CASA Kane County is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that serves the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA recruits, trains and supervises community volunteers who serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates and Guardian ad Litem for children who are in court by no fault of their own. This grant supports the expenses associated with volunteer recruiting, 45 hour/8 week training classes, background checks, and continuing education.

The mission of the Center for Independence through Conductive Education is to help children with physical disabilities gain independence. This grant supports the cost of Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists who provide intensive motor training programs to children and young adults with physical disabilities from low/middle income families.

Chicago Angels supports Chicagoland foster families in eight counties. This grant supports the Love Box program-volunteer support personnel matched to foster families. It also supports the Dare2DreamJr program – putting one-on-one mentors with fostered youth in order to manage life challenges together.

The Chicago Furniture Bank is a critical resource to the 450+ nonprofit partners addressing poverty, homelessness, mental illness and veterans services in Chicago. Their program helps to stabilize households when they are beginning a new chapter in their lives. Providing furniture to those leaving shelters is a critical and oftentimes overlooked component in the Housing First Model.This grant supports the growth of the Chicago Furniture Bank resulting from the City of Chicago’s new 2-1-1 program, which will serve hundreds more veterans and individuals suffering a mental health crisis in Chicago and beyond.

Chicago Lights builds brighter futures through creative youth development and social services that help people build the skills they need to transcend the challenges of poverty and lead fulfilling lives. The Summer Day program partners with 125 first through ninth graders through creative academic, arts, and enrichment programming to combat summer learning loss.

Unique recreational, educational, and therapeutic program to help meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of children (7-10 years old) diagnosed with cancer. The grant helps to underwrite room & board, transportation, and program/medical supplies expenses associated with the operation of the camp. Inasmuch as some participants have cognitive issues or disabilities, adaptive equipment is also provided for those campers. These programs help the children to bond with each other, and their supervisors, in a non-hospital setting, challenging them to learn new skills, while providing access to sports, camping, and other activities. The skills, lessons, support, and hope these children gain at camp empowers them as they return home to face the challenges of cancer after learning they are more than cancer patients, they are survivors!

Danny Did works to prevent deaths caused by seizures through their Device Subsidy Program. They provide counsel to caregivers about seizure monitoring and detection devices and act as a liaison between families and device companies.

Gilda’s Club is a cancer support organization founded in honor of Gilda Radner, one of the original cast members of “Saturday Night Live,” who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and passed away in 1989. The Oberweiler grant supports Gilda’s Club Chicago’s “Noogieland,” its program for children and teens who are impacted by cancer. Noogieland provides age-appropriate support groups, social activities and wellness workshops.

Green City Market’s mission is to secure the future of food by deepening support for sustainable farmers, educating the community, and expanding access to locally-grown food. This grant funds GCM’s farm-to-market field trips for children. Field trips educate kids on who grows one’s food, how it’s grown, and why it’s important to make informed decisions on how to nourish themselves.

The mission of JOURNEYS is to individually assess and serve the homeless and those at-risk of becoming homeless, while broadening community awareness and involvement with the homeless across north/northwest suburban Metro Chicago.

The organization’s mission is to reduce childhood obesity through healthy eating and active living initiatives, innovative strategies and community partnerships. Building on the previous funding, this grant helps fund 8-10 new Healthy Eating and Active Living projects as proposed by local community organizations, schools, work sites, municipalities, etc.

The Marklund Day School with locations in Bloomingdale, Elgin and Geneva, serves students ages 3-21 with multiple medical needs, learning, emotional and evelopmental disabilities. This grant supports the school’s social emotional learning curriculum, sensory manipulatives and furniture for classroom calming corners (elementary and middle school students).

The Maryville Crisis Nursery cares for young children for up to three days to protect them from potentially harmful situations, and provides parents in distress with crisis counseling, support, parenting education, case management, and referrals to community resourecs. The Crisis Nursery’s services are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year and is free to families in need.

Northern Illinois Food Bank’s mission is to provide food and resources to their neighbors with dignity, equity and convenience . They do this through parnterships and innovation. Within their service area, one in ten children experiences food insecurity. The Food Bank’s Child Nutrition Program brings nutritious food directly to children at schools and youth sites for after school, weekends and summer meals across 13 counties

The mission of IWS Children’s Clinic is to advance the health and well-being of children in need. This grant supports their school-based Portable Dental Program that serves over 1,500 low-income Chicago area children a year. IWS Children’s Clinic provides exams, sealants, cleanings, fluoride varnish, and oral health education to students (Pre-K to 8th grade) in the comfort of their school.

Operation Warm’s mission is to provide warmth, confidence, and hope through basic needs programs for the underserved children in the community. This grant sponsors 400 low-income children residing in northern Illinois with new coats and/or shoes during fall/winter 2023.

People’s Resource Center (PRC) responds to basic human needs, promotes dignity and justice, and creates a future of hope and opportunity for the residents of DuPage County. The Essential Services Program offers food pantry services, seasonally appropriate clothing, and financial assistance to relieve financial stress and improve access to nutritious food to those in need.

The Foundation’s mission is to create barrier-free and universally accessible outdoor play spaces and gardens in DuPage County. Through the cognitive, social and physical value of play, the Foundation promotes a spirit of inclusion and enhances quality of life. This donation supports the Super Hero Fun Run in Wheaton, a fundraiser for Play for all Playground and Garden Foundation.

Serving the families in the York Township area, The Outreach House provides programs including: Food Pantry, Clothes Closet, Walk-In Assistance and First Things First (infant needs)

This grant supports Ascension Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders Resource Center’s (ASDDRC) Social Emotional Wellness Groups for children up to age 14. These groups not only help children with autism develop skills to communicate and regulate emotions, but also provide mental health support to address the anxiety, depression and other difficult emotions arising from efforts to assimilate.

