Although February is the shortest month of the year, we managed to cram in a lot of fun, informative, and life-changing work within our community. Black History Month was our focus, so check out some highlights of how we celebrated.
Celebrating Black History Month
Early Learning
Our classrooms celebrated Black History Month with lesson plans that included reading stories about Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King, Jr., creating ‘I had a dream’ art projects, making BHM flags, and learning about the meaning of the colors.
Child Thrive
Our Thrive Afterschool participants had a Black History Month daily trivia question and as Valentine’s Day passed, we added the importance of self-love to our program.
Child and Family Services Family Night
Our February Family Night was filled with Black History Month and Valentine’s Day activities and delicious food shared with our CPA community. Activities included Black History worksheets, creating head wraps and dashikis, and watching Space Jam.
International
Graduation
Our Children’s Place International scholarship recipient, David, recently graduated with a university degree in Tourism and Hostellerie in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti. Those who attended our Place the Hope virtual celebration back in October were introduced to his mother, Annelle, and two younger siblings, Elmanie and Evans. Annelle and Elmanie are featured in the second picture. David’s family and the teams in Haiti & Chicago are so proud of his hard work and achievement!
Coat Drive
CPA offered space and staffing for Kells Community Council’s Winter Coat Giveaway. We were able to give over 200 coats and 70 cartloads of food. This was a team effort along with The Salvation Army, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, State Representative Jawaharial Omar Williams, Alderman Burnett’s Office, and our ELC team.
Early Learning
Father Figure Night
We held a ‘Virtual Art Night on the 23rd encouraging all father figures – fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, etc. – to connect with other community members.
Parent As Teachers
This month, our focus was on the importance of reading aloud with your child creating life-long readers. Every family was offered copies of Dream Big Little One, I am Brave – The Little Book of MLK, and Our First Heroes: Black History.
Early Learning
Community Partnership Focus Group
Our parent volunteers and Community Partners will gather virtually for our annual Community Partnership Focus Group on March 23rd. We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of social services in our neighborhood and brainstorm steps for the future.
March for Movement
Our Family Support Team will focus on activities around the fun of exercising and movement that will include parent-child activities.
Child Thrive
Mental Health Counseling
JPA is offering weekly mental health counseling on-site services to folks associated with CPA and the West Humboldt Park community.
Mentoring
Big Brothers, Big Sisters are still accepting mentors and mentees.
For more information on either mental health counseling or Big Brothers Big Sisters, email Thrive@childrens-place.org.
CPA Galas
Junior Board Gala – Around the World
Save the date for our 2022 Junior Board Gala – Around the World – taking place on Friday, May 13 at the Chicago Cultural Center. Enjoy a fun evening of worldly cuisine, entertainment, games, raffle prizes and more – all while supporting an amazing cause.
Once Upon a Time…at a Speakeasy Soiree Gala
Join us on Saturday, June 4 at the Chicago Cultural Center for our 31st Annual Gala – Once Upon a Time…at a Speakeasy Soiree. We’re very excited to be hosting this beloved event live this year (with virtual streaming of the program). The evening will feature an inspiring speaker, a special tribute for retired founding President & CEO, Cathy Krieger, dinner, dancing, raffle prizes and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with friends, community and support Chicago’s kids in need.
Our work wouldn’t be possible without our amazing community of Child Champion sponsors, donors, and volunteers. THANK YOU!
Major Company & Foundation Supporters
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Fresenius Kabi USA, A. Montgomery Ward Foundation
Major Individual Supporters
Juliana Andrew, Derek Breese, Howard Jacob, Binita Kwankin, Leslie McLeod, Richard Moser, Leslie Schloss, Breck Seitz, Ross Seymore, Gregory Soroka, Susan Weidel
In-Kind Donations
Together We Rise donated 21 duffle bags filled with blankets, stuffed animals, coloring books, markers, etc., for our foster kids.
Become a Youth Mentor with Child Thrive
We are preparing for our summer mini-camps and looking for mentors. The mini-camps are for 90 minutes three times a week. Last year’s sessions included woodworking, arts & crafts, teaching basketball skills, video editing, and more. If you are interested in becoming a Thrive mentor, email thrive@childrens-place.org and let us know what you are interested in teaching.
Donate Clothes for Early Learning Clothing Drive
We are facilitating a clothing drive/clothing swap for our families from now until April 8th. We are asking for donations of new or gently used clothes (can range from 2T and up!) so that families can shop or swap for the clothes their children have aged out of. If you have donations, please email earlylearning@childrens-place.org.
Become a Gala Sponsor or Volunteer
There are countless ways to support our annual galas – Children’s Place Associations’ largest source of private support – this year. Make new friends, showcase your community engagement and social responsibility, and create real and lasting change for those in need.
- Become a company or individual sponsor
- Invite friends/colleagues to attend
- Donate something for the raffle/auction
- Volunteer your time
- Help spread the word
Learn more about Gala Opportunities, or contact salonso@childrens-place.org.
Become a Foster Parent
Foster parents are needed!!! Please contact Ivan Harrison III, MA – Director of Child Welfare at (312) 706-1835 or iharrison@childrens-place.org if you’re interested in becoming a foster parent.
Join the CPA Team
Our Foster Care Program is seeking a Licensing & Recruitment Coordinator. We have other openings, too. Read about all the existing opportunities to work at Children’s Place Association.
Volunteer
Join in and be part of the solution in helping Chicago’s vulnerable kids. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available:
- Once Upon a Time Gala Committee
- Junior Board member
- Adopt-A-Family
- Mentoring youth
- and so much more!
Whatever your skillset or time commitment, we have something that fits YOU! Email volunteer@childrens-place.org to learn more and let us know how you would like to get involved.
Invest in a Child’s Future
Your support helps us provide critical services to children and their families affected by serious health issues and extreme poverty. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring monthly donation, your generous gift has a direct impact on our children’s future.
- $30 donation funds one week of meals for a child
- $100 donation provides transportation for families to access health and wellness services and child care
- $300 donation buys gift cards for 6 families to purchase uniforms and school supplies
DONATE HERE
Remembering Dr. Paul Farmer
October 26, 1959 – February 21, 2022
We here at Children’s Place Association and Children’s Place International want to extend our deepest sympathies to those who loved Dr. Paul Farmer and our global community as we learn of his untimely passing. When Children’s Place International was beginning, Paul, as he preferred to be referred to, took time to meet with us out of his busy schedule. He encouragingly commented, “Food, healthcare, school…there is nothing wrong with any of that.” He advised us to work closely with Haitian partners, words which we took to heart. Today, we implement our projects in Haiti in close partnership with Partners in Health, Haiti.
Paul has left an enormous legacy. Because of his and the efforts of his colleagues at Partners in Health, millions of people receive high-quality healthcare in corners of the world where poverty would otherwise take life. We will endeavor to carry his example into the future – his fierce, compassionate spirit and advocacy that all people should have a seat at the table regardless of their economic status.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb
As the African Proverb says, going together gets you further. We’d love to have you stay connected with us to know what’s going on at CPA and how you can be involved.
Come join us socially: CPA Facebook| CPA Instagram | CPA LinkedIn |CPA Twitter | CPA YouTube | CPI Facebook | CPI Instagram|Child Thrive Facebook | Child Thrive Instagram |CONTACT US
Stay tuned for upcoming social events as we build pathways for our most vulnerable children to THRIVE!
