Lake County Gazette

The Office for Community, Advocacy, Resources, and Empowerment (CARE) has opened at Lake Forest College, aiming to provide support and foster a sense of belonging for students, faculty, and staff. The office began operations on August 25 in the lower level of the Mohr Student Center.

According to Interim Associate Vice President for CARE Kim Davis, EdD, “We hope people will see us as a resource. If you're not sure where to go, we will point you in the right direction. See us as a collaborator for thoughtful conversations.”

The mission of CARE is to eliminate barriers and address systemic inequities through programming, education, and responsive support. The office seeks to facilitate inclusion across campus rather than act as the sole owner of these efforts.

Associate Director for CARE Alice Fermaintt is working with staff to integrate research on inclusion, diversity, equity, and access into college programming and decision-making processes. Davis said, “We're looking to engrain this work in everything we do as an institution. It's not a one off. It's not a side department. We are building inroads for all of us as a community to create a Forester community where everyone belongs and everyone feels seen and heard and valued.”

Davis brings experience from her academic career studying the experiences of Black women in predominantly white spaces. She noted that her current research focuses on how artistic practices can help communities build deeper connections.

The office plans to collaborate with various groups across the college on initiatives such as leadership development programs, identity-affirming gatherings, workshops on skill-building and cultural humility, as well as providing resources for healing.

“We will have a slate of offerings along with an open invitation for people to hang out here, do their homework, or eat lunch,” Davis said. “The one thing I really want to impress on everyone is that it's not just a student space, but a space for everyone on campus. Check out our resource library, come have lunch, hang in our cozy corner. You are welcome to come take part.”