May Pathways

May was ripe with fun-filled educational and social activities – from baking muffins for Mother’s Day, hosting a local farmer’s market to collect and learn about nutritious foods and learning ways to build self-confidence to finalizing plans for our We Are ONE Chicago Celebration and getting ready for summer!

Read on to enjoy all that transpired this month and to learn what’s ahead.

Mark Your Calendar 

Check out these fun events we have coming up, and join us! 

Wednesday, June 21 – Foster Parent Orientation
Wednesday, June 28 – Foster Parent Training
**Thursday, June 29 – Quarterly Family Summer Fun Event

CLICK HERE for more event details and volunteer opportunities

* Events open to the public (most of our events are community-based)
** Volunteers are needed

Painting Party

On June 24th, a few members of the Junior Board will embark on the Early Learning Center to give a facelift to the sign out front to help the outside reflect the warmth inside our beloved Center.

Meet A CPA Team Member

KIPP
The KIPP school year culminated on May 31st, marking a momentous occasion for us as we had the privilege of supporting and guiding 35 remarkable students at KIPP ONE Academy. The enthusiasm and dedication with which we served them were truly exhilarating. As we reflect on this past year, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to further strengthen our partnership in the coming year, fostering continued growth and achievement for our students.

Thrive Family Night
Families engaged in a delightful evening of culinary adventures alongside Miss Sheena, resulting in a truly unforgettable and enjoyable night.

Jayden working on his art project, a group of KIPP students working on their art project, and family cooking night with Miss Sheena

CLICK HERE for more pictures of our Thrivers

Summer Camps

We are so excited to venture into our third year of Thrive Summer Camps!

July 10th – July 28th, Tuesday – Thursday, 10am – 4pm for KIPP students.
July 31st – August 11th, Monday – Thursday, 10am – 4pm for Child Thrive kids.

Both sessions will have STEM, Art, Music, and field trips.

We are also thrilled to be partnering once again with Goldfish Swim School to provide important, life-saving swim lessons to our youth and are currently looking to secure more partners interested in offering educational and enrichment opportunities for our campers.

Sports Physicals & Pediatric Consultations
Does your child(ren) have a cold, flu, strep throat, or COVID-19? If you don’t know, take advantage of getting a free consultation! We offer the community free school-age pediatric consultations and sports physicals with our continued partnership with Rush and Dr. Margi. Every Wednesday (unless otherwise noted by Dr. Margi) from 1–5 PM. To set an appointment, email Child Thrive.

Muffins with Mom
Moms and mother figures were greeted with breakfast treats, flowers, and self-care activities to kick off their Mother’s Day weekend. Likewise, every classroom completed a unique craft for students to gift to the mom or mother figure in their life.

Did you know our classrooms have animal names?

This month our Polar Bear classroom completed a series on pets! Staff and parents alike brought their pets (or pictures) to visit the classroom so that students could learn about dogs, hamsters, cats, birds, and more!

The Crocodile classroom explored the community and visited our local Chicago Public Library Branch!

The Crocodiles and our parent curriculum both focused on self confidence this month by implementing morning affirmations, completing the “I Like Me Because…” activity, and learning how to build the self-concept of parents and their children alike!

The Dolphin Classroom had a spirit week in which students followed different themes including hat day, mix matched day, and dress up day!

The Dolphins also completed a unit on tools and went on a walk in the rain using their new favorite tools to keep them dry – umbrellas!

CLICK HERE for more pictures of our Early Learners

Home Based Socialization Event
Our home based families had a delightful afternoon at the farmer’s market where families enjoyed themselves and had the opportunity to take home fresh groceries. The event offered an interactive experience where families joyfully crafted their own ‘edible arrangements’ while engaging in meaningful discussions about the significance of nutrition. We extend our heartfelt gratitude gratitude to Aetna Better Health of Illinois and All Terrain for their invaluable support in enriching our community and providing resources and enjoyment to our families.

Our bi-weekly socialization events serve as a platform to introduce children and parents to the school setting, fostering social connections, building a supportive network, and offering community education on vital topics such as health, sleep, nutrition, and mental well-being.

Haitian Heritage Month
In observance of Haitian Heritage Month in May, the dedicated team at Children’s Place International initiated the impactful Together for Haiti campaign. Our goal is to raise $20,000 by June 30th, aiming to alleviate preventable deaths and mitigate trauma experienced by children in northern Haiti. Furthermore, we strive to offer a pathway out of poverty for these young lives.

Through this campaign, we intend to provide immediate, life-sustaining assistance to our most critical cases, ensuring their well-being during this challenging time. Moreover, we aim to establish a modest financial reserve, enabling us to swiftly respond to emerging needs amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country.

