We kicked off the month with our spectacular annual celebration, followed by team members from Cotter Consulting volunteering with us in our efforts to clean up one of our buildings. Additionally, our dedicated junior board members brought their energy to brighten up the outdoor space at the Early Learning Center. As we gear up for summer camps, pre-school graduation, and preparations for the upcoming fall, we’re eagerly anticipating an exciting August Pickleball fundraiser organized by our dear friends from @Properties.
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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Wednesday, June 21 – Foster Parent Orientation
- Wednesday, June 28 – Foster Parent Training
- **Thursday, June 29 – Quarterly Family Summer Fun Event
CLICK HERE for more event details and volunteer opportunities
* Events open to the public (most of our events are community-based)
** Volunteers are needed
We Are ONE Chicago Celebration
Our annual fundraiser, held on June 2nd, was an incredible event where we raised essential funds for our programs and fostered a sense of community, learning, laughter, and inspiration. It allowed us to come together and continue the impactful work that fuels our passion. To experience the full recap and witness the amazing moments of the evening, please CLICK HERE.
Clean Up
A HUGE shoutout to the dedicated volunteers from the Cotter Consulting corporate team who generously spent their time sorting, organizing, and packing thousands of clothing pieces and blankets that we were able to donate to support Chicago’s temporary migrant shelters.
Painting Party!
We had fun painting the entrance sign for our Early Learning Center, all thanks to the incredible talent of our Junior Board members, Katie Conroy and Derek Breese! A HUGE shoutout to Mr. Eddie, Viviana, and Carol for their support during the painting process. Now, the outside is just as welcoming as the inside!
CLICK HERE to see more pictures of the paint party.
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
Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations to Carol Miller, who recently received a Volunteer of the Year award in recognition of her volunteer work with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. Each week, Carol shares an inspirational three to four-minute video aimed at cultivating a peaceful mindset among the 5,000+ staff members who face the daily challenges of their vital work. As an organization that strives to address the systemic issues that contribute to the plight of our clients, Carol’s work is a beautiful example of our mission in action, playing out in the lives of our staff and building bridges with local community partners.
Month in Review
We had a fantastic time wrapping up Afterschool with KIPP on May 31st and are excited about our upcoming summer camps beginning in July. We recently gathered for team building, celebrating Yardira’s birthday and Tim’s CPA anniversary. We also discussed summer camp logistics and went over student surveys to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students and advancing the vision.
Diana, Jakina, Tim, and Yadira
CLICK HERE to see more team building pictures.
Summer Camps
KIPP Session: July 10th – July 28th, Tuesday through Thursday, 10am – 4pm
Child Thrive Session: July 31st – August 11th, Monday through Thursday, 10am – 4pm.
Sessions will feature STEM, Art, Music, and field trips. We are once again partnering with Goldfish Swim School and are currently looking to secure a few more.
Sports Physicals & Pediatric Consultations
Does your child(ren) have a cold, flu, strep throat, or COVID-19? If you don’t know, take advantage of getting a free consultation! We offer the community free school-age pediatric consultations and sports physicals with our continued partnership with Rush and Dr. Margi. Every Wednesday (unless otherwise noted by Dr. Margi) from 1–5 PM. To set an appointment, email Child Thrive.
Month in Review
As summertime arrives, our center is fully embracing the joys of the season. Our playground has become a hub of laughter and excitement, while local walks and refreshing water games have become favorite pastimes for our participants. Simultaneously, our dedicated administrative staff is diligently preparing for the upcoming program year and an impending federal review, ensuring we continue to provide exceptional services. We eagerly embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, driven by our commitment to excellence.
CLICK HERE for more pictures of our Early Learners
Donuts with Dads
Our kids enjoyed a special event during morning drop-off where their father figures joined them sharing a delightful spread of donuts, coffee, and engaging crafts. They also explored our dedicated resource table, which was curated specifically for fathers.
Moving On Up
We are facilitating gradual transitions for our students as they move into their respective classrooms for the upcoming school year, tailored to their age groups. While the process varies for each age, our soon-to-be preschoolers are engaging in visits to establish connections with their new teachers and friends, fostering meaningful relationships.
Kudos
Thank you Ms. Adryia Moore! She is one of our teachers in the Crocodile classroom that has shown exceptional flexibility and understanding as we face the staffing issues of summer months and early education. She has willingly taken on extra roles, provided support in other classrooms, and stayed late to greatly contribute to our team’s success!
Month in Review
June, the advent of summer, has brought forth a multitude of transitions for our esteemed clients. Among them, we celebrated graduations, witnessed summer camp enrollments, facilitated admissions to transitional programs, and even rejoiced in the blessing of an adoption!
