Collaborating on Child Thrive–
a Neighborhood Program for Youth and Families
Based in the high-need area of West Humboldt Park, Child Thrive community center and programs empower the neighborhood to develop collaborative strategies that improve daily living conditions, increase resilience in youth, strengthen the social fabric and enhance health and safety for all. Our belief is that residents need to be at the core for sustainable change to happen for them.
Inspiring Youth to Thrive
Child Thrive aims to reduce the impact of long-term systemic racism and inequality by:
- Increasing community capacity to prevent and address child trauma
- Providing access to essential health and wellness services
- Advancing the skills of children and youth through social and emotional learning
- Increasing environmental assets in the community for youth and families
A Neighborhood Solution
Struggling with gun violence, the trauma caused by crime, lack of economic investment and the inequity of racism, the people of West Humboldt Park were the catalyst for our new Child Thrive Resource Center. This new community center offers youth mentoring, trauma counseling, support groups, access to primary care services and afterschool programming. Our principal focus is providing a secure space where children feel safe from the threat of violence.
Led by Children’s Place Association, we opened the doors for our Child Thrive project in July of 2021, in partnership with Big Brothers/Big Sisters (youth mentoring), Juvenile Protective Association (mental health), Rush Medical Center (primary care), and West Humboldt Park Development Council (economic development).
Our Goal
The goal is to help transform this westside community from one of the harshest places to be a child into a neighborhood where every child can thrive by expanding resources in this underserved neighborhood.
Our Community Partners
Where Every Child Can Thrive
Child THRIVE Community Programs
Child Thrive Resource Center
Child Thrive Resource Center offers youth mentoring, trauma-informed mental health services, access to primary care, after-school programs, and summer mini-camps.
Mental Wellness Services
JPA will provide a full-time Masters’ level therapist on-site to improve mental health and address trauma experienced by children and families as a result of community violence.
Primary Care Access
A Board-certified pediatrician from Rush University Medical Center will provide health/wellness services to children and parents.
Youth Mentoring
Big Brothers Big Sisters will lead an evidence-based mentoring program for pre-teens at the Center aimed at reducing the risk of gun violence and threats to community safety.
M.I.A. (Mission In Action)
Mission In Action (M.I.A.) is a teen-led group that meets regularly to make the community and world a better place.
Thrive Afterschool
Children will be able to make new friends and engage in enrichment opportunities that support their health, wellness, and positive development.
Thrive Mini-Day Camps
Our innovative programs provide a fun, enriching environment for children, who relish our center as a welcome refuge.
WeROCK Program
WeROCK summer program offers creative and educational projects for 3rd & 4th graders that spark children’s imagination and desire to learn.
LET’S THRIVE TOGETHER
The story of our Child Thrive initiative has just begun. Come be a part of it. We rely on community volunteers and generous supporters to assist with awareness, outreach and fundraising. We expect the work that is done in this impoverished community to be transformational for children and families who will now have the opportunity and resources to thrive.
“Child Thrive is a transformational extension of the Children’s Place Association mission. Community stakeholders and service partners coming together to serve our greatest asset, our children.”