CASA DuPage County is a non-profit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system. Funding supports a program assisting the county’s probate court in cases where an individual is seeking guardianship of a minor. This program provides value in that the advocate investigates and gives the court timely, critical information when making decisions about a child’s placement. Without the volunteer advocates, the judge would appoint a Guardian ad Litem whose fees would need to be paid by the parties.

CASA Kane County is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that serves the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA recruits, trains and supervises community volunteers who serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates and Guardian ad Litem for children who are in court by no fault of their own. This grant supports the expenses associated with volunteer recruiting, 45 hour/8 week training classes, background checks, and continuing education.

The mission of Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center is to unite public, private and community partners to ensure the safety and well-being of abused children. They have served over 46,000 children impacted by sexual abuse through family advocacy, case coordination, forensic interviews, trauma therapy and education training free of charge. As the pandemic continues to increase the risk of harm and trauma to children, the grant will help the organization’s Education, Outreach and Prevention team to facilitate trainings, conduct awareness-raising activities, and collaborate with partners to prevent, recognize, respond to, and report sexual abuse.

Chicago Lights builds brighter futures through creative youth development and social services that help people build the skills they need to transcend the challenges of poverty and lead fulfilling lives. The Summer Day program partners with 125 first through ninth graders through creative academic, arts, and enrichment programming to combat summer learning loss.

Children’s Home + Aid is a leading child and family service agency in Illinois. Its programs and services focus on child abuse prevention, healthy child development, and strengthening families. Grant funds will be used to train two full-time staff members in “Parents as Teachers” trainings thereby better equipping the program to provide parents with the support they need to promote their children’s school readiness and healthy development.

The mission of this organization is to transform the lives of disadvantaged infants, children and teens suffering from physical deformities caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse or disease through the gift of reconstructive surgery and related healthcare services. This grant supports uncovered expenses associated with fiscal year 2023Surgery Weekends at UCM Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago

Gilda’s Club is a cancer support organization founded in honor of Gilda Radner, one of the original cast members of “Saturday Night Live,” who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and passed away in 1989. The Oberweiler grant supports Gilda’s Club Chicago’s “Noogieland,” its program for children and teens who are impacted by cancer. Noogieland provides age-appropriate support groups, social activities and wellness workshops.

Green City Market’s mission is to secure the future of food by deepening support for sustainable farmers, educating the community, and expanding access to locally-grown food. This grant funds GCM’s farm-to-market field trips for children. Field trips educate kids on who grows one’s food, how it’s grown, and why it’s important to make informed decisions on how to nourish themselves.

Imagine Englewood If (IEi) is a youth development organization with a mission to strengthen and empower the Greater Englewood Community. Offering year-round enrichment programs for youth ages 6-18. This grant supports the addition of a Diverse Learning Specialist to provide special education to the Englewood youth who are experiencing rising needs along with a reduction of public-school funding. IEi expects to impct health outcomes, education outcomes and crime rates through support of vulnerable youth.

Infant Welfare Society of Chicago (IWS Family Health) has led innovative community health programming and supported Chicago’s most vulnerable children and families for over a century. Our grant funds care coordination which addresses patients’ ecosystems and provides support beyond preventive health care, ensuring patients have the resources and assistance they need where they live, learn, work, and play.

The mission of JOURNEYS is to individually assess and serve the homeless and those at-risk of becoming homeless, while broadening community awareness and involvement with the homeless across north/northwest suburban Metro Chicago.

Organization supports families who choose to adopt or foster vulnerable children who are removed from their biological homes due to abuse or neglect. Services include monthly family support groups/dinners, life skills programming, specialized parenting tools and training, parents’ nights out and service projects.

The organization’s mission is to reduce childhood obesity through healthy eating and active living initiatives, innovative strategies and community partnerships. Building on the previous funding, this grant helps fund 8-10 new Healthy Eating and Active Living projects as proposed by local community organizations, schools, work sites, municipalities, etc.

The mission of the Northern Illinois Food Bank is to lead the northern Illinois community in solving hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need through innovative programs and partners. The Child Nutrition Program provides access to nutritious food for children at risk of hunger across their 13-county service area.

Serving the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Northwest Compass provides emergency services, education and empowerment for those community members vulnerable or in crisis.

Oak Leyden serves the needs of chidren and adults with developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. This grant supports the growth of the organization helping more children to increase their capacity for connection, creating building block toward independence, and better preparation for school. Specifically, additional Clinical Therapists are needed to support the growth of behavior intervention programs for the increasing number of kids in need.

The Philip J Rock Center provides services to individuals who are deaf-blind. The residential school offers an intensive, comprehensive education program for 3-21 year olds. The Center also provides a range of services in schools, medical settings, early intervention centers and homes statewide. This grant supports the development and outfitting of a new Sensory room at the PJR Center School. Sensory Rooms are needed to allow students time to calm down while exposing them to different textures, sounds and smells. The end result is regulated students who are available for learning.

For nearly seventy years, St. Coletta’s of Illinois has provided education, vocational and residential services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This grant supports the Kennedy School, a therapeutic day school providing a unique educational experience for students who have difficulty learning in a traditional school setting.

The Community House (TCH) provides recreational, therapeutic, volunteer, social service and learning programming to residents of DuPage and western Cook Counties. This grant supports “gaming” as an alternative and holistic therapy as part of TCH’s treatment for depression, anxiety, ADHD and conflict resolution skills for underserved youth at Willowbrook Corner. Gaming has been shown to effect mood, cognition, resiliency and problem solving.

Tuesday’s Child’s Behavioral Intervention Program is a 12-week program targeting parents with children who have drastic behavior issues, who are at risk of maltreatment, and who are in need of parenting strategies for violence prevention.

