Rooted in Chicago. Built on hope.
We’re preparing to open a small, trauma-informed housing program for girls in DCFS care, ages 12 to 19. A place to feel seen, find stability, and grow toward adulthood.
Program in development. We are not yet accepting placements.
Small by design. Steady by intention.
Lasting relationships
Trauma-informed care
Room to grow
01 / Our mission
Our mission is to provide housing services for youth in care, ages 12 to 19. We believe a safe home starts with people who show up, listen, and keep showing up.
We are building toward a small group home for girls ages 12 to 16, with a transitional living program planned for year two. The goal is to help young women move toward independence with trusted relationships beside them.
Fewer beds. Longer relationships.
Real preparation for adulthood.
02 / The program we’re building
Our planned model connects a small group home with a next step toward independent living, so growing older can mean moving forward with support.
A planned group home for two to four girls, subject to DCFS licensing. A small setting centered on everyday stability, school continuity, and care that responds to each young person.
A planned transitional living placement for young women growing beyond the group home. Semi-independent living with practical preparation and continued clinical support.
Our goal: the same trusted relationships, through the next chapter.
Both phases are in development. Timing depends on licensing, funding, and a suitable home.
03 / Our services
Programs we plan to offer alongside our residential work, open to schools, congregations, and community partners.
Sessions for staff, church members, and community partners on youth development, trauma-informed practice, and supporting young people in care.
Anxiety and depression workshops, plus trauma and stress management groups, led by qualified clinicians.
Personal care and hygiene essentials distributed to students who may face barriers accessing these necessities.
04 / Our approach
The way we plan to work is as important as the home we hope to open.
A small resident count creates room for connection. Our model puts consistent, trusted adults at the center of care.
The planned transition from ages 12 through 19 is built around continuity, with support that grows as young women do.
Trauma-informed practice guides our plans, with mental health and substance-use support woven into everyday care.
We’re exploring local housing and funding opportunities to build a home connected to the community around it.
Founder & Executive Director
05 / The person behind the purpose
MA · QMHP · CADC
Faith Jefferson is a community advocate, workforce development professional, and mental health practitioner with more than fifteen years of experience serving individuals and families through nonprofit and community-based programs. Her career has centered on helping people overcome barriers, recognize their potential, and build lasting pathways toward stability, healing, and success.
Her practice spans a wide range of populations: individuals navigating substance use recovery, youth and families involved with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), homeless veterans, and adults living with serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia. Working across these communities has sharpened her understanding of the layered social, emotional, and systemic barriers that shape people’s lives.
Faith earned her Associate Degree in Addiction Studies and became a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in 2015. She went on to complete her Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Chicago State University. Her academic path reflects a belief in lifelong learning and in combining knowledge, compassion, and practical support to produce meaningful change.
Faith’s deepest passion is her work with young women and girls. She is committed to creating opportunities for them to see beyond their circumstances, discover their strengths, and understand that their present does not have to define their future. Her work is driven by a desire to be the change she once needed: someone offering encouragement, guidance, advocacy, and genuine support at the moments that matter most.
Faith’s approach to service is grounded in one foundational principle: Love. She believes lasting transformation begins when people feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. Whether her work takes her into mental health, workforce development, education, or community engagement, she meets people where they are and helps them move toward where they want to be.
Her personal mission is simple: serve with purpose, lead with compassion, and be the change she wants to see in the lives of others. Her passion is rooted in Love.
06 / Resources
If you or someone you love needs support today, start here. These are independent services, separate from Broken to Peace.
Call or text 988 to reach a trained counselor, 24 hours a day. Free and confidential. Learn what to expect ↗
Text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor by text, any time of day or night. Visit Crisis Text Line ↗
Everyday support for mental health and self-care: SAMHSA National Helpline, The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ youth, and NAMI for family support.
In an emergency, call 911. The resources above are provided for information only. Broken to Peace does not operate a crisis line and cannot respond to urgent mental health needs.
07 / Connect with the mission
For young people and families, caseworkers, future partners, and neighbors: here is how we’re preparing to connect.
Our home is still in development and cannot accept placements or respond to requests for help yet. Support available now is listed below.
[email protected]Planned address · not activeFuture program information and referral conversations for girls ages 12 to 16. Intake details will follow once the program is ready.
[email protected]Planned address · not activeFuture conversations with foundations, businesses, faith communities, and government organizations about bringing this home to life.
[email protected]Planned address · not activeFuture contact for volunteer interest, board recruitment, media inquiries, and other ways to be part of the work.
[email protected]Planned address · not activeNeed crisis support now? See our Resources section for 988, Crisis Text Line, and other help you can reach today.