Amidst the scorching heat of summer, our team is on fire! The ELC school year ended with a fun end-of-year celebration, and we’re excited for the mid-August preschool graduation. Child Thrive was busy managing two summer camps. Our Foster Care team helped foster children prepare for their college journey, while Publicis Sapient’s 45 interns infused fresh energy into our mission. August brings a preschool graduation and a visit from Mesirow staff, dedicated to our mission. Grateful for the impact we’re making and eager for the future!
Read on to enjoy all that transpired this month and to learn what’s ahead.
Mark Your Calendar
Check out these fun events we have coming up, and join us!
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July 31 – August 11: Child Thrive Summer Camp
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Wednesday, August 16: Early Learning Center Graduation & Foster Parent Orientation
- Wednesday, August 23: Foster Parent Training
- *Sunday, August 19: 3rd Annual Pickleball Fundraiser
CLICK HERE for more event details and volunteer opportunities
* Events open to the public (most of our events are community-based)
Our 2024 Junior Board
Join us in a warm welcome to our 2024 Junior Board, comprised of talented young Chicago professionals. This year’s members: Hannah Song & Derek Breese (Co-Presidents), Lynneah Cardine & Robyn Lynn (Outreach C0-Chairs), Paige Larson (Events Chair), Hannah Ashby (Communications Chair), and our awesome general board members – Ignacio Cabrera, Tyra Castle, Katie Conroy, Rachel Joyner, Brett Mandel, Brianna Richardson, Kelly Whitney, and Sean Whitney. We are excited to have them help amplify the CPA mission!
One Child At A TimeLooking to make a positive impact but unsure where to start? Join our passionate community of monthly donors and bring life-saving services to youth and families in need 365 days a year. Your small monthly contribution is one of the simplest but most important ways to make a lasting impact in the lives of our children and create sustainable solutions to poverty and health and racial equity. By giving a little each month, you can show your belief in their potential and support their future success.
CLICK HERE to set up your monthly donation and be a part of something meaningful today! Together, we can create a brighter future for our kids.
Get ready to empower young minds for a successful future! Early education lays the foundation for lifelong achievements. Join us in supporting our incredible kiddos and foster kids for the upcoming 2024 school-year! You can make a difference by either purchasing and dropping off essential items or conveniently checking out our Amazon Wish list. Together, let’s ensure these bright souls have the tools they need to thrive in their educational journey. Your contribution will make a lasting impact and bring smiles to their faces. Let’s gear up for a year full of learning and growth!
CLICK HERE for more details.
Collaborations
Many hands makes light work. In July, 45 Publicis Sapient interns from around the country came and helped the ELC prepare for the new school year and the End of Year Celebration. “It truly means the world to us to be able to get that type of support. The team was truly fantastic and did an amazing job on everything they accomplished. Non-profits like ours can thrive and flourish because of supporting individuals like you. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! The basement team are definitely the MVPs!” – Porsche Snowden, CPA Director of Early Education, Supportive Services, and Operations.
We are excited for Mesirow team members to join us in August to paint! Together, we make a difference!
CLICK HERE to see more pictures of the Publicis Sapient intern support.
Let’s Play Pickleball!
Calling all pickleball enthusiasts and community changemakers! Join us on Sunday, August 27th at Maggie Daley Tennis Courts for an amazing event that combines our love for the sport with making a positive impact. A huge CPA shoutout to Joie & Wendi Group of @Properties / Christie’s International Real Estate for hosting this incredible and fun-filled afternoon. Let’s come together, play some pickleball, meet some CPA staff members, and show your support!
CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets.
Meet A CPA Team Member
Join us on the Gram
Social media drives our mission! Help us reach 500 Instagram followers as we are at 498
CLICK HERE and be a part of our journey.
Turtle Time
Experience the joy of “Take Your Pet to School Day”! Our adorable learners had an exciting visitor – meet Poppy, the awesome pet turtle! It was an enriching firsthand lesson in pet care, and they also learned fascinating turtle facts. The kids couldn’t contain their excitement as they sketched adorable portraits of Poppy, creating lasting memories and fostering a love for animals. We believe in creating engaging and educational experiences that leave a positive impact on our children’s hearts and minds.
