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Chicago City Wire

Sunday, September 14, 2025

Inside Le Penseur Youth & Family Services—an Illinois DOGE Profile

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Reggie Summerrise, President/CEO at Le Penseur Youth u0026 Family Services | alumni.illinoisstate.edu

Reggie Summerrise, President/CEO at Le Penseur Youth u0026 Family Services | alumni.illinoisstate.edu

Le Penseur Youth & Family Services was approved to receive a $150,000 grant in FY2024, according to passed legislation data extracted from the Illinois General Assembly’s FY2024 budget (Public Act 103-0006).

This appropriation represents state-level funding authorized by lawmakers, reflecting what was approved in the budget, not necessarily disbursed. The funds cover only State of Illinois support and exclude federal, local, or other public sources.

Founded in 1993 by Reginald Summerrise, Le Penseur Youth & Family Services states that its mission is: “Le Penseur's mission is to support each individual so they can live self directed and independent lives.”

You can learn more about the organization at its website.

However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.

Le Penseur Youth & Family Services is one of hundreds of nonprofits across Illinois that receive substantial support from state taxpayers while also fundraising privately.

In 2025, Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 1266, also known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Act. The proposal would create a new oversight body within the Office of the Auditor General tasked with identifying cost-saving measures, reviewing agency performance, and advising on audit priorities. If passed, DOGE could bring additional scrutiny and performance evaluation to taxpayer-funded organizations.

According to ProPublica, Illinois has more than 78,000 active tax-exempt organizations, including nearly 60,000 classified as charitable nonprofits. In their most recent IRS filings, these groups reported a combined revenue exceeding $156 billion.

Le Penseur Youth & Family Services 990 Filing – Key Officers
TermNameTitle
2024-2024Reginald SummeriseCeo
Le Penseur Youth & Family Services Employee Roster (Most Recent Year Available)
YearNameTitleCompensation
2024Brandon HamptonSecretary And Hiv Coordintor, Tester And Counselor-
2024Reginald SummerriseOwner-
2024Wendy M ZoltakQa And Qc, Program Development-
2012Courtneigh J SummerriseSecretary-
2006Sam RobinsonDirector Of Community Projects-
2006Samantha N SherrodDirector Of Community Projects - Independent Contractor-
2001Janessa L WilliamsVice President And Chief Financial Officer-

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