
Community Support
As a dedicated nonprofit organization in the Chicagoland area, we prioritize building long-lasting relationships with the families we serve. We are committed to delivering exceptional service to all our clients.
Discover more about our mission and reach out to us with any inquiries. We are here to support you.


Our Team
Meet Our Experts

Toccara Kelly, M.A.
Founder/CEO/President
As a dedicated single mother of four children, I have personally experienced the immense challenges faced by families living in the lower-middle-class bracket. Balancing the demands of raising a family while navigating financial instability has provided me with a profound understanding of the struggles that many families endure daily. Despite working tirelessly to provide for my children, I often found myself caught in the gap—earning too much to qualify for public assistance yet not enough to comfortably make ends meet. Living paycheck to paycheck, constantly on the brink of financial crisis, and one unexpected event away from financial turmoil became the norm.
Throughout these experiences, I noticed a glaring gap in the availability of resources for families like mine. While numerous programs exist to support low-income families, those in the lower-middle-class bracket often fall through the cracks, left to navigate their challenges without adequate support. This realization fueled my passion for change and inspired the creation of Brenda's Embrace—a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the much-needed support and resources for lower-middle-class families who are often overlooked.
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Brenda's Embrace is the culmination of my personal journey and professional dedication. After multiple attempts at higher education, from community colleges to private universities, I ultimately earned a Master's Degree in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership from Moody Bible Institute. This educational journey not only equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to run a successful nonprofit but also deepened my commitment to serving my community.
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Through Brenda's Embrace, I strive to offer comprehensive financial assistance, educational support, job training, childcare services, and community-building activities specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of lower-middle-class families. My goal is to bridge the gap, providing stability and hope for families who find themselves in similar situations. By offering these essential resources and support, I aim to empower families to achieve financial independence and create a brighter future for themselves and their children.
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In addition to leading Brenda's Embrace, I remain actively involved in my church and community, participating in events such as the Jericho Walk and other community-building activities. My experiences as a neighborhood mother, mentor, and advocate have reinforced my belief in the power of community support and collective action. Through Brenda's Embrace, I am committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of lower-middle-class families, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive.