census.2020
photo of Terrie Simmons

2020 Census outreach in Aurora, IL with Talented Tenths Social Services and the QCAAC

The Lewis Simmons Foundation joined the City of Aurora, Talented Tenth Social Services, and the Quad County African American Chamber on Saturday, September 25 to encourage residents in Aurora, IL to vote.

Aurora is home to Strategic Exceptions and now has an official office at Thrive Collaborative Center, an incubator and co-working space for nonprofit organizations and social entrepreneurs. This is why Lewis Foundation and Strategic Exceptions are so dedicated to the residents and business owners in our town.


This year, the 2020 Census has been said to be the most important census of our time. The pandemic has made it necessary for residents to get counted as a way to receive the appropriate community resources and services. On September 25, Lewis Simmons Foundation geared up in their bright red “Aurora Counts” t-shirts and their masks to distribute information and necessities to residents educating them on the importance of participating in this year’s census. For the foundation, the legacy needs to stand as a foundation that embraces and informs our communities to thrive.

This year, Lewis Simmons Foundation encourages everyone to cast their ballots on November 3, 2020. All of our lives depend on this election and the Lewis Simmons Foundation will continue to dedicate its time and services to our community. With the support of our community partners, residents will continue to see us on the ground, doing the work, and serving our communities.

Terrie Simmons

Terrie Simmons is an entrepreneur, civic leader, and the owner of Strategic Exceptions, a professional business consulting firm, innovative employee training and organizational development company focused on delivering exceptional service standards with quantitative results. Terrie is expertly experienced in non-profit management, leadership development and all phases of entrepreneurship How To’s. Terrie is also an adjunct professor teaching business courses at the graduate level.
Great Seal of the United States

Duckworth, Durbin, Foster Announce New Minority Business Development Agency Business Center in Illinois

By Terrie Simmons | July 20, 2021

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-IL-11), today announced $400,000 in federal funding from…

Read More

4 Stores in 30 Days

By Terrie Simmons | May 31, 2021

Lisa Marsh of Ms. P’s Gluten Free: “This program really helped push me past my fear, helped me to focus and I did it!” Vision…

Read More

Increased Sales in 30 Days

By Terrie Simmons | May 31, 2021

Marce Del Toro, Director of Customer Service, Mao Concrete: “Terrie, thank you so much for all you do for us, and personally I would like…

Read More