The mission of WINGS is to provide housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence. This grant supports child survivors of domestic violence to overcome cost and transportation barriers to essential appointments (ex. school and medical appointments) and enriching activities (ex. dance and art classes) thereby helping those who’ve experienced trauma to improve their physical, social and mental health.

With a goal to end systemic sexual abuse in Lake and Northern Cook County, the organization advocates for victims, provides specialized trauma informed care, and offers prevention education.

Almost Home Kids provides transitional care in a home-like setting to children with complicated health needs (cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, etc.), training for their families and respite care. This grant funds AHK’s Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Scholars Program expands the teaching of community based care for children who are medically complex and addresses a workforce shortage. The primary goal is to prepare tomorrow’s medical community with the knowledge, skills and attitude to allow them to competently serve a vulnerable population.

CASA DuPage County is a non-profit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system. Funding supports a new program assisting the county’s probate court in cases where an individual is seeking guardianship of a minor. This program provides value in that the advocate investigates and gives the court timely, critical information when making decisions about a child’s placement. Without the volunteer advocates, the judge would appoint a Guardian ad Litem whose fees would need to be paid by the parties.

The mission of the Center for Independence through Conductive Education is to help children with physical disabilities gain independence. This grant supports the cost of Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists who provide intensive motor training program to children and young adults from low and middle income families with physical disabilities.

The mission of Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center is to unite public, private and community partners to ensure the safety and well being of abused children. They have served over 45,000 children impacted by sexual abuse through family advocacy, case coordination, forensic interviews, trauma therapy and education training free of charge. As the pandemic continues to increase the risk of harm and trauma to children, the grant will help the organization’s Education, Prevention and Policy team to facilitate trainings, conduct awareness raising activities, and collaborate with partners to prevent, recognize, respond to and report sexual abuse.

Chicago Lights builds brighter futures through creative youth development and social services that help people build the skills they need to transcend the challenges of poverty and lead fulfilling lives. The Summer Day program partners with 125 first through ninth graders through creative academic, arts, and enrichment programming to combat summer learning loss.

Children’s Home & Aid is a leading child and family service agency in Illinois. Storms caused extensive damage to Childrens Home and Aid facilities in Bloomington including the Crisis Nursery, Scott Early Learning Center and Healthy Start House. This grant supports clean up efforts and supplies replacement.

The mission of this organization is to transform the lives of disadvantaged infants, children and teens suffering from physical deformities caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse or disease through the gift of reconstructive surgery and related healthcare services. This grant supports uncovered expenses associated with fiscal year 2021 Surgery Weekends at UCM Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

Gilda’s Club is a cancer support organization founded in honor of Gilda Radner, one of the original cast members of “Saturday Night Live,” who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and passed away in 1989. The Oberweiler grant supports Gilda’s Club Chicago’s “Noogieland,” its program for children and teens who are impacted by cancer. Noogieland provides age-appropriate support groups, social activities and wellness workshops.

The Angel Harvey Family Health Center of the Infant Welfare Society has a century-long history of leading innovative community-based preventive health care and provides Chicago’s most vulnerable communities with access to affordable, integrated and coordinated health services. Grant supports occupational therapy, speech therapy, and social skills groups for children and families experiencing developmental delays.

The mission of JOURNEYS is to individually assess and serve the homeless and those at-risk of becoming homeless, while broadening community awareness and involvement with the homeless. This grant funds the Food Assistance Program to reduce food insecurity within the 37 communities across north/northwest suburban Metro Chicago served by JOURNEYS.

The mission of the Northern Illinois Food Bank is to lead the northern Illinois community in solving hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need through innovative programs and partners. The Child Nutrition Program provides access to nutritious food for children at risk of hunger across their 13-county service area

Operation Warm provides warmth, confidence and hope to children in need through the gift of brand new winter coats. This grant supports the eight year of the Lake County, Illinois Operation Warm event in which approximately 2,500 children in Lake County received a much needed new winter coat.

In partnership with the Northern Illinois Foodbank, Shape Up Us, Inc held a FREE Health Expo & Young Lions Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. Event addresses childhood obesity (Cancelled due to Covid. Funds to be applied to 2022 event)

Shelter’s mission is to help and protect children who are abused, neglected, or dependent by providing 24-hour emergency and longer-term care. The grant supports the Jennings Home for Girls and Boys’ Group Home for youths ages 11-17 who are homeless and in crisis – having either run away from home or been locked out by their families. Funds provide housing, support services and essential items needed to keep youth safe, help them heal and reunite with family.

Tuesday’s Child’s Behavioral Intervention Program is a 12 week program targeting parents with children who have drastic behavior issues, who are at risk of maltreatment, and who are in need of parenting strategies for violence prevention.

The mission of WINGS is to provide housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence. This grant supports child survivors of domestic violence to overcome cost and transportation barriers to essential appointments (ex. school and medical appointments) and enriching activities (ex. dance and art classes) thereby helping those who’ve experienced trauma to improve their physical, social and mental health.

Two of Chicago’s top anchor institutions collaborated to help people and businesses through the pandemic and to provide for those facing the prospect of homelessness, joblessness and economic despair in its aftermath. “We must work together because by helping the small business community recover, we can create jobs so that unemployed individuals can rebuild their lives.”

Third of a three year grant ($15K in 2018; $25K in 2019; $35K in 2020) Almost Home Kids provides transitional care in a home-like setting to children with complicated health needs (cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, etc.), training for their families and respite care. This grant funds AHK’s Medical Education Program (current and expansion) which teaches community based care for children who are medically complex to medical students, residents, fellows and practicing doctors in the community. The primary goal is to prepare tomorrow’s medical community with the knowledge, skills and attitude to allow them to competently serve a vulnerable population.

