07/02/2026
Fig & Vine Counseling, Evaluation, & Wellness today announced a new collaborative partnership with The Night’s Shield children’s shelter that will strengthen services for vulnerable youth and families while expanding opportunities for cooperation among nonprofit organizations serving Southern Illinois.
Following Night’s Shield’s announcement naming Dr. Tara Chambers as its Executive Director, Fig & Vine is proud to support this partnership as part of a broader vision of collaboration rather than competition among organizations serving the region. Dr. Chambers is the founder and Executive Director of Fig & Vine, as well, and will retain that position; overseeing both agencies under a common umbrella of leadership. Dr. Chambers also serves as the President for the non profit board of the West Frankfort Coalition for the Homeless.
For many years, nonprofit organizations have often worked in parallel — pursuing funding, developing programs, and serving clients independently. While those efforts have accomplished much, today’s challenges require a more connected approach.
“Our community’s needs are too great for organizations to work in isolation,” said Leigh Caldwell, Fig & Vine Board President. “We believe the future of nonprofit work is built on partnership. When organizations share expertise, coordinate services, and leverage one another’s strengths, everyone benefits.”
Through this partnership, Fig & Vine and Night’s Shield will explore opportunities for coordinated programming, shared resources, collaborative grant writing, referral networks, and other initiatives designed to increase the effectiveness of both organizations while maintaining their separate missions and governance.
The organizations believe this collaborative model will create a stronger continuum of care for individuals and families facing challenges including homelessness, housing instability, mental health concerns, and other barriers to long-term stability.
“This is not about one organization melting into another,” said Dr. Chambers, executive director. “It is about recognizing that each organization brings unique strengths to the table. Together, we can accomplish far more than any one of us can alone and the work we are doing on both ends compliments the shared goal of simply helping those in need; specifically those most vulnerable.”
Fig & Vine believes this partnership represents a model for how nonprofit organizations can work together to reduce duplication, maximize limited resources, and create more seamless pathways for people seeking help.
As discussions continue, additional opportunities for collaboration may emerge among other community partners who share a commitment to serving Southern Illinois through cooperation, innovation, and compassion.
About Fig & Vine
Fig & Vine is a Southern Illinois nonprofit counseling, evaluation and wellness agency offering counseling for children and adults, evaluations, wellness therapies, and community programming — all in a setting where care is whole-person, faith-informed, and never out of reach.
