December Pathways

As we reflect on the culmination of yet another impactful year at Children’s Place Association, our hearts are filled with gratitude and determination to champion equity for all. Our goal remains steadfast: to empower children with the essential resources for improved health, education, and the security of a nurturing home.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our cherished families, dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, generous donors, and steadfast child champions who have been instrumental in our journey. Together, you have fueled our mission and made a positive impact on the lives of countless children..

As we bid farewell to the achievements of 2023, we eagerly anticipate an even more extraordinary 2024. May the upcoming year bring about health, education, opportunity, and the comforting embrace of a safe home for all.

Wishing each of you a Happy New Year, filled with the promise of a brighter future.

From our hearts to yours, here’s to a future illuminated with hope and possibility!

Jin us in perusing the highlights of this eventful month below, and stay tuned for a glimpse of what lies ahead.

Check out what’s happening at CPA
* Events open to the public (most of our events are community-based.

Tuesday-Thursday, December 26 – January 4: Thrive Winter Mini Camps
Wednesday, January 17: Foster Parent Orientation
Wednesday, January 21: Foster Parent Training

CLICK HERE for more event details and volunteer opportunities.

An Outpouring of Love
Gratitude Overflowing! This year, and especially this month, has been filled with blessings we’re incredibly thankful for. A HUGE Children’s Place Association shoutout to these amazing individuals and organizations who went above and beyond to support our kids and families. Life is truly better with such incredible people and groups by our side!

Angeletta Green with her Alpha Theta Omega DCN Tau Alpha Chapter sisters, Chicago Family Activities, CNA, Cotter Consulting, The Hopeful Helpers, The Kindness Club, KPMG, Old St. Patrick’s, Publicis Sapient, Sarah Gornik, and Vitality Group.

A Season of Hope

In the final stretch of our “Hope for the Holidays” campaign, we’re humbled by the generosity that has brought us to $18,831 of our $25,000 goal! With just 4 days left, we’re reaching out to our compassionate community for one last heartfelt appeal. Every donation, big or small, contributes to the warmth and joy we aim to bring to those in need during this festive season. Your support bridges the gap between our current standing and the fulfillment of our goal, ensuring that no one is left without the hope and comfort they deserve. Join us in making the remaining days of this year’s campaign truly impactful. Give the gift of hope today, and let’s collectively bring our “Hope for the Holidays” to its full and meaningful fruition.

CLICK HERE to support our kids and families with your donation.

Holiday Celebration Week
After a busy and rewarding year, the CPA team held their Holiday Celebration Week. We indulged our creative sides with some festive cookie decorating led by Amy at Amy’s Confections, creating snow globes, holding a friendly competition at the Escape Game Chicago, lending a helping hand at Cradles to Crayons Chicago through volunteering, and capped it all off with a fabulous lunch at Hub 51.

A BIG Thank You to our President & CEO, Cinaiya Stubbs, and her helpers, for organizing and creating such a fun-spirited week!

That’s A Wrap
WOW! The love and support from our Adopt A Family supporters have left us utterly speechless! From the incredible donor families shopping for and delivering gifts for our little ones to the dedicated volunteer elves who lent a hand in sorting the presents, your generosity knows no bounds. Our families are in for a treat with food, essentials, and fantastic presents, all thanks to every one of you. A heartfelt thank you for being an integral part of our extended CPA family. Your kindness and compassion make a world of difference!

A HUGE CPA thank you to our long-time partner, CNA, who once again sponsored our Adopt A Family program with their generous donation.

CLICK HERE for more pictures.

Meet A CPA Team Member

Check below and see what our amazing teams have been up to over the last month.

Month in Review
Thrive wrapped up the school year at KIPP with empowering programs, ending on a high note! Now, we’re gearing up for our upcoming minicamp and eagerly anticipating an exciting next semester at KIPP. Let the learning adventure continue!

Join Our Team
We seek to fill positions for a Youth Coordinator and a part-time Out-of-School Time Instructor.

Join us and be part of our incredible journey!

CLICK HERE to learn more.

Winter Mini Camps
Winter Mini-Camp started on the 26th and runs Tuesday to Thursday, through January 4th, from 9 am to 3 pm at the Child Thrive Resource Center.

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.