CASA Kane County is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that serves the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA recruits, trains and supervises community volunteers who serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates and Guardian ad Litem for children who are in court by no fault of their own. This grant supports the expenses associated with volunteer recruiting, 45 hour/8 week training classes, background checks, and continuing education.

The mission of Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center is to unite public, private and community partners to ensure the safety and well being of abused children. They have served over 42,000 children impacted by sexual abuse through family advocacy, case coordination, forensic interviews, trauma therapy and education training free of charge. This grant supports evidence informed training to professionals, parents, caregivers, youth serving organizations, first responders and community members on recognizing, reporting, responding to and preventing child sexual abuse.

Chicago Lights builds brighter futures for Chicago’s youth and adults, many of whom are struggling to flourish under the stress of poverty and violence, by providing mentoring, social services, academic support, career development and arts education. This grant supports Chicago Lights service model changes needed in light of the current pandemic including computer equipment to address inadequate technical capacity, offline versions of games, books and learning materials, replacement for clothing donations (not allowed due to public health restrictions), etc.

Children’s Home + Aid is a leading child and family service agency in Illinois. Its programs and services focus on child abuse prevention, healthy child development, and strengthening families. Grant recognizes that, in response to the Covid 19 Pandemic, the organization cancelled fundraising events while continuing to support the most vulnerable in our community.

The mission of this organization is to transform the lives of disadvantaged infants, children and teens suffering from physical deformities caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse or disease through the gift of reconstructive surgery and related healthcare services. This grant supports uncovered expenses associated with fiscal year 2020 Surgery Weekends at UCM Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago

GiGi’s Playhouse changes lives through consistent delivery of free education, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. The grant supports a new/pilot program for children with Down syndrome ages 6-12 in greater Hoffman Estates area. GiGi’s Kitchen Kids is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities and a shared meal/snack. GiGi’s Kitchen Kids will build participants’ self-esteem and self-confidence as they learn about their own nutrition and wellness.

Green City Market (GCM) was founded on a mission to improve the health of local communities. This grant support emergency funding needs relative to the Covid 19 pandemic including the development of a virtual market place connecting Chicago’s consumers to local, sustainable growers; development of the GCM app; additional aggregation and food delivery costs, etc.

Eating and drinking places in Illinois lost 31,000 jobs in November alone, the most of any state in the country. It’s expected that a minimum of 20% of restaurants will never reopen in Illinois. As the restaurant industry continues to be impacted by the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF) has developed the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund to provide financial support to restaurant workers in need.

The Angel Harvey Family Health Center of the Infant Welfare Society has a history of leading innovative community based preventative healthcare, designed from the beginning to specifically provide Chicago’s most vulnerable families and communities with access to affordable health care. Grant supports occupational therapy, speech therapy and social skills groups for children and families experiencing developmental delays.

The mission of JOURNEYS is to individually assess and serve the homeless and those at-risk of becoming homeless, while broadening community awareness and involvement with the homeless. The Hope Center provides services including long term case management, mental health support, legal referrals, access to a clothing closet, food pantry, laundry and shower facilities. Of the nearly 800 clients served annually, more than half were women and children – 223 of whom are survivors of domestic violence.

Kids Above All P90 program places youth in foster care who have experienced sexual abuse and are reacting to that trauma with inappopriate behaviors. Grant support expansion of Kids Above All targeted recruitment campaigns to identify, attract and retain foster parents who have the skills to enhance the well-being of the children. Additional funding supports immediate needs created by the Covid 19 pandemic – masks, gloves and disinfecting wipes for case managers; printers and scanners for supervisors working from home; P90 at home kits

The organization’s mission is to reduce childhood obesity through healthy eating and active living initiatives, innovative strategies and community partnerships. Building on the previous funding, this grant expands community outreach and the purchase of additional stationary bikes for use in schools for the students use and learning.

The mission of the Northern Illinois Food Bank is to lead the northern Illinois community in solving hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need through innovative programs and partners. The School Pantry Program provides access to nutritious food for families with school age children in convenient and familiar settings. With fourteen school and campus based pantries, students are nourished to reach their full potential.

Oak-Leyden Developmental Services provides opportunities to over 1,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Oak-Leyden offers an extensive range of services and programs for children who demonstrate a delay in one or more areas of development. They also offer music classes and drop-in programs for all children in the community.

Operation Warm provides warmth, confidence and hope to children in need through the gift of brand new winter coats. This grant supports the seventh year of the Lake County, Illinois Operation Warm event in which approximately 2,500 children in Lake County received a much needed new winter coat.

The Foundation’s mission is to create barrier-free and universally accessible outdoor play spaces and gardens in DuPage County. Through the cognitive, social and physical value of play, the Foundation promotes a spirit of inclusion and enhances quality of life. This donation supports the Fun Run In Color even in Wheaton, a fundraiser for Play for all Playground and Garden Foundation.

St. Coletta’s Kennedy school supports students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During the pandemic, the Kennedy School, like other schools, moved to on-line learning. This grant supports the purchase of iPads and licensing needed for e-Learning for students who do not have technology at home

TWTC’s mission is to provide women with a continuum of care, recovery tools, and parenting skills to maintain a sober lifestyle as they rebuild their lives and their futures and mend the bonds with their families. The population of homeless mothers served by TWTC is growing. The grant supports a program which ensures that all of the incoming children have their basic necessities met (food, clothing, shelter, health, safety).

Second of a three year grant ($15K in 2018; $25K in 2019; $35K in 2020) Almost Home Kids provides transitional care in a home-like setting to children with complicated health needs (cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, etc.), training for their families and respite care. This grant funds AHK’s Medical Education Program (current and expansion) which teaches community based care for children who are medically complex to medical students, residents, fellows and practicing doctors in the community. The primary goal is to prepare tomorrow’s medical community with the knowledge, skills and attitude to allow them to competently serve a vulnerable population.

