April was National Child Abuse Prevention Month – a month dedicated to recognizing the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. Children’s Place is committed every day to helping protect Chicago’s most vulnerable children and produce thriving families through our prevention and intervention services and support. Thank you to all those who teach, serve, volunteer, partner, and support us in these efforts all year long. See below what our team was up to last month, what is ahead, and how you can participate.
Mark Your Calendar
Check out these fun events we have coming up:
Friday, May 13th – Around the World with the Junior Board
Wednesday, May 18th – Foster Parent Orientation
Saturday, June 4th – Once Upon a Time Speakeasy Soiree Gala
Saturday, June 11th – Strides for Peace race
Early Learning
The Week of the Young ChildOur ELC team participated in the annual celebration of ‘The Week of the Young Child.’ The event, organized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, is a week celebrating early learning, young children, families, and communities. Team ELC’s week included music & movement, art, learning to work together, tasty treats, and more!
April – National Child Abuse Awareness MonthOur kids and parents participated in different activities in honor of National Child Abuse Awareness Month.Wear Blue DayEarly Learning Center teachers and students representing!
April Parent MeetingThis month, we had a guest speaker, Domestic Violence Liaison Officer Yesenia Rodrigues, who shared warning signs of child domestic violence, how to prevent it within the home and other families in their community, and what to do with any concerns about potential abuse.
Shared resources:DCFS Hotline: 1-800-25ABUSE (1-800-252-2873)Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
Earth DayThe kids had fun ripping up construction paper and gluing it onto a poster board while learning the importance of keeping our earth clean.
Happy Kids. Happy FamilyWelcome home Ka’Liyah and Ka’Lani Kay! These two young girls joined the family of Rachel Kay and Blair Hadnott thanks to Almeta Rollins, Foster Care Case Manager. Here is to a happy, healthy, and thriving life today and every day!
Child Thrive
Mission in Action (M.I.A)Our teen-led program for grades 9 through 12, Mission in Action (M.I.A), began on April 21st. This group, who meets regularly, was developed to provide leadership and social skills with the support of school leaders, community partners, local organizations, and industry expert volunteers while focusing on community activism, high school performance, career and college readiness, and positive relationships and identity. It’s free for all high school students. Reach out to Diana at thrive@childrens-place.org to learn how to get involved.
International
A job well done
Dedette, a family member involved in our Haiti program, shared her gratitude with what CPI has meant to her.“The first time I met with CPI staff, I wanted to chase them from my way. At that time, I had the world on my shoulders, and I wanted my HIV+ status to remain secret. Stigma was like a grave for people affected by HIV.After I entered this program, my life changed. This program is so important! If God allowed me, I should raise the longevity of all who are involved in it. You (the donors and workers) have made a very big difference in my life and in sweeping away my shame. When my children’s school expels students for debt, I stay calm and proud because the program has restored my dignity. My children are able to stay in their classrooms.Presently I am a widow, but I don’t feel alone thanks to the accompaniment of the staff. Without this program, I can’t guess where I could be or how I’d help my kids. I fall sick often, but CPI staff don’t wait to send my prescriptions. They always visit me more often to get me the meds in a very short time.
Endless congratulations to you all!”
Come out to support and celebrate on May 13th!
We are getting close to our Junior Board Gala on May 13th – Around the World with the Junior Board at The Arbory. Event and raffle tickets are now on sale, so come meet this great group of young professionals for a fun evening supporting CPA! Get your tickets here.
Raffle prize: One-week trip for two to a Vistana Resort (Scottsdale, Palm Springs, Vail, Orlando, Hawaii, Myrtle Beach, Bahamas, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, or Puerto Vallarta)!
Once Upon a Time Speakeasy Soiree on June 4th
It’s been two years since we’ve been able to gather, connect, have scrumptious food, and support Chicago’s most vulnerable children. Event tickets and raffle tickets are now on sale, so pick yours up today and we’ll see you on the 4th.
Raffle prize: A five-night stay for two at Westin Resort & Spa Cancun.
Calling All Runners Children’s Place Association is partnering with Strides for Peace for their annual Race Against Violence on Saturday, June 11th. If you are a runner or a walker, let us know if you are interested in being part of Team CPA for either an 8k, 5k, or a 2-mile walk and/or bringing your children along for a Tots for Peace sprint for the kids. Registration details coming soon. If interested, please contact volunteer@childrens-place.org.
Kick-off meeting with over 60 Chicago organizations
Child Thrive
Mental Health CounselingJPA continues to offer mental health counseling at Child Thrive every Friday (unless otherwise noted) from 2 PM to 6 PM with Ben. These services are available to everyone associated with CPA and the West Humboldt Park community. To learn more, email thrive@childrens-place.org.
CPA Supporters
We are grateful to all our supporters who allow us to continue to do the work we are so passionate about.
Major Company & Foundation Supporters
Abbvie, Faegre Drinker LLP, K-Five Construction Corporation, MAT Leasing, Inc., M.T. Transit, Inc., The Standard
Major Individual Supporters
Elisabeth Biggers, Rees Candee, Paul Coyle, Howard Jacob, Binita Kwankin, James McAuley, Maureen McClusky, Janet Myers, Mark Need, Nancy Sullivan, Patricia Whitney, Joseph Villanova
Our work happens because of people like you joining our efforts to make positive ch