End of Year Celebration
Our incredible kiddos had an absolute blast at the much-awaited #EndOfSchoolYear celebration! After months of dedicated hard work, they deserved a day to unwind, let loose, and enjoy the festivities to the fullest! Laughter filled the air as they reveled in the joy of their accomplishments and celebrated the friendships they’ve built throughout the year. The event was a heartwarming reminder of the resilience and determination these young minds possess. We couldn’t be prouder of their achievements and are excited to see them continue to shine brightly in the future. Here’s to a memorable day of fun, laughter, and endless possibilities!
CLICK HERE for more pictures of our Early Learners
Month in Review
July was the start of a brand new fiscal year! Our team is hard at work, diligently updating contracts and subcontracts to ensure a smooth and successful transition. We’re thrilled to share that some of our teens are now moving into living programs to develop essential life skills, and one of them is even heading off to college – a true testament to their growth and potential!
As we navigate through the summer season, we are also managing summer vacations for our youngsters, providing them with well-deserved opportunities to relax and recharge. The road ahead may present its challenges, but with our dedicated team and unwavering commitment, we are confident that we can overcome any obstacles that come our way.
We take great pride in our mission to support and empower these young minds, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will continue to make in their lives and communities. Here’s to a rewarding and fulfilling journey ahead! Together, we’ve got this!
Kudos!
Shoutout to case manager Sean Cline! Stellar feedback from DCFS meeting and recent court hearing on a tough case! Go Sean!
Patrick Taitt (Supervisor) & Christina Gould (Nurse) are amazing! Prepping a special-needs foster client for college. Soothing anxiety & planning the big transition! Exciting times ahead!
Graduation
Celebrating Antonio’s graduation! His family’s brave journey from Haiti to DR. Impacted by HIV, overcoming challenges, he is a CPI scholarship recipient, and future entrepreneur! Clínica de Familia La Romana’s support. So proud of Antonio & all our inspiring youth!
*Real name and face changed to protect his identity.
Major Company & Foundation Supporters
Abbott, Denim Lounge, Takeda
Major Individual Supporters
Susan Bandes, Theodore Cappas, Anne Carlins, Vicki Franzen, Stephen Galler, Nancy Grupta, Howard Jacob, Laura Kanter, Binita Kwankin & Joe Hmieleski, Nathan Metzger, Richard Moser, Benjamin Roach & Ilana Rosen, David Schuh, Barb Silnes, Eric Wilder
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.
Early Learning Center
We are seeking 5 to 7 volunteers for our preschool graduation on Wednesday, August 16, from 10 am to 3 pm. Your support is needed to assist with set-up, food service, activity monitoring, crowd management, and more. Join us for a rewarding day of celebration! EMAIL US if you are interested.
Outreach & 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!
Urgent Need
️ A foster family, 5 foster children, lost everything to flooding! Despite connecting with disaster agencies, they still need help. Let’s rally together to support them with food, clothing, furniture, and personal items!
CLICK HERE to offer support.
Check Out Our Amazon Wish Lists
Child Thrive
- Board games
- Sports equipment
- We would love to get in-kind donations for art projects. Supplies like canvases, poster board, paint, paintbrushes, oil pastels, mixed media paper, palettes, etc.
EMAIL US if you are able to donate any of these needs.
Early Learning Center
- Diapers size 5 & 6
- Art supplies
EMAIL US if you are able to donate any of these needs.
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
- Thermometers for measuring water temperature
- Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors for licensing purposes.
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.
To learn about CPA openings:
- CLICK HERE Family Case Manager
- CLICK HERE Medical Case Manager
- CLICK HERE Early Head Start Teacher
CLICK HERE to learn about other existing CPA opportunities.
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.
Help us keep our promise to them in creating pathways of hope and well-being by supporting their potential.
- $25 – Allows a child to participate in an education l field trip to a local museum, park, or zoo
- $50 – Supplies grocery gift cards to families in need or crisis
- $100 – One youth or family workshop on financial literacy, workforce development, nutrition/health, or neighborhood safety
- $250 – Provides transportation for families to access health and wellness services and childcare
- $500 – Funds 3 weeks of afterschool activities, including the cost of food, transportation, and supplies, to offer a safe, supportive space for children in unsafe neighborhoods
Whether you give a one-time gift or a recurring monthly donation, $5 or $500, your donation directly impacts our children’s future. Please donate today to support our kids’ and families’ education, health, and economic stability.
Hope Thrives When Communities Care
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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