GlenOaks is a state-board-approved alternative school dedicated to helping students with emotional disorders, higher-functioning autism, secondary learning disabilities and other health impairments flourish in an educational environment where they feel safe, valued and encouraged. The highly structured environment blends academics and therapeutic activities to assist students in achieving success in the classroom. The art/recreational therapy programs assist students in developing alternative ways to address their emotional disorder other than traditional medication. Cameras, photo software, camera equipment and sewing machines were purchased. Yoga and Tai Kwando classes to assist students in reducing stress and manage behavior were also added.

CASA DuPage County is a non-profit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system. Funding supports a new program assisting the county’s probate court in cases where an individual is seeking guardianship of a minor. This program provides value in that the advocate investigates and gives the court timely, critical information when making decisions about a child’s placement. Without the volunteer advocates, the judge would appoint a Guardian ad Litem whose fees would need to be paid by the parties.

The mission of Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center is to unite public, private and community partners to ensure the safety and well being of abused children. They have served over 36,000 children impacted by sexual abuse through family advocacy, case coordination, forensic interviews, trauma therapy and education training free of charge. This grant supports evidence informed training to professionals, parents, caregivers, youth serving organizations, first responders and community members on recognizing, reporting, responding to and preventing child sexual abuse.

Founded in 1883, Children’s Home & Aid is a leading child and family service agency in Illinois. Their children’s residential treatment facility, the Rice Center, is located in Evanston and serves children suffering from severe emotional, behavioral and mental health problems resulting from traumatic exposure to chronic child abuse and neglect. This grant supports the training of an additional 10 Rice Center staff in Theraplay and builds on the Tier 1 training funded last year.

ChildServ’s mission is to protect, heal and educate children and families who struggle with chronic poverty and systemic prejudice. Project 90 is a specialized Foster Care program for children who have experienced sexual abuse or assault. The program provides specialized therapy, training and support for the children and the foster families.

The Community House Counseling Center’s Autism Services provides a family-centered team approach dedicated to personalized care and treatment. This grant builds on the organization’s new visual arts therapy sessions for children (Creative Connections) and funds an art therapist, supplies and facility costs.

The mission of this organization is to transform the lives of disadvantaged infants, children and teens suffering from physical deformities caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse or disease through the gift of reconstructive surgery and related healthcare services. This grant supports uncovered expenses associated with fiscal year 2019 Surgery Weekends at UCM Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago

The Garfield Park Community Council (GPCC) is a community-building organization made up of dedicated residents and allies working together to develop leaders and create opportunities and programs that build a vital Garfield park community. Garfield Park residents struggle with access to healthy foods and fresh produce and the health impacts of those struggles. This grant, a renewal of support which began last year, enables the GPCC to facilitate programs that promote health and wellness on Chicago’s West Side, providing nutritional education and healthy foods to children and families who attend public events

The Angel Harvey Family Health Center of the Infant Welfare Society has a history of leading innovative community based preventative healthcare, designed from the beginning to specifically provide Chicago’s most vulnerable families and communities with access to affordable health care. Grant supports occupational therapy, speech therapy and social skills groups for children and families experiencing developmental delays.

The mission of Kids Kicking Cancer is to ease the pain of very sick children while empowering them to heal physically, spiritually and emotionally. Using the practice of martial arts/karate they help children to mitigate pain and anxiety and help them to feel they have power over their lives. This grant supports the growth of Kids Kicking Cancer (originally founded in Michigan) in Illinois providing non pharmacological relief for children in the care of UChicago Comer Children’s Hospital.

The organization’s mission is to reduce childhood obesity through healthy eating and active living initiatives, innovative strategies and community partnerships. Building on the Fit Kids 2020 plan funded previously, this grant funds stationary bikes for use of students in local schools. It also funds classroom based tower (vertical) gardens that grow nutritious food using aeroponic technology for the students use and learning.

The mission of the Northern Illinois Food Bank is to lead the northern Illinois community in solving hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need through innovative programs and partners. The School Pantry Program provides access to nutritious food for families with school age children in convenient and familiar settings. With fourteen school and campus based pantries, students are nourished to reach their full potential.

Operation Warm provides warmth, confidence and hope to children in need through the gift of brand new winter coats. This grant supports the sixth year of the Lake County, Illinois Operation Warm event (held Nov. 16) in which approximately 2,500 children in Lake County received a much needed new winter coat.

The Foundation’s mission is to create barrier-free and universally accessible outdoor play spaces and gardens in DuPage County. Through the cognitive, social and physical value of play, the Foundation promotes a spirit of inclusion and enhances quality of life. This donation supports the Fun Run In Color even in Wheaton, a fundraiser for Play for all Playground and Garden Foundation.

Shelter’s mission is to help and protect children who are abused, neglected, or dependent by providing 24-hour emergency and longer-term care. The Fund covers the cost of critical and immediate health needs for adolescents who are uninsured and unable to access private or state health insurance. These children are provided with additional medical visits, dental visits, prescription medications, glasses, and medical equipment that the children would not otherwise have available to them. The Shelter also provides for health screenings and physicals necessary to detect health problems.

For nearly seventy years, St. Coletta’s of Illinois has provided education, vocational and residential services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This grant supports the Kennedy School, a therapeutic day school providing a unique educational experience for students who have difficulty learning in a traditional school setting

A human services agency serving central Kane County, Tri-city Family Services is dedicated to strengthening people and building community through quality affordable counseling, youth crisis intervention, prevention and early intervention services promoting sound mental health and family functioning.

