Family and Community Services

“Keep the program going on and keep meetings going to talk to families about HIV and other problems they might be scared to talk about.” - Parent

The philosophy of The Children’s Place Association is that child development occurs optimally in the presence of loving and nurturing adults therefore we work with the complete family unit. There are multiple levels of support services available for families affected by HIV/AIDS including:

• Case Management
  Our case managers* help families identify and achieve their goals more effectively and efficiently through our programs or other local facilities including emergency food, rental and utility assistance when needed as well as affordable housing and education support.
• Mental Health Counseling
  Counseling helps children and their parents come to terms with their or a loved ones HIV status and the feelings of isolation, grief and loss.
• Family Recreational Events
  We provide opportunities to bring our families and children out of isolation to find support and enjoy time together including the annual Family Holiday Party.
• Summer Camp
  The Children's Place Association provides the only summer day camp program for children affected by HIV/AIDS in the Chicagoland area. 
• Supportive Housing
  The Children's Place Association has furnished apartments available for formerly homeless families living with HIV/AIDS.
• Lifelong Families
  This program helps families prepare for the time when ill parents may no longer care for their children.  Families receive emotional support and legal assistance to establish standby guardianships and adoptions.  

To learn more about Family & Community Services please contact Wade Ek.

*Case Management is defined by the Case Managers Society of America as a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual's health needs through communication and available resources to promote quality cost-effective outcomes.