January may have chilled us a bit, but guess what? We’re back in action and turning up the heat with our programs! Our Thrive program is buzzing with after-school excitement at KIPP Chicago, gearing up for some fantastic events at the Child Thrive Center.
Our early learners are on a mission with a heartwarming book drive. And the rest of us? Well, we’re diving headfirst into creating a more equitable and vibrant community for everyone.
And a MASSIVE thank you to our Child Champions who raised $33,731 during our year-end Hope for the Holidays Campaign. It is people like you that keep stoking the flame for positive change. Let’s make 2024 a year of meaningful forward movement toward better education, health, and equity for all.
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.
- Friday, February 2: Thrive Fridays
- Wednesday, February 21: Foster Parent Orientation
- Wednesday, February 28: Foster Parent Training
- Thursday, February 29: Play With Purpose – Online Trivia
- Friday, March 22: Thrive Family Night
- Friday, May 10: CPA Annual Celebration – Champions Gala – details coming soon
- Sunday, August 4: Fourth Annual Pickleball Tournament – details coming soon
Baby, It’s Cold OutsideEscape the cold and join us for an unforgettable evening of Online Trivia on Leap Year Day, February 29th, hosted by our Junior Board from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Warm up your night with laughter, friendly competition, and the joy of supporting Children’s Place Association.
This is a one-of-a-kind event, and you won’t want to miss it! Grab your $25 tickets now and let’s make a difference for the kids together.
Adopt A Family – Success!Our Adopt A Family Drive brought joy to 694 individuals in 140 CPA families, all made possible by the kindness of 80 donor families and the dedication of 35 volunteers who sorted and prepared the gifts for delivery.
A heartfelt thank you to our longtime supporters, CNA, for generously sponsoring our 2023 Adopt A Family Drive and empowering us to continue our vital community service. Your support creates a profound impact!
Meet A CPA Team Member
Check below and see what our amazing teams have been up to over the last month.
Month in ReviewDuring the holidays, CFSS brightened the season for multiple families. Thanks to our Adopt-A-Family program, six families received heartfelt gifts. Two clients also received $50 gift cards to ease their holiday food expenses.
Moving On UpWonderful news: With support from our housing supervisor and family case manager, one of our residents is moving to a larger home. Due to unexpected circumstances, a father in our care gained custody of his two children, prompting the move from a studio to a spacious three-bedroom unit. Big thanks to our staff for helping him through this challenging transition. He’s all set to move into his new home in February.
Month in ReviewOur Winter Mini Camp was a hit! Students enjoyed art with mosaic coasters and logo magnets, explored STEM through a Child Thrive Lego City, and wrapped up each week with a lively Game Day. Now, we’re excitedly preparing for upcoming Spring programming at KIPP after the success of our Winter Mini Camp.
Thrive FridaysExciting news! Thrive Fridays is making a comeback at a new time—starting February 2, 2024, from 2pm to 5pm. Join us for a fantastic time with art activities, movies, games, and more! 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.
Book Fair
The Early Learning Center Book Fair presented a rich assortment of books tailored for young minds, ideal for fostering cherished reading moments at home. Our dedicated teachers emphasize the profound impact of reading to children and creating enjoyable and meaningful experiences with their families.
Month In ReviewThe Home-Based team actively engaged in in-person learning sessions to enhance our support for families. Training included mental health first aid certifications, the Family Portage Project, and conscious discipline.
Reaching Goals
Home visitors helped families achieve goals this month. Two refugee families in Home-Based secured stable housing, and a parent who was job hunting is now working full-time.
Social Interaction
Our fantastic Home Base team hosted their bi-monthly social gathering. They treated the kids and families to a painting activity. And to top off the fun, they enjoyed a movement game to a bean bag song.
While our team goes into our clients’ homes to support their children’s growth, these gatherings bring families together to connect, learn, and have fun.
Month In Review
We are overjoyed to share that we surpassed our Place the Hope campaign goal thanks to the dedication and compassion of our CPI community!
We brought in over $230,000 dollars from 240 supporters to directly benefit 2,064 vulnerable youth and their families overseas with their essential needs.
Thank you so much for advocating for a world where every child is healthy, educated, and thriving!
“I am truly humbled by the resilience of our client families, the expertise of our in-country partners, and the amazing outpouring of solidarity from you and our other cherished Children’s Place International supporters these past several months during the Place the Hope campaign,” reflected CPI Executive Director, John Sweeney.
Together, we are building a world where children can live free from deprivation and illness. Where they can author their own stories and champion a more just future. Thank you again for walking part of that journey with them!
Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Takeda, our CPI Board, and our Place the Hope Committee.
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
Abbott, Baird Warner, Blur Product Development, Bunker Hill Book Club, Chicago Community Trust, Couch Family Foundation, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, Fresenius Kabi, Greater Washington Community Fund, Hollister Inc., Konbit Lasante Pou Limonad, PayPal Giving Fund, Takeda, Teknion, Wines for Humanity LLC
Major Individual Supporters
John Albanese, Kevin Amoo Mensah, Cathy Bedrick, Mark Bell, Matt Berger, Munisha & Viresh Bhatia, Jolayne Biscoe, Jenny & Dave Blickenstaff, Rees Candee, Ed Capone, David Chan, Peter Chi, Anthony “Tony” Connor, Ray Cornils and David C. Bellville, Michael Dahlhauser, Robert and Eulaine Deist, Tom Dennis, Dan Dever, Brad Dunlap, Brent Dunlap, Mark Edwards, Brian Enders, Blair Fischer, Tim Fitzgerald, Matt Fuchsen, Cheryl Gelfond, Karl Hanek, David & Judy Harpenau, Naomi Hirsch & Greg Philipaitis, Eric and Katie L. Hoffman, Howard Jacob, Eric Jacobson, Damon Jones, Dave Kalinich, Ellen Kaufman, Kody Kibe, Tim Koenig, Cathy Krieger & Eric Skamser, Binita Kwankin & Joe Hmieleski, Bradley Lancy, John Langland, Will Louder, Claudia Mann, Diane Marsolini, Florian Matena, Terry McAllister, Leslie A. McLeod, Michael McVey, Juan Mejia, Nathan Metzger, Jenn Meyer-Lease, Maria Micale & Vinnie Hager, Dana Miller Leskera, Dianne Moody, Kendra Morrill, Richard Moser, Jason Muelver & Jenny Lauth, Thomas Muldoon, Brinda Nair, Ruth O’Grady, David Patterson, Aden Pereira, Fred Peter, Hannah Pick, Nancy Blom Roach, Jeffery Robb, Julia Roberts, David Rowan, Reed Sally, James Saul, Marc Schmidt, Diane Seder & Bruce Rosen, Julian Shockley, Silvia Shockley, Ron Shockley, Brian & Liz Staunton, Steve Stautzenbach, Tyler Stockman, Carole Streicher, Randall Swatland, Sheryl Terril, Joe Villanova, Joe Villanova, Bob Villanova, Mary Villanova, Eric Wilder, 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.
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
- 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.
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
- 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.
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.
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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CPI Instagram|Child Thrive Facebook | Child Thrive Instagram |CONTACT US
