Parents and Agencies Aligning for Stronger Support Systems represents the next chapter of collaboration across Grundy and Kendall Counties
After months of reflection, community input, and strategic planning, PAASSS is proud to announce a new name and logo that better reflects the organization’s expanded mission and regional impact.
Formerly known as Plano Area Alliance Supporting Student Success, PAASSS will now stand for:
Parents and Agencies Aligning for Stronger Support Systems
While the name is changing, the mission remains the same: building stronger connections, expanding access to resources, and ensuring children and families across Grundy and Kendall Counties have the support they need to thrive.
PAASSS began in 2018 as part of the P.H. Miller Preschool for All Expansion grant, bringing together families, educators, and community partners to strengthen outcomes for young children in the Plano area. What started as a local collaboration has grown into a regional network connecting schools, nonprofits, health providers, family-serving agencies, and community leaders.
In 2023, PAASSS partnered with the Grundy/Kendall Regional Office of Education #24 to serve as the organization’s fiscal sponsor, allowing the collaboration to expand beyond one community and support families throughout both Kendall and Grundy Counties.
“Our original name honored where PAASSS began, but our new name reflects who we have become,” said Laurel Mateyka, CEO and Founder of PAASSS. “This work has always been about people – parents, providers, agencies, and community partners – coming together to create stronger systems of support. We are incredibly proud of our Plano roots, and we are excited for this next chapter serving families across our entire region.”
The new name and logo were selected through a collaborative process that included:
- two strategic planning sessions with community partners,
- two regional community listening sessions,
- and a full collaboration vote.
The updated logo received the highest level of support from voters because of its clean, recognizable design and continued representation of PAASSS’ core belief: strong communities are created when families and organizations work together.
The announcement comes as PAASSS launches its new strategic plan focused on three priorities:
Educate – Increasing awareness of early childhood development, resources, and the importance of early investment.
Collaborate – Strengthening partnerships and aligning services across Grundy and Kendall Counties.
Empower – Centering families as leaders and partners in building stronger communities.
Over the past year, PAASSS has continued expanding its regional impact through initiatives including the Grundy/Kendall IRIS referral network, family leadership opportunities, community events, resource navigation, and partnerships with more than 55 organizations committed to supporting children and families.
“This next chapter represents what collaboration can accomplish,” Mateyka added. “Together, we are building a stronger, more connected system where every child and family has access to the relationships, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.”
Strong Families. Strong Futures.
