Joy is a book nerd, a mom obsessed with reading aloud to her children, a Little Free Library Steward, a family business owner, and a community leader.
She supports the Freedom to Read (no book bans at our library!) and advocates for transparency and accountability for elected officials.
In her first term on the Library Board, Joy achieved several wins for transparency and accountability:
Joy also regularly advocates for library staff, young families, veterans, and small business owners. As a Board Member for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, she has increased collaboration between the library and downtown business owners.
As a mom of three, Joy has provided crucial feedback on renovations of children's areas, including the creation of a private nursing room, and ensuring availability of activities for kids when certain youth areas are closed due to construction.
Joy has more than 20 years experience in nonprofit leadership and public relations.
In addition to serving on the Library Board, she is Treasurer for the Board of Directors for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin. In that role, she has ushered in a complete overhaul of the organization's finances, including changing banks, hiring experienced bookkeepers, and instituting tighter financial controls to reflect the organization's growing size and influence.
Joy regularly plans and participates in community events in her role as owner of Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. Past events include: hosting an annual Trunk or Treat, Nightmare on Chicago Street charity parking to benefit American Legion Post 57, Operation LOVE Veteran Gift Drives, Valentines for Veterans, Elgin Memorial Day, and various community gatherings.
Joy and family regularly supports (through donations and volunteering) and attends events hosted by: Gail Borden Public Library Foundation, PADS of Elgin, American Legion Post 57, The Ruth Project, and TLC Pregnancy Center. Joy was recently trained to volunteer with Go with the Flow, a local organization dedicated to addressing period poverty.
The Symonds Family are active members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Elgin.
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