Your support matters immensely. By contributing to the Together for Haiti campaign today, you will directly aid Haitian children and families who are grappling with physical illnesses, hunger, inadequate shelter, and other pressing emergencies. As the conditions in the country tragically worsen, your generosity will make a significant difference in their lives.

Join us in making a positive impact in Haiti. Please consider making a donation to the Together for Haiti campaign today. Together, we can bring hope and relief to those who need it most.

Major Company & Foundation Supporters
Anonymous foundation, AmazonSmile Foundation, Cotter Consulting, Inc., Goldfish Swim School – Wicker Park, Goldfish Swim School – Roscoe Village, RT Specialty, SmithBucklin, Valmark Global Gift Fund

Major Individual Supporters
Anonymous donor, Ellen Behles, Megan Bock Zarnoch, Anne Blocker, Edward Burke, Richard Judd, Maureen Larson, Danielle & James Litinsky, Leslie McLeod, Aaron Melecio, Brinda Nair, Cindy Oard, Ted & Nancy Otto, Charyl Parry, Larry Pusateri, Bradley Rasof, Jonathan Reiner, Patrick Richmond, Robert & Cathy Ryan, Ty Shockley, Jason Stuhldreher, John Sweeney, John & Amy Ward

Volunteer. Donate. Join Our Team.
Join in and be part of the positive solution in helping Chicago’s most vulnerable kids. We have a variety of volunteering, support, and engagement opportunities.

Current Opportunities

Child and Family Support Services

Volunteers for Thursday, June 29, for the Quarterly Family Summer Fun Event. For more details, please email Volunteer.

Child Thrive

Art supplies, board games, sports equipment: We would love to get in-kind donations for art projects. Supplies like canvases, poster board, paint, paintbrushes, oil pastels, mixed media paper, palettes, etc. We would also like board games and sports equipment like soccer balls, baseballs and gloves.
Summer Camp Volunteers: We need two volunteers daily to help setup for the day, assist participants when needed, and help with end the day cleanup. Volunteers don’t have to stay the full-time. EMAIL us if you are interested in volunteering.

To donate, please email: CPA Giving.

 Foster Care 

Gift cards (Visa/MC, Walmart, Target) for families in need or in crisis 
Cribs or toddler beds 
Infant car seats (rear-facing only) generally for kids age birth to 12 months
Convertible car seats (forward facing with harness) generally for kids ages 1–3
Booster car seats (forward facing) generally for kids ages 4-7
Thermometers for measuring water temperature

If you can donate any of these items, please email CPA Giving.

General – All Programs

New or gently used winter clothing
Toiletries, essential household supplies
Baby items (formula, diapers, etc.)

For more information, email CPA Giving.

Philanthropy

Outreach & Engagement Committee: Volunteers needed to help champion our mission, connect us to new partners/sponsors/donors/volunteers, and build visibility for Children’s Place in the broader community. For more details on role descriptions and/or to learn more, email CPA Volunteer.

Join the CPA Team

To learn about CPA openings:

CLICK HERE Grants Coordinator
CLICK HERE Family Case Manager
CLICK HERE Medical Case Manager
CLICK HERE to read about other existing job opportunities

Ongoing Opportunities

There are plenty of volunteer and donation opportunities throughout the year. Check out which might be most suitable for you:

Join our Junior Board, Donor Engagement Committee, or Gala Committee
Host a friend & family house party or fundraiser to benefit Children’s Place
Get involved with Adopt a Family
Lead an employee group community service day and/or fun activity day with our kids & youth

and so much more!

Whatever your skillset or time commitment, we have something that fits YOU!

Contact us today to learn more and get started on your volunteer journey.

Invest in a Child’s Future

We believe EVERY child and family deserves equal access to care, safety, and shelter – regardless of circumstances or zip code.  Your support helps us provide critical services to those most affected by serious health issues and extreme poverty.  

Help us keep our promise  to them in creating pathways of hope and well-being by supporting their potential. 

$25 – Allows a child to participate in an education l field trip to a local museum, park, or zoo 
$50 – Supplies grocery gift cards to families in need or crisis 
$100 – One youth or family workshop on financial literacy, workforce development, nutrition/health, or neighborhood safety 
$250 – Provides transportation for families to access health and wellness services and childcare

$500 – Funds 3 weeks of afterschool activities, including the cost of food, transportation, and supplies, to offer a safe, supportive space for children in unsafe neighborhoods

Whether you give a one-time gift or a recurring monthly donation, $5 or $500, your donation directly impacts our children’s future.  Please donate today to support our kids’ and families’ education, health, and economic stability. 

DONATE TODAY

Hope Thrives When Communities Care 

CLICK HERE TO SEE CPA PICTURES

Come join us socially

An easy way to support CPA’s work is by engaging with us on our social media channels. By liking, commenting, and sharing our work, you help us expand our reach bringing in new volunteers, donors, and awareness.