Empowering Our Community
About
The I WILL Initiative is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families through holistic support. We focus on strengthening wellness, resilience, and hope by offering resources, education, peer support, events, and digital tools that promote emotional health and community connection.
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for youth, families, and communities by providing safe, supportive, and accessible opportunities that build emotional wellness, resilience, and long-term stability.
We envision strong, thriving communities where every individual and family has the tools to heal, grow, and succeed. In pursuit of this vision, we provide programs and resources that address emotional regulation, resilience, generational challenges, and overall well-being.
Founder/ CEO
I’m Crystal Williams, LCSW, Founder & CEO of the I WILL Initiative. For more than 20 years, I have dedicated my life to supporting youth and families in Chicago, helping them overcome barriers, build resilience, and discover their full potential.
The I WILL Initiative was born out of my belief that wellness is not a privilege, but a right. Through resources, education, and community partnerships, we are creating pathways to healing, growth, and hope. My vision is to see individuals and families thrive, not just survive, and to ensure that every community has the tools it needs to be strong, connected, and empowered.
This is only the beginning, and I invite you to join us in building stronger futures together!
Leadership Board
Sherneron Hilliard
Sherneron Hilliard
Sherneron Hilliard
Director/President
Nicole Pinkey
Sherneron Hilliard
Sherneron Hilliard
Vice President
Tiana Rice
Sherneron Hilliard
Latanya Rutledge
Treasurer
Latanya Rutledge
Latanya Rutledge
Latanya Rutledge
Secretary
Tyra Wade
Latanya Rutledge
Beth Williams
Trustee/ Member
Beth Williams
Latanya Rutledge
Beth Williams
Trustee/ Member
Items Needed for Donation
Support Our Mission for Healthier Communities
Your donations make a direct impact. Each item you give helps us create wellness kits that provide comfort, support, and hope for individuals and families in need. Every kit also includes community, educational, and emergency resource information.