First of a three year grant ($15K in 2018; $25K in 2019; $35K in 2020) Almost Home Kids provides transitional care in a home-like setting to children with complicated health needs (cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, etc.), training for their families and respite care. This grant funds AHK’s Medical Education Program (current and expansion) which teaches community based care for children who are medically complex to medical students, residents, fellows and practicing doctors in the community. The primary goal is to prepare tomorrow’s medical community with the knowledge, skills and attitude to allow them to competently serve a vulnerable population.

Child Advocacy Program serves sick and abused children who have been removed from their homes due to unsafe living conditions preparatory to entering into the foster care system. While the children have their basic healthcare, food, and clothing needs taken care of, they do not have the necessary extras most kids take for granted. This special needs program provides the additional funding for specialty healthcare such as eye, ear or dental exams; a winter coat, hat, and gloves; resources for school supplies; or, a suitcase to carry their meager belongings and few personal treasures in when they are placed in a foster home.

One of a suite of access and inclusion initiatives for individuals with disabilities, Family Fun Saturdays provides social integration and animal interaction for young children with autism and their families. Research indicates that children on the autism spectrum can increase positive social behaviors in the presence of animals. The program welcomes children ages 3-6 and their families to Brookfield Zoo’s Hamill Family Play Zoo for hour long sessions of nature play activities developed by occupational therapists and designed to address developmental goals for this age group.

Founded in 1883, Children’s Home & Aid is a leading child and family service agency in Illinois. Their children’s residential treatment facility, the Rice Center, is located in Evanston and serves children suffering from severe emotional, behavioral and mental health problems resulting from traumatic exposure to chronic child abuse and neglect. This grant supports the training of 18 Rice Center staff in Theraplay, an attachment-based play therapy intervention.

The Garfield Park Community Council (GPCC) is a community-building organization made up of dedicated residents and allies working together to develop leaders and create opportunities and programs that build a vital Garfield park community. Garfield Park residents struggle with access to healthy foods and fresh produce and the health impacts of those struggles. This grant enables the GPCC to facilitate programs that promote health and wellness on Chicago’s West Side, providing nutritional education and healthy foods to children and families who attend public events

Green City Market (GCM) was founded on a mission to improve the health of local communities. Manierre Elementary School is located in Old Town and 97% of its families are considered low income. While there is a grocery store in the neighborhood, spending money on healthy food is out of the reach of most of these families. The Edible Education Program was piloted by GCM last year and seeks to move students at risk for illness/lack of nutrition to a place of food security and confidence through a school garden; education about nutrition and sustainability; and Family Nights Out. This program provides healthy food in each cooking class and teaches 100 sixth through eighth grade students and ultimately families, how to grow healthy food in their school and at their homes. This access to food and knowledge about how to become more self-reliant for their food needs empowers them for life.

The organization’s mission is to reduce childhood obesity through healthy eating and active living initiatives, innovative strategies, and community wellness partnerships. Fit Kids 2020 employs strategies to educated parents and kids; promote wellness is schools and workplaces; develop policies that promote physical activity; assure fresh fruits and vegetables are accessible and affordable for all families

Northern Illinois Food Bank – a proud member of Feeding America – is the source of nutritious food, innovative feeding programs, and hope for more than half a million people each year.

TWTC’s mission is to provide women with a continuum of care, recovery tools, and parenting skills to maintain a sober lifestyle as they rebuild their lives and their futures and mend the bonds with their families. The population of homeless mothers served by TWTC is growing. The grant supports a program which ensures that all of the incoming children have their baic necessities met (food, clothing, shelter, health, safety).

Almost Home Kids provides transitional care in a home-like setting to children with complicated health needs (cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, etc.), training for their families and respite care. This grant funds AHK’s Medical Education Program which teaches the management of this type of complex child care to medical students, residents, fellows and practicing doctors in the community. The primary goal is to prepare tomorrow’s medical community with the knowledge, skills and attitude to allow them to competently serve a vulnerable population.

CASA DuPage County is a non-profit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system. Funding supports a new program assisting the county’s probate court in cases where an individual is seeking guardianship of a minor. This program provides value in that the advocate investigates and gives the court timely, critical information when making decisions about a child’s placement. Without the volunteer advocates, the judge would appoint a Guardian ad Litem whose fees would need to be paid by the parties.

Chicago Lights is strategically undertaking initiatives, such as the addition of a solar power system, to decrease operational costs and further increase the self-sufficiency of the Urban Farm through its next five years and beyond. This addition is one aspect of becoming a more environmentally conscious and economically sustainable enterprise. With higher energy costs for the regulation of greenhouse temperatures in the highly variant climate of Chicago, solar power is a crucial next step in meeting the organization’s needs.

The Rice Center offers high-level treatment and programming for extremely vulnerable children who, as a result of child abuse and neglect, are in need of 24 hour care. The Family Support Initiative will strengthen long-term outcomes for kids by providing intentional, dedicated support for children, and their families, from the moment a child enters treatment to their transition into a loving family.

ChildServ’s Military Therapy program provides therapy for veterans and their families. The services compliment the Department of Veterans Affairs services by concentrating on therapy needs the VA does not cover. This includes serving children, significant others, siblings, and parents as well as veterans with less-than-honorable discharges, Reservists and National Guard members. ChildServ therapists have received extensive competency training in issues affecting the veteran population and provide therapy for families impacted by trauma associated with military service.

Charlie’s Gift Center for Autism and Related Disorders provides a family-centered, team approach dedicated to personalized care and treatment. The center services 100 children and their families annually through personalized support plans, individual and group therapy and social communication sessions. The Oberweiler Grant pays for the approximately 40% of programming expenses not covered by insurance.