Kudos

A huge thank you to Sheena Stone for her unwavering dedication and hard work at Child Thrive! Her commitment is invaluable, and we’re genuinely grateful to have her on our team.
Big shoutout to Tim Young for his hard work and dedication at Child Thrive! His commitment to our Thrive students is truly appreciated. Thank you!

Winter Wonderbrunch
The Early Learning Program dazzled with our Winter Wonderbrunch, embracing around 30 families in a day filled with winter wonders! The day was magical, from festive crafts and activities to karaoke and a resource fair with our fantastic community partners.

Families enjoyed a delicious lunch, engaged in gingerbread house construction, tree decorating, snowflake crafting, and even adorned winter-themed temporary tattoos and balloon animals.

CLICK HERE to see more pictures.

A BIG shoutout to our fantastic supporters who made this day extra special: Casa Central, Bethel New Life, Acero Schools – Chicago, Aetna Better Health of Illinois, and a heartfelt thanks to Michelle from Awesome Balloon Creations! Your contributions added joy to our day!

Month In Review

As we approach the culmination of another transformative year, we reflect on the remarkable journey we’ve shared as the Children’s Place International community. This year has been defined by growth, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to our mission of supporting vulnerable children and families worldwide.

Facing challenges like the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti, our community has shown incredible strength and compassion. Through volunteerism, donations, and advocacy, each member has played a crucial role in positively impacting the lives of those we serve.

While celebrating our achievements, we acknowledge the persistent challenges of illness, hunger, limited education, and poverty. The need for our mission remains critical, but with your continued support, we’re confident in our ability to make a meaningful difference.

If you haven’t already contributed to our Place The Hope campaign benefiting children and families in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Tanzania, you can do so by 12/31. Together, we can forge a brighter future for these incredible kids!

CLICK HERE to support CPI.

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
Baxter, BlackEdge, Blur Product Development, Charisma Fund – Lucy R. Sprague Memorial, Fresenius Kabi, Hollister, Teknion, Vitality Group

Major Individual Supporters
Kevin Amoo Mensah, Cathy Bedrick, Nancy Blom Roach, Michael Dahlhauser, Robert & Eulaine Deist, Tom Dennis, Dan Dever, Eileen & Matt Donahue, Brad Dunlap, Laura and Jonathan Fairman, Tim Fitzgerald, Stephen Frost, Matt Fuchsen, Cheryl Gelfond, Emir Gomez, Naomi Hirsch & Greg Philipaitis, Dave Kalinich, Ellen Kaufman, Kody Kibe, Tim Koenig, Cathy Krieger & Erik Skamser, Bradley Lancy, John Langland, Paige Larson, Terry McAllister, Leslie McLeod, Juan Mejia, Dana Miller Leskera, Dianne Moody, Brinda Nair, Sarah K. Patel, Aden Pereira, Fred Peter, Hannah Pick, Noushin Pirnazar, Linda & Richard Price, Jeffery Robb, Julia Roberts, David Rowan, Robert Ryan, James Saul, Marc Schmidt, Silvia Shockley, Ron Shockley, Brian & Liz Staunton, Steve Stautzenbach, Sheryl Terril, Joe Villanova, Bob Villanova, Tony Wilson, Bob Witt, Dorothy Wood, Art Wood, James Yee

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.

Child Thrive
Winter Mini Camp
Tuesday – Thursday, December 26 – January 4, 9:00 am – 3:00 p.m.
Seeking volunteers for two hours or more to help facilitate programming.

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

Art supplies (colored pencils, canvases, watercolor paper, construction paper, etc.)
STEM kits/supplies (popsicle sticks, tape, glue, glue guns, etc.)
Board games (varying ages from 6+)

EMAIL US to donate.

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 

Gift cards (Visa/MC, Walmart, Target) for families in need or in crisis 
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

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.

Back to School Supplies

Year-Round Needs

Here are some of the opportunities we are looking for:

Full Time:

Early Head Start Teacher
Early Head Start Aide
Health and Nutrition Aide
Family Case Manager
Family Support Specialist
Inclusion Aide
Parent Educator
Program Operations Manager

Part Time:

Foster Care Therapist
Youth Coordinator
Out of School Instructor

Seasonal:

Substitute Teacher

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.

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.