About Us
Our Mission
Mission:
At Shine Within Inc., our mission is to empower children and families in underserved communities by providing exposure, safe environments, warmth, acceptance, genuineness, empathy, and respect. Through our programs and initiatives, we strive to create positive and transformative experiences that uplift and inspire, paving the way for brighter futures and a more equitable society. Our ultimate goal is to not only empower individuals but also to create generational wealth within our community, ensuring long-term prosperity and opportunity for future generations.
Vision:
Our vision is to create equitable opportunities that establish a strong foundation, empowering all underserved communities to achieve future success in life.
Problem Addressed:
Our organization addresses the challenges faced by underserved communities, where individuals lack exposure, safe environments, and essential elements for personal growth. Limited opportunities hinder future success for these communities.
Solution:
Shine Within Inc. proposes a comprehensive solution by providing exposure, creating safe and secure environments, and fostering a supportive foundation built on warmth, acceptance, genuineness, empathy, and respect. This approach aims to empower underserved communities, offering them the tools and support needed for meaningful and lasting transformations.
Our staff & volunteers
Founder/Executive Director: LuAnna Handley
Email: luannah@shinewithin.org
Meet LuAnna Handley, a versatile professional with a culinary arts degree, an early learning teaching certificate, a CDL license, and ongoing studies in social work. From kitchen mastery to school bus navigation, LuAnna has a diverse skill set. As a teacher at a migrant Head Start program, LuAnna advocated for families facing hardships, solidifying a commitment to being a voice for underserved communities. Currently advancing in social work, LuAnna aims to make a meaningful difference and be a catalyst for positive change.
Chief Advocacy Director: Stephanie Burl H.
Chief Advocacy Director: Stephanie Burl H.
Email: stephanie@shinewithin.org
Stephanie Burl-Hughes has had a passion for serving children and families since her teens. Her background in the non-profit sectors can best be described as a blend of youth work, family advocacy, and community collaborations. Over the last two decades, she has poured into the lives of at risk children and families in the DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, and Kendall areas. Stephanie earned her Master’s Degree and clinical counseling from Walden University and is a licensed professional counselor LPC. Stephanie is committed to work towards equality for communities of color and to advocate for those individuals who cannot advocate for themselves.
Stephanie Burl-Hughes LPC, NCC
Chief Advocacy Director
Board Members
LuAnna Handley
FOUNDER
Meet LuAnna Handley, a versatile professional with a culinary arts degree, an early learning teaching certificate, a CDL license, and ongoing studies in social work. From kitchen mastery to school bus navigation, LuAnna has a diverse skill set. As a teacher at a migrant Head Start program, LuAnna advocated for families facing hards
FOUNDER
Meet LuAnna Handley, a versatile professional with a culinary arts degree, an early learning teaching certificate, a CDL license, and ongoing studies in social work. From kitchen mastery to school bus navigation, LuAnna has a diverse skill set. As a teacher at a migrant Head Start program, LuAnna advocated for families facing hardships, solidifying a commitment to being a voice for underserved communities. Currently advancing in social work, LuAnna aims to make a meaningful difference and be a catalyst for positive change.
Sara Gray
BOARD MEMBER
Experienced Director, Family Worker, and Early Childhood Educator with a demonstrated history of working with families below the poverty line.
Committed to building engaged communities around common goals through dialog, education, and
partnerships. Active community and social service professional with an MS in Nonprofit Man
BOARD MEMBER
Experienced Director, Family Worker, and Early Childhood Educator with a demonstrated history of working with families below the poverty line.
Committed to building engaged communities around common goals through dialog, education, and
partnerships. Active community and social service professional with an MS in Nonprofit Management & Leadership from Walden University and a Bachelor’s Degree focused on Concentrations in Education & Social Sciences from Northeastern Illinois University.
EdShondra L. Coney
EdShondra L. Coney
BOARD MEMBER
Toxicology Program Manager