_edited.png)
Our Story
A Family's Passion for Service
​The Wallace family's deep passion for community service led to the establishment of our Non-Profit Organization, dedicated to giving back to the greater Kankakee County and surrounding areas. In 2016, the Wallace Scholars Foundation was created in honor of Amos and Edith Wallace, who were pillars of service in the community. By 2018, the organization expanded to address the broader needs of the residents and community. Our motto is simple, "our whole family serving yours.
Mission Statement
To empower and uplift communities through dedicated service, education, and mentorship, leveraging our family's legacy of compassion and commitment to create a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families.
Vision Statement
To build a thriving, resilient community where every individual has access to the resources, support, and opportunities needed to achieve their fullest potential, inspired by a tradition of family-driven service and philanthropy
Programs & Services
Your Future, Our Mission
Educational Empowerment:
Provide social and educational opportunities for children and families to achieve success through the Wallace Scholars Foundation.
Comprehensive Resource Identification
Identify and offer a wide range of resources to support family well-being from infancy to senior years
Mentorship & Leadership Development
Leverage the diverse skills and talents of the our family to mentor the next generation of family and community leaders.
Building Futures
Honoring Legacy
Wallace Scholars Foundation
To date, we have awarded over $30,000 in scholarships, technology hardware, and other school necessities to high school graduates. We have successfully supported over two dozen minority women with financial and mentorship resources as they embarked on their college journeys.
Inovating Together
Our Board.
Board of Directors
•Board Chair
Leonette Coates
Leonette Coates, the Chief Program Officer of Illinois Action for Children, brings over three decades of experience and accomplishments in social services. She has overseen programs that offer access to child care and educational support for families and providers.
​​
​
Secretary
Tamisha Cosby
Tamisha Cosby is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion, serving as the multicultural marketing lead at US Bank. She champions inclusive practices throughout the organization, ensuring diverse voices are represented. Additionally, Tamisha has held leadership positions on the Atlanta Black Heritage Board and is a passionate community activist, committed to promoting social equity and empowering underrepresented communities.
•Vice Chair
Terra Wallace
Terra Wallace is the Vice President of Sales Education & Engagement for U.S. Bank, where she executes strategic learning and culture initiatives. She founded the Wallace Scholars Foundation in 2015, combining her love for philanthropy, family, and young women. Terra is also involved in several other civic organizations.​
• Treasurer
Alex Hunter
Alexander (A.J) Hunter, a National Marketing Manager for Verizon, has a strong passion for philanthropy. He is actively involved in Verizon's Black Organization of Leaders and Doers (BOLD) and has been a volunteer judge for the Verizon Innovative Learning Program showcase, which promotes STEM initiatives in under-resourced schools.
Building Futures
Get Involved
Support Empower Engage.
Your contributions help us continue our mission to empower and uplift communities and families. Click here to make a donation and support our programs. Explore volunteer opportunities and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.
