising Events 22%
• Individual & Private Foundations 20%
• Local Government & Schools 18%
• Churches & Civic Groups 9%
• Other income 8%

Please support LEAD. DONATE NOW.

The LEAD staff includes:
Betty Frank Bailey, Executive Director LEAD and Speak Up Prevention Coalition
Karen Cunningham, Program Director
Stephanie Cook, Development Manager
Liz Pinn, Communications Manager

Cheryl Pettit also assists LEAD with bookkeeping and taxes.

Board of Directors
Kristie Finley, Secretary
Heather Hale, Board President
Ellen Leemputte, Director
Jillian Lowe, Director
Sue Lyman, Vice President
Steve Malin, Treasurer
Greg Nikitas, Director
Kathy O'Hara, Director
Julie Reichenberger, Director
Deborahanne Reimer, Director
Bill Ries, Director
Carl Scichili, Director
Skoo Walker, Director

History
The idea for a parent education group began in 1986 when a community-wide meeting identified drug abuse problems as a mounting concern in the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff area. In 1991, LEAD (Linking Efforts Against Drugs)was formed to work with local schools, parent groups, law enforcement and other community partners to support and coordinate programs for awareness and prevention of alcohol and drug use by youth. Programs have been expanded to include support for parents to develop strong families and healthy youth in grades pre-k through 12 grade.

LEAD, a United Way agency, serves Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Knollwood, and the surrounding communities.

LEAD is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with offices at the Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045