Spring is upon us, and with it comes a whirlwind of activity at our organization! As we put the finishing touches on our preparations for the highly anticipated Champions Gala taking place May 10, excitement fills the air. Simultaneously, our Early Learning Center is excited as we welcomed representatives from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for our accreditation evaluation. In the spirit of innovation and education, we recently hosted Credera for an engaging STEM exercise at Child Thrive, fostering curiosity and critical thinking among our young learners. Additionally, we are thrilled to announce a new partnership forged by our International team, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya, further expanding our global reach and impact. There’s no shortage of enthusiasm and progress as we embrace the opportunities this season brings and look forward to what’s ahead.
Join us in perusing the highlights of this eventful month below, and stay tuned for a glimpse of what lies ahead.
Upcoming Public Events
- Friday, May 10, 6:30 – 10:30 pm: Champions Gala
- Sunday, August 4, noon – 4:00 pm: Fourth Annual Pickleball Tournament.
- Saturday, September 14: First Annual Cornhole Tournament – details coming.
Champions Gala
Calling all Child Champions! Join us for an unforgettable evening at our annual Gala – Champions Gala, on May 10th, starting at 6:30 pm at the Fairlie in Chicago. Indulge in a scrumptious meal crafted by Chef Mychael Bonner, be entertained by captivating performances from a spoken word artist and a choir, participate in our paddle raise, and dance the night away! It’s a night not to be missed as we come together to celebrate and make a difference. See you there!
Partnerships
Our partners at Credera joined us for a Child Thrive “Friday Hangouts” session, it was a blast!
The Credera team put together an engineering/sound STEM project for our Thrivers to enjoy. Our students had a chance to build craft stick harmonicas. These little magical wooden instruments packed a sound punch! Everyone enjoyed connecting with each other and making music together!
A BIG thank you to our partners at Credera for such a fun experience for our Thrivers and a special thanks to Althea Muth for leading this event.
We look forward to our next experience together.
Painting with Purpose
A huge shoutout to WGIRLS for hosting the amazing Paint & Sip event! Fun-filled moments were painted with joy as everyone sipped and crafted their own Chicago Bean masterpieces. We’re immensely grateful for WGIRLS’ support of our kids, and eagerly anticipate more delightful events in the future!
Meet CPA Team Members
Board of Directors
Kristen Daihes
Team Thrive
Tim Young
Junior Board
Alex Hupe
Team Thrive
Jerlisa Clark
Check below and see what our amazing teams have been up to over the last month.
Month in Review
April was packed with excitement! We crafted flowerpots for Mother’s Day, and delved into structural engineering with a toothpick challenge in STEM. Thrive Friday featured homemade ice cream for spring birthdays, along with crafting harmonicas from straws and craft sticks during a visit from Credera. May promises more fun as we wrap up spring activities and gear up for summer camp!
CLICK HERE for more pictures.
Upcoming Events
Sneaker Ball
Join us for our inaugural Sneaker Ball on May 24, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm. Bring your best kicks and dance the night away!
Summer Camp
Get ready for an epic summer camp adventure! Our 8-week program kicks off June 17th and runs through August 8th, with three exciting sessions.
Session 1, Monday through Thursday, 9am – 3pm, June 17th – July 3rd, at our center.
Session 2, Tuesday through Thursday, 9am – 3pm, July 9th – July 25th, exclusively for KIPP students at KIPP One Academy.
Session 3, Monday through Thursday, 9am – 3pm, July 29th – August 8th, back at our center.
EMAIL US for more information.
Sports Physicals & Pediatric Consultations
Is your child feeling under the weather? From common colds to COVID-19 concerns, we’ve got you covered! Take advantage of our complimentary school-age pediatric consultations offered in collaboration with Rush and Dr. Margi. Every Wednesday (unless Dr. Margi specifies otherwise), from 1–5 pm, we’re available to provide expert guidance and support. Don’t miss out; schedule your appointment today by emailing Diana.
Month in Review
April has been packed with excitement! From celebrating NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child to undergoing our accreditation visit, it’s been a whirlwind. We’re eagerly awaiting news in the next 60 days. Plus, we’re knee-deep in self-assessment with Start Early to enhance our program. April also marked Stress Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month, where we engaged families with events and resources. And let’s not forget our successful 6th Annual Community Partnership Focus Group & Brunch, uniting 30 reps from 22 organizations at the start of the month!
Partnership Luncheon
We hosted our 6th Annual Community Partnership Brunch at Thrive Community Center, welcoming reps from 22 orgs! Planning future collabs, referring clients, and discussing social service needs—what a fantastic event! Signed partnership agreements pave the way for joint events and streamlined services. Virtual feedback from 12 reps completed our community assessment! Excited for future collaborations!
Stress Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month
Our Early Learning Parent Curriculum event for Stress Awareness Month was a hit! Parents and children came together for relaxation and connection. From squeezing stress balls to practicing yoga and soothing breathing exercises, it was a joy to witness families unwind and bond.
Month in Review
We’ve faced ongoing challenges with multiple foster children experiencing placement disruptions, necessitating alternative placements. Alongside, we’ve addressed various complex clinical and case issues. Despite these hurdles, our commitment remains unwavering in providing stability and support to our client children and families.
May is National Foster Care Month
CLICK HERE to learn more about Foster Care.
