Award ceremony commemorates International Human Rights Day: "Our Everyday Essentials"
CHIGAGO – Deputy Governor of Health and Human Services (HHS), Grace Hou, and Director of Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), Jim Bennett, today presented IDHR’s annual Human Rights Awards to Youth Outlook and Mano a Mano Family Resource Center in recognition of International Human Rights Day, December 10, during a ceremony at 555 W. Monroe St., Chicago.
Youth Outlook’s and Mano a Mano Family Resource Center’s work embodies the fundamental principle that human rights are everyday essentials for all Illinoisans. International Human Rights Day takes on a greater significance in the U.S. as the federal government seeks to roll back civil rights protections.
"Human rights begin with us. When we speak up against unfairness and listen to those whose voices are often ignored, we build a culture of dignity around us," said Governor JB Pritzker. "I’m proud to congratulate Youth Outlook and Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, two organizations that embody what it means to stand up for human rights. Their essential work in Illinois is more important now than ever. As the federal government continues its hateful attacks against the LGBTQ+ community and immigrant families, these organizations are here to remind us: In Illinois, you belong.”
Youth Outlook, founded in 1998, is Illinois' first and longest-running social service agency solely dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Serving young people ages 5-24 throughout northern and central Illinois, Youth Outlook provides drop-in centers, family support programs, health and wellness navigation, and community education—creating affirming spaces where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.
“Being recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Rights is deeply validating, because it tells our youth and families that their lives and stories matter to this state,” said Youth Outlook Executive Director Nancy Mullen. “This award belongs to every young person who has walked through our Drop-In Center doors, every parent who has chosen to reach out for support, and every volunteer and staff member who has shown up day after day for the last 27 years. It strengthens our resolve to keep building an Illinois where LGBTQ+ youth are safe, supported, and celebrated in every community.”
Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, founded in 2000 in Round Lake Park, serves over 10,000 individuals annually across Lake and McHenry Counties. As the only comprehensive immigrant-serving agency in those counties, Mano a Mano provides culturally and linguistically responsive services including immigration legal assistance, Know Your Rights workshops in eight languages, and programs supporting family integration and civic participation. Mano a Mano provided critical Know Your Rights trainings during Operation Midway Blitz.
“Human rights are not abstract principles for the families we serve, they are the difference between safety and fear, stability and crisis, belonging and exclusion,” said Mano a Mano Executive Director Dulce Ortiz. “At Mano a Mano, we believe every immigrant family deserves dignity, access to opportunity, and the freedom to live without the terror of being torn apart. Our holistic model, spanning health access, legal support, education, economic mobility, and rapid-response mutual aid—exists because human rights must be protected in both policy and practice.”
"These organizations embody Illinois' commitment to protecting human dignity for everyone," said Deputy Governor Grace Hou. "Whether supporting LGBTQ+ youth who need affirming spaces or immigrant families navigating complex systems, Youth Outlook and Mano a Mano ensure that our most vulnerable community members have access to the services and support that are their human right. Their work reflects the best of who we are as Illinoisans."
"Both of these organizations understand that human rights work is not theoretical—it's about ensuring that every person can access the everyday essentials of a dignified life," said IDHR Director Jim Bennett. "Youth Outlook and Mano a Mano are on the front lines, defending the rights of communities that too often face discrimination and exclusion. Their work makes Illinois stronger, and we are honored to recognize their leadership."
The annual Illinois Human Rights Award recognizes organizations and individuals whose work advances civil rights, promotes equity, and ensures that all Illinoisans can live with dignity. This year's ceremony commemorates the United Nations' International Human Rights Day theme "Our Everyday Essentials," emphasizing that human rights are the fundamental needs we all rely on daily—from healthcare and education to safety and opportunity.
About the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR)
The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) enforces the Illinois Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in connection with employment opportunities, housing and real estate transactions, access to financial credit, and the availability of public services and public accommodations, including educational institutions. Any Illinoisan who believes they have been a victim of discrimination can file a complaint with IDHR within 2 years of the date of the incident (effective Jan. 1, 2025) or within one year of a housing violation. To file a complaint with IDHR, call (877) 236-7703 or 7-1-1 for *TTY users or visit dhr.illinois.gov/filing-a-charge.
To learn more, download our media kit and follow IDHR on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.
Photo Captions:
01: Deputy Governor of Health and Human Services, Grace Hou, and Mano a Mano Family Resource Center Executive Director, Dulce Ortiz, pose for a photo during Illinois Department of Human Rights’ 2025 Human Rights Awards ceremony, December 10, in Chicago. Mano a Mano Family Resource Center is a recipient of the 2025 Illinois Human Rights Award in recognition of International Human Rights Day, December 10. The annual award recognizes organizations and individuals whose work advances civil rights, promotes equity, and ensures that all Illinoisans can live with dignity. (Photo provided by Illinois Department of Human Rights)
02: Director of Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), Jim Bennett, and Youth Outlook Executive Director, Nancy Mullen, pose for a photo during IDHR’s 2025 Human Rights Awards ceremony, December 10, in Chicago. Youth Outlook is a recipient of the 2025 Illinois Human Rights Award in recognition of International Human Rights Day, December 10. The annual award recognizes organizations and individuals whose work advances civil rights, promotes equity, and ensures that all Illinoisans can live with dignity. (Photo provided by Illinois Department of Human Rights)
03: Members and supporters of Mano a Mano Family Resource Center and Youth Outlook pose for a photo with Deputy Governor of Health and Human Services, Grace Hou, and Director of Illinois Department of Human Rights, Jim Bennett, during Illinois Department of Human Rights’ 2025 Human Rights Awards ceremony, December 10, in Chicago. Mano a Mano Family Resource Center and Youth Outlook are the recipients of the 2025 Illinois Human Rights Award in recognition of International Human Rights Day, December 10. The annual award recognizes organizations and individuals whose work advances civil rights, promotes equity, and ensures that all Illinoisans can live with dignity. (Photo provided by Illinois Department of Human Rights)
To unsubscribe or modify your subscription click the following link https://www.illinois.gov/about/communications-management.html?ui=77D5B485-638C-412E-8EC0-17D0707FA9EB. Please do not forward this email to other individuals or they will have access to your e-Subscription account settings.