Welcome Home, Larissa
Exciting news! The adoption of Larissa Shields was officially finalized on June 14th, bringing immense joy to her amazing mom, Pavielle Hudson, and the entire family. We, too, are overjoyed!
“It gives me immense pleasure to extend heartfelt congratulations to the incredible Pavielle Hudson, our foster and adoptive parent, on the official adoption of Larissa! May Ms. Hudson and her family continue to be blessed with endless love, happiness, and cherished memories for years to come!” – Ivan Harrison III, Director of Child Welfare at the Children’s Place Association.
Thank You, Ms. Janice Evans
At our recent Building Bridges Celebration, we proudly honored the extraordinary Ms. Janice Evans, a cherished Foster and Adoptive parent, who has been an integral part of our foster care family for over 20 incredible years!
From Ms. Evans: “I thank Children’s Place Association for the opportunity to be of service to our children. I feel Blessed to have been able to bless, inspire, love, encourage, nurture, shelter, and teach the Lord’s prayer to all (16) of my babies. That was the best thing I could give to each of them. That no matter the road they take or where life takes them, they know they have a Father who cares and a #2 Mom who loves them dearly. To God Be The Glory! Take care my CPA Family, much Love and Appreciation!”
CLICK HERE to read more on her foster care journey.
Haitian Heritage Month
In observance of Haitian Heritage Month in May, the dedicated team at Children’s Place International initiated the impactful Together for Haiti campaign. Our goal is to raise $20,000 by June 30th, aiming to alleviate preventable deaths and mitigate trauma experienced by children in northern Haiti. Furthermore, we strive to offer a pathway out of poverty for these young lives.
Through this campaign, we intend to provide immediate, life-sustaining assistance to our most critical cases, ensuring their well-being during this challenging time. Moreover, we aim to establish a modest financial reserve, enabling us to swiftly respond to emerging needs amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country.
Your support matters immensely. By contributing to the Together for Haiti campaign today, you will directly aid Haitian children and families who are grappling with physical illnesses, hunger, inadequate shelter, and other pressing emergencies. As the conditions in the country tragically worsen, your generosity will make a significant difference in their lives.
Join us in making a positive impact in Haiti. Please consider making a donation to the Together for Haiti campaign today. Together, we can bring hope and relief to those who need it most.
Partnerships
Global health disparities are appallingly stark. In high-income countries, for example, more than 80% of children with cancer are cured. In low- and middle-income countries, less than 30% of children are cured. Where you are born can literally mean having access to life-saving care…or not. We are working hard to close the access gap so all children around the world can survive and thrive.
Children’s Place International partners with Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) to support vulnerable children living with cancer in Tanzania. The clinic is only one of three in the country that provides specialized care for kids and youth. We recently received an update from our partner clinic with a story of both hardship and hope. Kundambora is a 16-year-old patient with osteosarcoma. After her leg was amputated to save her life, support from our organization has provided her with new crutches, and she will also be fitted for a prosthetic limb.
We are grateful for the excellent care of our community-based partners and for the generosity of our supporters who help sustain the work so we can reach more children in time.
Major Company & Foundation Supporters
Abbott, Amazon Smile, Anonymous Foundation, Harry and Elaine Chaddick Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, Konbit Lasante Pou Limonad, MindBloom Preschool, Takeda
Major Individual Supporters
Shantal Alonso, Anonymous, Marjorie Benton, Theodore Cappas, Kristen Daihes, Dan Dever, Kathryn Feddor, Julie Fischer, Robin Flowers, Ellie Forman, Algean Garner II, John Hughes, Howard Jacob, Carol Kent, Judith Kinley, Maureen Larson, Jeff Libman, Andy Lowisz, Jennifer Masi, Leslie McLeod, Richard Moser, Brinda Nair, Robin Robinson, Matt Roma, Margaret Scotellaro, Marc Schmidt, Joe & Mary Syiek, Bernadette Troy, Eric Wilder, Felicia Winiecki, Karen Zylberman
In-Kind Donations
Early Learning Center
Baby food & formula thanks to Robyn Lynn
Foster Care
Received 40 sweet cases (personally decorated duffle bags that contain a blanket, teddy bear, toiletry bag, toiletries, and other items) through Foster Love from Constellation.
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
Summer Camp Volunteers: We need two volunteers daily to help set up for the day, assist participants when needed, and help with end-the-day clean up. Volunteers don’t have to stay full-time. EMAIL us if you are interested in volunteering.
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!
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 Grants Coordinator
- 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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