Get to Know Children’s Place Association

Welcome to Children’s Place Association. Here, you’ll discover a mission rooted in care and commitment. We support children and families facing serious health challenges and difficult circumstances. Together, we can create lasting, positive change. 

Our Mission

Building a secure & hopeful today, so children facing health issues & poverty succeed tomorrow.

What We Stand For

We are committed to opening doors of opportunity for every child and family, regardless of background or life circumstances. Everyone deserves a strong start and steady support.

Our Journey:

Since 1991, our dedicated team has been driving meaningful change, helping bridge crucial gaps in communities that face significant challenges like poverty, health concerns, and violence. Here’s a look at what makes us stand out:

  • Leadership with Purpose: Guided by a team that understands and reflects the communities we serve. 
  • Community Driven:Community Driven: We listen carefully, collaborate openly, and create solutions together.
  • Prepared for Success: 100% of our preschoolers are kindergarten-ready, leading them to academic triumph.
  • Medical Support: With medically complex cases in mind, our two full-time nurses care for our children.
  • Housing Stability: Every family in our supportive housing program facing chronic medical challenges receives more than just shelter; they also receive nursing and mental health services and resources to help them become financially stable and ready to work.

Our Four Pillars

Since 1991, we have helped Chicago-area children and parents break the cycle of adversity in four key areas of impact:

Health

Education

Family Support

Financial Stability

Meet the Ortiz Family

Meet the Ortiz family – a heartwarming tale of transformation. Over two years in our home-based program, we witnessed a significant journey. Initially focused on their daughter, Arcely, we soon understood the wider family needs. Arcely’s brother, dealing with bipolar disorder, required support beyond our usual scope.

That’s where our holistic approach stepped in. We linked the Ortiz family with a mental health consultant, leading to a specialized clinic referral for the son. Our team provided guidance, answered their questions, and ensured access to crucial mental health resources. Even as Arcely faced initial separation anxiety, our support and engaging activities helped her blossom in our nurturing program.

Now, this once-anxious 2-year-old radiates joy within our program, a testament to the positive impact of our holistic family support.

Our Services In Action

Children and Family Support Services:

  • We support families on their journey toward financial stability, strong relationships, and lasting well-being through a personalized and practical approach. 

Child Thrive:

  • We provide customized out-of-school programs for youth ages 6 to 18 that support skills development and encourage positive growth. 
  • With a dedicated and experienced team, we work alongside partners to grow and strengthen the resources available to children and families. 
  • From mental health services to youth mentoring, we revitalize our community through strategic alliances.
  • Current community partnerships include: Big Brothers/Big Sisters, JPA (Juvenile Protective Association), Rush University Medical Center, West Humboldt Park.

Early Learning Center & Home Base Learning:

  • From birth to 5 years old, we provide foundational education in a nurturing school environment.
  • Our home-based program fosters parent-child relationships with research-based curriculum.
  • Pregnant moms receive support, resources, and home visits, ensuring a healthy start for their little ones.
  • Our on-site team, including nurses and mental health coordinators, ensures comprehensive care and support for children with special needs, disabilities and chronic health issues.

Foster Care and Adoption:

  • Our seasoned case management team works collaboratively to provide top-tier care and specialized support for abused/neglected children and those with medical needs and their families.
  • With a close-knit team, personalized attention is our promise, ensuring no one feels alone in their journey to finding their forever home.