This month, we celebrated the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC’s) Week of the Young Child with engaging activities, hosted our 7th Annual Community Partnership Focus Group and Brunch at the Early Learning Center, and had our Junior Board attend the Private Equity Association (PEAC) forum. We also marked significant progress with several adoption cases reaching closure, helping create lasting, stable homes for children.
As we continue our work to support and create opportunities for our families to thrive, we are mindful of the turbulent times our nation is facing. Despite the challenges, we remain committed to moving forward with purpose and dedication.
Your support is essential to our work. Thank you for joining our efforts to create a better future for the children and families we serve.
Keep reading to see how we’re making an impact together!
- Sunday, May 4th, beginning at 1:30 PM, Bingo at Happy Camper (Junior Board fundraiser)
Junior Board In Action
Junior Board members recently attended the Private Equity Association (PEAC) of Chicago’s Nonprofit Forum, where they connected with community-minded young professionals to discuss ways to make an impact. Thank you to PEAC for hosting!
In addition, Junior Board member Arienne represented CPA at the Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy Career Fair in support of our Child Thrive program. She led a resume-building workshop, “Building Your First Resume: Telling Your Story with Confidence to Land Your Dream Job,” sharing helpful tips with juniors and seniors and guiding a group activity to help them apply what they learned to their future goals.
STEM Camp
Credera partners joined our Child Thrive program for a fun STEM camp. Students tested whether household items would float, built aluminum foil boats, and created water filtration systems using recycled materials. Thank you, Credera, for your amazing support. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
CLICK HERE to see more pics.
Literacy Month
Thanks to CIBC’s Erica Bentley for donating books in honor of Literacy Month! Your support helps celebrate the importance of reading and inspires young minds to grow.
Home-Based Learning:
Volunteers are welcome on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to help organize diapers/wipes, office supplies, and file documents. Our office is open from 7 am to 3 pm, and volunteers can leave once tasks are completed. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Interested? Email us to get involved!
Check out what our teams have been up to lately!
Month in Review
Our Child Thrive crew kept things lively at KIPP this spring! Our Thrivers explored STEM and civic engagement each week through hands-on activities that sparked curiosity and connection. On Fridays, our middle schoolers dove into math creatively and engagingly, while our younger Thrivers used art to build social-emotional skills and express themselves. We wrapped up March with a joyful Spring Break Camp, where art and games gave our Thrivers space to celebrate who they are and connect.
Volunteer Support
We’re thrilled to welcome Lia Kornmehl as a new Child Thrive volunteer! Lia will support our Thrive Friday programming, and we’re so glad she’s joining the team.
CPA shoutout goes to:
- Lia Kornmehl, Feyza Yucel, and Bianca Mattison, for volunteering to support our Child Thrive Spring Break fun! Thank you for bringing your energy and heart to our Thrivers.
Month in Review
April was filled with joyful learning and meaningful moments in our classrooms. During NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child, students explored “All About Science” through hands-on activities that sparked curiosity and discovery. We wore blue to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Day, standing for safe, nurturing environments where all children can grow and thrive. Earth Day taught playful lessons about caring for our planet and shared world.
CLICK HERE for more pictures.
Community Collaboration
Our Early Learning Center Lead Family Support Specialist, Nicole, hosted the 7th Annual Community Partnership Focus Group and Brunch. Local agency partners came together to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and support one another’s efforts to strengthen our communities. It was a valuable opportunity to learn together, collaborate across missions, and deepen the collective impact we all strive to make.
Month-in-Review
This month, our Home-Based program brought families together for learning and connection. At a recent socialization gathering in Back of the Yards, children explored textures and colors through arts and crafts, while parents connected and received helpful safety tips from our program nurse.
Home-Based families also participated in NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child, engaging in activities that emphasized the value of early learning. These moments continue to strengthen the bonds within our families and community.
CLICK HERE to see more pictures.
Month in Review
Our case management team has been hard at work this month supporting several adoptions as they near the finish line. We’re also making staffing updates within the Foster Care and Adoption Program to continue strengthening our impact.
CPA shoutout goes to:
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Case Manager Betty Hall was recently commended by an attorney and a judge for her outstanding work on a challenging case. They specifically recognized her diligence in navigating emerging mental health issues with one of her clients.
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Case Manager Almeta Rollins achieved 100% compliance during a recent audit of her cases. Her thoroughness and dedication are a true reflection of excellence in action!
Dance Therapy
In April, a special dance therapy class brought joy and healing to children receiving treatment for cancer and sickle cell disease in Tanzania. Hosted at our partner clinic, the class allowed young patients to move, laugh, and express themselves through dance. It lifted spirits and helped ease the emotional weight of treatment. Some families traveled long distances to reach the hospital, and this creative outlet offered a welcome moment of lightness and connection. With music, movement, and care, these classes transformed clinic courtyards into spaces filled with hope and resilience.
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
Kathryn B. McQuade Foundation
Major Individual Supporters
Richard Bae, Tim Coffey, Nicole Dykas, Leslie McLeod, John Sweeney
In-Kind Donations
Books from Erica Bentley of CIBC
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Give, serve, work, or share—every action helps kids and families thrive. Thank you for being part of the change!