Second year of a two year grant. Green City Market (GCM) was founded on a mission to improve the health of local communities. Manierre Elementary School is located in Old Town and 97% of its families are considered low income. While there is a grocery store in the neighborhood, spending money on healthy food is out of the reach of most of these families. The Edible Education Program is a new offering for GCM and seeks to move students at risk for illness/lack of nutrition to a place of food security and confidence through a school garden; education about nutrition and sustainability; and Family Nights Out. This program will not only provide healthy food in each cooking class but will teach over 100 sixth through eighth grade students and ultimately families, how to grow healthy food in their school and at their homes. This access to food and knowledge about how to become more self-reliant for their food needs will empower them for life.

Make-A-Wish serves a unique, and vital, role in helping strengthen and empower children battling critical illnesses. This grant funds a wish for Kayli, age 7 from Pendleton, Indiana. Despite fighting Chronic Lung Disease, Kayli continues to be a happy, funny, 7-year-old. Her heartfelt wish is to go to Disney World so she can meet Minnie Mouse and see Cinderella’s castle

Shelter’s mission is to help and protect children who are abused, neglected, or dependent by providing 24-hour emergency and longer-term care. The Fund covers the cost of critical and immediate health needs for adolescents who are uninsured and unable to access private or state health insurance. These children are provided with additional medical visits, dental visits, prescription medications, glasses, and medical equipment that the children would not otherwise have available to them. The Shelter also provides for health screenings and physicals necessary to detect health problems.

A human services agency serving central Kane County, Tri-city Family Services is dedicated to strengthening people and building community through quality affordable counseling, youth crisis intervention, prevention and early intervention services promoting sound mental health and family functioning.

Turning Point’s mission is to confront violence against women and children in McHenry County. This grant supports children and adolescents who have witnessed or experienced first-hand the devastating trauma of domestic violence. Turning Point provides 24-hour crisis intervention; response and stabilization; individual counseling; mental health therapy; emergency secure shelter; a support group for teens; and a preventative anti-violence program

Research has shown that if children and youth with Autism Spectrum, Disorder (ASD) receive behavioral intervention early in life, there can be significant improvement in their levels of functioning and independence. Sadly, though, many children pass important developmental milestones missing the opportunity for timely intervention that can affect their life trajectory. In 2015 and with Oberweiler support, Alexian Brothers piloted a Pivotal Response Therapy (PRT) program that reaches children under 4 years of age. Grounded in play and targeting very young children, this ground breaking therapy teaches parents how to observe their children’s behaviors and apply intervention techniques. Funding supports PRT for those on Medicaid or having limited finances.

CASA Kane County is a non-profit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system. The Kane County organization has experienced a significant number of new and continuing cases driving their caseloads to twice that which is recommended by the National CASA. Funding will provide short term support of an Advocate Supervisor who manages the volunteer group and assists in sorting through the complexities of individual cases. This additional resource will ensure that each child’s unique needs are met and permanency is achieved in the least amount of time. Future funding of this position will come through proper budgeting, Mission Partner Giving, and CASA’s Annual Gala revenue.

One of a suite of access and inclusion initiatives for individuals with disabilities, Family Fun Saturdays provides social integration and animal interaction for young children with autism and their families. Research indicates that children on the autism spectrum can increase positive social behaviors in the presence of animals. The program welcomes children ages 3-6 and their families to Brookfield Zoo’s Hamill Family Play Zoo for hour long sessions of nature play activities developed by occupational therapists and designed to address developmental goals for this age group.

Charlie’s Gift Center for Autism and Related Disorders provides a family-centered, team approach dedicated to personalized care and treatment. The center services 100 children and their families annually through personalized support plans, individual and group therapy and social communication sessions. The Oberweiler Grant pays for the approximately 40% of programming expenses not covered by insurance.

The Flint Child Health & Development Fund supports the delivery of critical public health, medical, and community based services and interventions that address and mitigate the short and long term impacts experienced by Flint, Michigan families exposed to lead as a result of the 2014-2016 Flint Water crisis.

Green City Market (GCM) was founded on a mission to improve the health of local communities. Manierre Elementary School is located in Old Town and 97% of its families are considered low income. While there is a grocery store in the neighborhood, spending money on healthy food is out of the reach of most of these families. The Edible Education Program is a new offering for GCM and seeks to move students at risk for illness/lack of nutrition to a place of food security and confidence through a school garden; education about nutrition and sustainability; and Family Nights Out. This program will not only provide healthy food in each cooking class but will teach over 100 sixth through eighth grade students and ultimately families, how to grow healthy food in their school and at their homes. This access to food and knowledge about how to become more self-reliant for their food needs will empower them for life.

Shelter’s mission is to help and protect children who are abused, neglected, or dependent by providing 24-hour emergency and longer-term care. The Fund covers the cost of critical and immediate health needs for adolescents who are uninsured and unable to access private or state health insurance. These children are provided with additional medical visits, dental visits, prescription medications, glasses, and medical equipment that the children would not otherwise have available to them. The Shelter also provides for health screenings and physicals necessary to detect health problems.

The Autism Spectrum & Developmental Disorders Resource Center helps families navigate the complex world of services and treatments for children from economically challenged families. Social deficits remain one of the most difficult challenges for children with Autism disorders, especially for those with average or above average cognitive skills. This grant provides scholarships so that these children can participate in the Social Wellness or Social Success Groups which would otherwise be closed to them. (Medicaid will not pay for these social group sessions.)

Research has shown that if children and youth with Autism Spectrum, Disorder (ASD) receive behavioral intervention early in life, there can be significant improvement in their levels of functioning and independence. Sadly, though, many children pass important developmental milestones missing the opportunity for timely intervention that can affect their life trajectory. Alexian Brothers is piloting a Pivotal Response Therapy (PRT) program that reaches children under 4 years of age. Grounded in play and targeting very young children, this ground breaking therapy teaches parents how to observe their children’s behaviors and apply intervention techniques.

