May was an exciting and busy month for us! From the magical Champions Gala, to celebrating Nurses and Teacher Appreciation Week, our community has been thriving. We wrapped up programs with KIPP and Thrive Friday, hosted engaging Parents as Teachers meetings, and honored our phenomenal staff and foster parents.
Join us in perusing the highlights of this eventful month below, and stay tuned for a glimpse of what lies ahead.
Upcoming Public Events
- Sunday, August 4, noon – 4:00 pm: Fourth Annual Pickleball Tournament.
- Saturday, September 14: First Annual Cornhole Tournament – details coming.
Oh, What A Night!
Thank you to our Child Champions who joined us for a magical evening at the Champions Gala on May 10th at the Fairlie! With 161 attendees, we raised over $100,000 to support our mission. Special thanks to our emcees, Maurice Fears, Sr. and Robin Robinson, and Cinaiya Stubbs, for her inspiring speech. The night featured amazing performances by Vai Shakoor, Levar Kellogg, Favored Friday ABC Choir, and DJ L O Kari—Shoutout to Chef Mychael Bonner of CMB Catering for the delicious food.
We look forward to the year ahead and coming together to celebrate again.
Appreciation Week
In honor of Nurses and Teacher Appreciation Week, we extend a heartfelt shoutout to our incredible nurses and dedicated educators. Nurse Christina tirelessly cares for our foster kids, while Nurse Justina lovingly tends to our little ones at the Early Learning Center, both handling medical challenges with dedication. We also celebrate our Early Learning Center and Home Base educators, who craft inspiring lessons, art projects, and provide unwavering support. Let’s honor these amazing individuals shaping young minds and ensuring the well-being of our kids.
Meet CPA Team Members
Click on images to learn more.
Check below and see what our amazing teams have been up to over the last month.
Higher Education
CFSS is thrilled to announce that one of our residents has been accepted into DePaul University. He has long dreamed of pursuing an advanced degree and has remained steadfast despite numerous challenges and setbacks. Now, his dream has become a reality. In the coming weeks, he will begin working toward a Master of Science degree in Film and Television. We wish him the best in this exciting new endeavor.
Month in Review
In early May, we wrapped up programs at KIPP and Thrive Friday with exciting activities: a Tornado Challenge in STEM, a sneaker design challenge in Art, and a Game Day at Thrive Friday. Though afterschool programs have ended, we look forward to our May Family Night, where families will dance the night away in their cool kicks. Meanwhile, the Thrive team is busy planning an engaging and fun summer camp featuring graphic design, dance, swimming, songwriting, field trips, and more!
Upcoming Events
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.
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.
Mental Health Awareness
This month, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, our Parents as Teachers meetings at the Early Learning Center focused on mental health. Families accessed resources enjoyed coloring affirmations and learned about nurturing attachment and emotional expression in young children.
Mother’s Day Celebration
Our early learners hosted a heartwarming Mother’s Day tea party! Families savored delicious treats and got creative decorating keepsake mugs together.
Month in Review
During National Nurse’s Week, we proudly honored our phenomenal Foster Care Nurse, Christina Gould. On Mother’s Day, we celebrated all the fantastic mothers among our clients and staff. This month, in celebration of National Foster Care Month, and we honored our dedicated foster parents at our annual Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner.
Foster Care Month
May is National Foster Care Month, a time to raise awareness about foster care issues and acknowledge the many individuals involved—parents, family members, foster parents, child welfare professionals, mentors, policymakers, and community members—who help children in foster care find permanent homes and connections.
A special thank you to our incredible foster parents, whose daily dedication to the children in their care is deeply appreciated. Opening your homes to children you may not know, teaching, supporting, and loving them as your own takes an extraordinary person. Your efforts make a profound difference!
A big shoutout goes to:
- Foster Care Case Manager – Sean Cline for all his efforts in getting the adoption completed recently for his client – JT.
- Foster Care Case Manager – Almeta Rollins for all her efforts in getting her client’s case closed recently after a successful reunification between a child with special needs and her father.
- Our phenomenal Foster Care Nurse – Christina Gould for all her hard work and dedication in working with and advocating for our most vulnerable clients – our children with special needs.
Month In Review
Over the past month, our Home-Based Program hosted socialization events where families gathered to learn about nutrition and celebrate mother figures. We are also excited to announce that we have begun enrolling expecting mothers in our program.
A Job Well Done!
During our grantee monitoring, the home-based team demonstrated exemplary performance with no findings requiring attention. All reviewed files were in excellent standing, and we passed the evaluation with flying colors
Kudos:
Our dedicated home visitor, Cristina Diaz, has admirably shouldered numerous roles and responsibilities amidst our staffing challenges. Our cohesive teamwork shone through during program monitoring, as evidenced by the absence of any findings requiring attention.
Congrats Elmanie and Evens!
We are incredibly proud of Elmanie and Evens, two Child Thrive Haiti students, who recently celebrated their medical technician blouse-pinning ceremony! Having been in the program since kindergarten and first grade, they were cheered on by their mother, uncle, and grandfather. Despite facing family challenges and Haiti’s turmoil, these bright young stars excel in their studies. This achievement marks a significant milestone in their professional journeys. Join us in congratulating them on their well-deserved success and wishing them the best in their healthcare careers!
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
Anonymous Foundation, Baxter International Foundation, Cawley Chicago Commercial Real Estate, Cawley Chicago Commercial Real Estate, CIBC, Cotter Consulting, Goldfish Swim School Roscoe Village, Goldfish Swim School Wicker Park, Mesirow
Major Individual Supporters
Anonymous Donor, Mark Arshonsky, Brenda & Michael Asare, Derek Breese, Dina Burack, Nathan Burleson, Jen Cooper, David Czupta, Stacie Dennis, Dan Dever, Joseph Fabusiwa, Algean Garner, Emir Gomez, Wendi Gordon, Sarah Gornik, Lindsay Hagy, Jan Hamming, Ivan Harrison III, Twler Jenkins, Norah Jones, Kim Judge, Laura Kanter, Julia Kim, Cathy Krieger, Bnita Kwankin & Joe Hmieleski, Maureen Larson, Bradley Lee, Sheryl Lipnick, Alicia Lowisz, Elizabeth Marek, Leslie A. McLeod, Michael & Laura Minkus, Carlene Motto, Chris and Laura Murphy, Susan O’Oonnor, Heather O’Shea, Jeff Price, Zachary Pruitt, Megan Reilly, Teriya Richmond, Maryellen Riley, Matt Roma, Bob & Kathy Ryan, Adam Salameh, Mark Schmidt, Breck Seitz, Ty Shockley, Michael Silverman, Robert Snowden, Hannah Song, Sam Toby, Sanjeet Toby, John Ward, Jr., Diana Ware, Norman White, Adrienne Whitney-Boykin
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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Cooking & baking supplies (measuring cups, spoons, bowls, etc.)
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Kids digital cameras
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Board games (Games like Trouble, Sorry, Headbandz, checkers, chess, Jenga, Spoons, Candy Land, Monopoly, Would you rather for Kids, Charades for Kids, etc.)
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.
Home-Base Learning
- Children’s clothes from 0 to 3-years-old
EMAIL US if you can 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:
- Foster Care Aide
- Health & Mental Health Coordinator
(Home-Based) - Health & Nutrition Aide
- Inclusion Aide
Full Time
- Licensing & Recruitment Coordinator
- Parent Educator (Home Visitor)
- Teacher Aide, Early Head Start
- Teacher Assistant, Early Head Start
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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