Community Partner Spotlight: One Hope United
One Hope United
Damon Cates, PhD
President & CEO, One Hope United (OHU)
About this Partner
Mission
One Hope United (OHU) is a nonprofit providing early childhood education, child and family services, behavioral and mental health resources, and residential programs for 130 years. OHU proudly serves over 10,000 children and families each year across Illinois and Florida. Through evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, OHU empowers children and families to see and create a future where, regardless of their past, they can reach their full potential.
CEO
Dr. Damon Cates has served as President & CEO of OHU since 2024. He has led fundraising efforts at state and federal levels, built stronger relationships with legislative leaders, guided OHU through COA reaccreditation, and launched initiatives to strengthen teamwork, storytelling, and the OHU Promise. Damon received a BA from Millikin University, an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and an EdD from the University of Pennsylvania. Damon was also appointed by Governor JB Pritzker to the Illinois Youth Budget Commission in 2023 and DCFS’ Child Welfare Advisory Committee in 2024.
Services Offered
We work hand-in-hand with children and families, using a trauma-informed approach that fosters safety, empowerment, and healing. Our childcare centers across Chicagoland provide nurturing environments for children from infancy through age 12. Through foster care and adoption, we help create loving, stable families for children in need. Our family and youth support teams offer counseling, outreach, and guidance to those facing challenges, while our mental health services deliver compassionate therapy to strengthen relationships and improve quality of life. We also provide residential care in safe, supportive homes where young people can heal and thrive.
Current Projects
We are currently expanding our Hope House program to support youth who are involved in the child welfare system. Hope Houses operate as family homes—regular houses in typical neighborhoods—each housing up to four youth at a time. We emphasize genuine connection, understanding, love, and acceptance, while advocating for youth in all aspects of life—from court involvement to their journey toward successful adulthood. This year we will open five new Hope Houses across Illinois.
Organizational Impact to the Community
Last year, we served 9,271 children, adults, and families. In our Early Learning and Child Development Centers, we cared for 1,015 children. We helped 805 children achieve permanency through reunification, adoption, or guardianship. In our Intact Family Services program, 92% of families successfully stayed together, and at our Hope Houses, 78% of youth maintained a stable placement.
Funding Sources
In fiscal year 2024, OHU’s funding came primarily from government sources (81%), with additional support from private sources (12%), non-operating income (5%), and the remainder from philanthropy, program fees, and other small streams.
About this Spotlight
