Still I Rise Organization Leads Powerful Relief Efforts in Aroma Park and Kankakee, Illinois
In the heart of Kankakee, Illinois, the nonprofit organization Still I Rise continues to stand as a vital force for community support, youth empowerment, and emergency relief. Founded in 2014, the organization has built a strong reputation across Kankakee County for responding to urgent community needs, especially during times of crisis such as recent natural disasters and economic hardship.
Still I Rise is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering low-income and underserved youth and young adults through leadership development, education, and life skills training. The organization serves multiple Illinois counties, including Kankakee, Will, Cook, and surrounding areas, providing programs that focus on self-sufficiency, entrepreneurship, health education, and personal development.
Beyond youth programming, the organization has become widely recognized for its hands-on community outreach and relief efforts, often stepping in when families face urgent needs.
Most recently, Still I Rise played a key role in disaster response following severe
tornadoes that struck Kankakee County and nearby communities, including Aroma Park. Homes were damaged or destroyed, and families were left struggling to recover.
In response, the organization mobilized volunteers and partners to distribute essential supplies such as: Food and water, clothing for children and adults, hygiene kits and household necessities, and care packages delivered directly to affected homes.
These efforts were part of a coordinated relief mission led by Still I Rise alongside local faith-based partners, ensuring that even residents unable to travel could still receive support.
As recovery efforts continued, Still I Rise expanded its outreach through community-driven events such as the “Hands That Help the Community Giveaway” in downtown Kankakee. The event provided: New and gently used clothing, baby supplies, household goods and essentials, and holiday and seasonal items.
These distributions were designed not only to meet immediate needs but also to restore dignity and hope for families rebuilding after hardship.
Over the years, Still I Rise has served thousands of residents through free food distributions, winter coat and blanket giveaways, school supply drives, health and wellness fairs and homeless outreach programs.
The organization has also been recognized locally for its impact, receiving honors such as the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year Award and the NAACP President’s Award, reflecting its long-standing commitment to community service.
At the center of the organization is Founder and Executive Director Tocarra Eldridge-Robinson, alongside a dedicated team of volunteers and community partners. Under their leadership, Still I Rise has grown into a trusted grassroots organization known for rapid response and consistent community engagement.
As Kankakee continues to recover from recent storms and ongoing economic challenges, Still I Rise remains committed to its mission: uplifting families, empowering youth, and strengthening the community through action.
Whether through disaster relief, youth programming, or large-scale giveaways, the organization continues to prove that its name is more than symbolic, it reflects a community rising together in times of need.
