When Empowerment Joins Forces: Tocarra Eldridge-Robinson and Teresa Jones is Building Legacy and Lifting Community
When Tocarra Eldridge-Robinson, founder and Executive Director of Still I Rise, and Teresa Jones, owner of Fierce Financial Planning Services Inc., join forces, their shared vision for community empowerment becomes something far greater than the sum of its parts. Together, the two women have created a collaborative model of leadership that continues to uplift families, empower youth, and inspire community engagement throughout Kankakee.
Last year, the dynamic duo demonstrated the power of collaboration during their 8th Annual Back-to-School Supply Giveaway, an event that brought excitement, unity, and resources to hundreds of local families. Through their partnership, they were able to distribute nearly 800 backpacks filled with school supplies to children in the community. But the event went far beyond school supplies. Families were welcomed into a festive environment filled with entertainment, food trucks, face painters, hair braiders, community organizations, and both local and national sponsors.
The event has become a highly anticipated annual tradition, one that represents more than charity. It reflects a commitment to community care, strategic collaboration, and a belief that collective action can create meaningful change.
Their partnership itself began through a simple introduction by a mutual acquaintance. What started as a friendship quickly evolved into a working relationship built on mutual respect and shared values. Interestingly, their collaboration often operates in a modern and unconventional way. Much of their planning and coordination happens through text messages, emails, and occasional phone calls, with the two primarily coming together publicly for media appearances or community events.
Despite their busy schedules and separate businesses, the connection between them remains strong.
“Working together with Teresa has been an amazing venture,” Eldridge-Robinson says. “We both have separate businesses, but when we unite to collaborate on community events, the connection, sisterhood, and the vision is real. Teresa is a very humble being and extremely easy to work with. She’s an avid listener and we bounce ideas off one another to bring incredible concepts to the forefront.”
Jones shares similar sentiments about their partnership.
“It feels amazing to work with someone who shares many of the same goals about helping the community,” she explains. “When you have someone who thinks the same way you do about a common mission, it helps balance everything.”
For both women, success has never been defined by recognition or public praise. Instead, it is rooted in perseverance, authenticity, and service.
“The keys to my success have been my everlasting perseverance, tireless work ethic, passion for giving back, and always believing in myself,” says Eldridge-Robinson. “This work requires a lot of effort, but the inner reward of joy and accomplishment is indescribable.”
Jones echoes a similar philosophy.
“The key to my success is staying true to myself,” she says. “Standing firm in what I believe in, giving back to the community, and never forgetting where I came from.”
Both women are driven by deep personal motivations. Eldridge-Robinson credits her determination to an internal drive that has guided her throughout life.
“My motivation comes from within,” she says. “When I set my mind to accomplishing something, I begin executing immediately. Obstacles may appear along the way, but my inner drive does not allow them to derail my vision.”
Jones says her motivation is rooted in legacy.
“I want to create something meaningful that I can leave behind for my loved ones,” she explains. “I’m also motivated by helping others succeed. I truly enjoy seeing people win.”
Their professional backgrounds reflect years of dedication and education. Eldridge-Robinson holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, credentials she uses to guide the work of Still I Rise, an organization she founded in 2014 that has served thousands of individuals throughout the region.
Jones brings more than two decades of financial expertise to her work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Accountancy, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a concentration in Accounting, and an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Accounting. Since 1998, she has worked in accounting and finance while building her company, Fierce Financial Planning Services, into a trusted resource for individuals and businesses seeking financial guidance.
Both women have celebrated impressive accomplishments along the way. Still I Rise was named Kankakee County Nonprofit of the Year in 2021 and also received the NAACP President’s Award that same year. Eldridge-Robinson was honored with the John Fulton Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2023 and has experienced success as a professional recording artist with songs appearing on the iTunes charts.
Their professional backgrounds reflect years of dedication and education. Eldridge-Robinson holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, credentials she uses to guide the work of Still I Rise, an organization she founded in 2014 that has served thousands of individuals throughout the region.
Jones brings more than two decades of financial expertise to her work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Accountancy, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a concentration in Accounting, and an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Accounting. Since 1998, she has worked in accounting and finance while building her
company, Fierce Financial Planning Services, into a trusted resource for individuals and businesses seeking financial guidance.
Both women have celebrated impressive accomplishments along the way. Still I Rise was named Kankakee County Nonprofit of the Year in 2021 and also received the NAACP President’s Award that same year. Eldridge-Robinson was honored with the John Fulton Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2023 and has experienced success as a professional recording artist with songs appearing on the iTunes charts.
Jones considers some of her greatest accomplishments closer to home.
“Being a mother and grandmother is my greatest accomplishment,” she says. “I’m also proud to be the first person in my family to earn a master’s degree and to operate a successful, legally registered business for more than five years.”
Like many entrepreneurs, their journeys have not been without challenges. For Eldridge-Robinson, personal loss tested her resilience during critical moments in her work.
Within a four-year period, she lost several close family members, including her younger brother, grandmother, grandfather, and father. Yet even in grief, she continued to carry forward her mission.
“One of the most difficult moments came just days before our Back-to-School event when my grandmother passed away,” she recalls. “I briefly considered canceling, but I knew she believed in the work we were doing. Continuing the event felt like honoring her legacy.”
Jones notes that running a business in Kankakee as a Black woman can present its own unique challenges.
“Finding adequate staffing and access to funding can be difficult,” she explains. “Sometimes there are stereotypes and expectations placed on you. But I’ve learned to stay focused on the bigger picture and move wisely.”
Despite the obstacles, both women remain committed to breaking stereotypes surrounding collaboration within the Black community. Their partnership stands as proof that unity can lead to greater progress.
“Trust and shared vision are important,” Eldridge-Robinson says. “There is no competition between us. We maintain a community-based mindset.”
The two also acknowledge that Kankakee, like many communities, faces challenges related to unity.
“There are definitely people working together for the greater good,” Jones says. “But there is still division. Sometimes people feel their light will dim if they collaborate with others, when the opposite is actually true.”
Regardless of those challenges, both women remain deeply connected to their hometown and committed to its growth.
“I’ve always believed in giving back,” Eldridge-Robinson says. “Helping others has always been a part of my DNA.”
Jones agrees.
“If we don’t give back to our own community, who will?” she says. “Giving back, even when faced with negativity, says a lot about who you are.”
Their dedication to youth remains at the center of their work. As role models, both women encourage young people to remain confident, disciplined, and committed to their goals.
“Stay true to yourself,” Eldridge-Robinson advises. “Believe in your uniqueness and build a team that supports your growth.”
Jones encourages young women to invest in themselves.
“Have standards, respect yourself, and always believe in your potential,” she says.
As they prepare for their 9th Annual Back-to-School Supply Giveaway, the pair hopes to expand the event’s impact even further. This year’s celebration will once again provide backpacks, school supplies, food, and activities, but will also introduce new opportunities.
Eldridge-Robinson plans to introduce a scholarship opportunity for students, while Jones intends to launch a youth financial literacy program, along with bike giveaways and annual cash donation initiatives.
Together, their vision continues to grow, one event, one family, and one act of service at a time.
Contact information:
Still I Rise NFP
https://Still-iRise.org
Ph: 815-414-9614
Fierce Financial Planning Services
https://fiercefinancialps.com/
Ph: 833-9FIERCE
New office location 909 N. 5th Kankakee, IL 60901