Monthly Meeting:
We hold monthly orientation meetings on becoming a foster parent. EMAIL US if interested
Appreciation Dinner:
Our annual Foster Care Appreciation dinner will be held on May 29th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, an evening dedicated to honoring the dedication and compassion of our foster parents.
Kudos
Sean Cline, a Foster Care Case Manager, successfully finalized the adoption for a client with special medical needs in early April.
Socialization
Our home base families had a blast during our March socialization event! From crafting delicious pita pockets to getting creative with egg dyeing, it was a day filled with fun and learning. It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of coming together and creating lasting memories. Here’s to more moments of joy and connection ahead!
Month In Review
One exciting update from the month of April is an emerging partnership with Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya. We will be working with them to support children living with sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder affecting millions of children, especially those of African descent. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, it is estimated that 300,000 babies are born with the disease every year. SCD causes excruciating chronic pain, organ damage, and life-threatening complications. Children with SCD are frequently hospitalized and often experience social isolation – missing out on school, time with family & friends, and other typical childhood experiences. Families struggle emotionally, financially, and logistically to care for their sick children.
In western Kenya, where our community-based partner is located, roughly 2 – 3% of children have sickle cell disease. Tragically, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated, resulting in a staggering 50 – 90% of children with the disease not making it to their fifth birthday.
Our shared mission is to help these brave children survive into adulthood and lead fulfilling lives despite the challenges posed by their condition. Dr. Festus Njuguna, head of the Paediatric Haemato-Oncology Unit at Moi, is leading the charge in western Kenya.
We will collaborate to improve medical diagnosis & treatment of sickle cell disease, educational support for children living with the disease, and national policies, screenings, & care.
Partnerships & Collaborations
Our team consistently explores avenues to engage local corporations in funding and volunteer opportunities with the aim of creating a network of child champions.
Major Company & Foundation Supporters
Belmont Village Lincoln Park, CIBC, Cotter Consulting, KPMG Gives, PayPal Giving Fund, Elizabeth and Greg Maday Family Foundation, Markel Corporation, Smithbucklin
Major Individual Supporters
Anonymous Donor, Susan Acker, Megan Aylor, Suzanne Boyd, Jacie Brandes, Martin Breese, Rees Candee, Maria Chang, Julie Chapman, Vickie Crudup, Dr. Oron and Kristen Daihes, Bethany & Lee Derrough, Linda Domin, David and Judith Fardon, Jen Greenstreet, Ivan Harrison, Binita Kwankin & Joe Hmieleski, Eric Hoffman, Diane and Will Lehder, Leslie McLeod, McNamara Family, Roshann Parris, Erik Skamser, Oliver Soleiman, Jeanne Steinberg, Anne and Ron Stephens, John Sweeney, John and Carol Walter
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.
Home-Base Learning
We are looking for a volunteer to come in twice a month on a Monday from 10 am – 1 pm to help sort and organize for the twice-monthly socialization event.
EMAIL US if you are interested in volunteering.
Donor 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 US.
Calling Young Professionals
Looking for young Chicago professionals who are interested in making a positive impact, connect with other young professionals, and have a great time. Join our Junior Board.
CLICK HERE to learn more and apply.
Ongoing Opportunities
There are plenty of volunteer and donation opportunities throughout the year. Check out which might be most suitable for you:
- 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!
CLICK HERE to inquire.
Child Thrive
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Summer is approaching and we are looking for program partners to help us offer a fun and robust summer filled with activities and field trips.
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Art supplies (colored pencils, canvases, watercolor paper, construction paper, etc.)
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STEM kits/supplies (hot glue guns, cups, 4 in 1 or 5 in 1 kits from Amazon, etc.)
- Board games (varying ages from 6+)
EMAIL US to donate.
Home-Base Learning
- Children’s clothes from 0 to 3-years-old
EMAIL US if you can donate any of these needs.
Early Learning Center
- Diapers and wipes
- Coats and gloves
- Non-perishable items for family-giving baskets for raffle for families.
EMAIL US to donate.
Foster Care
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Gift Cards: We can always use gift cards to have them on-hand for families who may be in crisis and/or children who experience foster home placement disruptions.
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Car Seats: Infant, convertible, and booster seats needed to use when we place children in their home.
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Foster Homes Licensing Needs: Smoke/CO2 detectors and thermometers for measuring water temperature.
EMAIL US if you are able to donate any of these needs.
General – All Programs
- New or gently used winter clothing
- Toiletries, essential household supplies
- Baby items (formula, diapers, etc.)
EMAIL US if you are able to donate any of these needs.
Here are some of the opportunities we are looking for:
Full Time:
- Health & Mental Health Coordinator (Home-Based)
- Health & Nutrition Aide
- Licensing & Recruitment Coordinator
- Parent Educator (Home Visitor)
Full Time
- Teacher Assistant, Early Head Start
- Teacher Aide, Early Head Start
- Teacher Aide, Head Start
Part Time
- Youth Coordinator
CLICK HERE for more details on open positions and how to apply.
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.
Ready to create change? Your monthly $10 donation, or less, can support health, fight poverty, and address racial challenges. Skip a Starbucks and champion health, racial equity, and emergency relief. Join Child Champions now for a brighter future!
CLICK HERE to make an impact.
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.
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