Sick and abused children Child Advocacy Program serves sick and abused children who have been removed from their homes due to unsafe living conditions preparatory to entering into the foster care system. While the children have their basic healthcare, food, and clothing needs taken care of, they do not have the necessary extras most kids take for granted. This special needs program provides the additional funding for specialty healthcare such as eye, ear or dental exams; a winter coat, hat, and gloves; resources for school supplies; or, a suitcase to carry their meager belongings and few personal treasures in when they are placed in a foster home.

The Children Achieving Maximum Potential Program (CHAMP teaches “at risk”, poverty stricken children in one of Chicago’s most economically challenged areas (Cabrini Green) how to help themselves by growing food to assist in feeding themselves and others by learning how to work together. The grant provides camp supplies (including healthy meals and snacks) and equipment to help provide for the safe haven of an urban farm in conjunction with after school and summer activities. This camp program allows “at risk” children to explore food production and healthy nutrition while still focusing upon academic achievement through a blend of creative arts, applied science and environmental stewardship. The “farm” has also become a “safe haven” from street gangs that inhabit the area.

Chicago Lights is strategically undertaking initiatives, such as the addition of a solar power system, to decrease operational costs and further increase the self-sufficiency of the Urban Farm through its next five years and beyond. This addition is one aspect of becoming a more environmentally conscious and economically sustainable enterprise. With higher energy costs for the regulation of greenhouse temperatures in the highly variant climate of Chicago, solar power is a crucial next step in meeting the organization’s needs.

Unique recreational, educational, and therapeutic program to help meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of children (7-10 years old) diagnosed with cancer. The grant helps to underwrite room & board, transportation, and program/medical supplies expenses associated with the operation of the camp. Inasmuch as some participants have cognitive issues or disabilities, adaptive equipment is also provided for those campers. These programs help the children to bond with each other, and their supervisors, in a non-hospital setting, challenging them to learn new skills, while providing access to sports, camping, and other activities. The skills, lessons, support, and hope these children gain at camp empowers them as they return home to face the challenges of cancer after learning they are more than cancer patients, they are survivors!

Funding to expand services to sick, abused and neglected children living within the Partner agencies: Dr. Jorge Prieto Family Health Center, Christopher House, Bethel New Life, and Mujeres Latinas En Accion. Financial assistance is offered to families in desperate need of medications, rental assistance, clothing, and other critical items necessary to exist under impoverished conditions.

Grant support for the Have Dreams’ need based Scholarship Fund that enables children with Autism, age 13 and younger, to receive much needed intervention services through the Social, Communication, and Independent Life Skills Program. This program has provided children with Autism the opportunity to build critical skills through classes that address the core deficits of Autism.

This foundation’s mission is to improve the comfort and quality of life for developmentally challenged and/or sick & disabled children with special needs by providing education, therapy and playground equipment, therapy toys, resources, and scholarships for families in need of financial assistance or community support. Grant will fund physical, social, and networking events for special needs children.

This is the seventh year extension of a one-year grant program to support Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Child Nutrition Program, which provides nutritious after school, summer, and weekend meals to food insecure children in northern Illinois. Food insecurity in childhood limits children’s ability to grow and learn to their full potential. During the school year, the food bank sponsors after school meals through CACFP, supplementing the federal school lunch program that many low income children depend on to receive at least one nutritious meal each day. The weekend BackPack Program provides child friendly food for children to prepare at home with their families on the weekend. School Based Food Pantries provide families with children in school with consistent access to food in a familiar place. The Food Bank sponsors summer meals through SFSP at summer youth programs and open sites at parks to ensure that children in low food security communities. Northern Illinois Food Bank serves more than 6,000 children each week through the Child Nutrition Program.

Project HELP is a Child Abuse Prevention Center that empowers parents to create a nurturing environment to enhance children to reach their full potential. The PEC teaches parents to use natural and logical consequences to reduce irresponsible and unacceptable behaviors of children in order to lessen the chance of abusive discipline.

The purpose of this Project is to introduce underprivileged children in the agency’s transitional and emergency housing to cultural opportunities, develop children’s social skills in public settings, and promote healthy interactions between mothers and children as well as to promote values such as curiosity, empathy, self-control, and tolerance. The end result of the project will be to break the cycle of abuse, violence and poverty in future generations.

Sick and abused children Child Advocacy Program serves sick and abused children who have been removed from their homes due to unsafe living conditions preparatory to entering into the foster care system. While the children have their basic healthcare, food, and clothing needs taken care of, they do not have the necessary extra’s most kids take for granted. This special needs program provides the additional funding for specialty healthcare such as eye, ear or dental exams; a winter coat, hat, and gloves; resources for school supplies; or, a suitcase to carry their meager belongings and few personal treasures in when they are placed in a foster home.

The Children Achieving Maximum Potential Program (CHAMP teaches at risk, poverty stricken children in one of Chicago’s most economically challenged areas (Cabrini Green) how to help themselves by growing food to assist in feeding themselves and others by learning how to work together. The grant provides camp supplies (including healthy meals and snacks) and equipment to help provide for the safe haven of an urban farm in conjunction with after school and summer activities. This camp program allows at risk children to explore food production and healthy nutrition while still focusing upon academic achievement through a blend of creative arts, applied science and environmental stewardship. The farm has also become a safe haven from street gangs that inhabit the area.

The Rice Center offers high-level treatment and programming for extremely vulnerable children who are in need of 24 hour care. The TSR Project to enable the agency to provide vital tools (electronic tablets, digital video cameras, writing journals, clothing, and luggage) to foster youth who are preparing to successfully transition into long-term, less restrictive settings with caring families.

Unique recreational, educational, and therapeutic program to help meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of children (7-10 years old) diagnosed with cancer. The grant helps to underwrite room & board, transportation, and program/medical supplies expenses associated with the operation of the camp. Inasmuch as some participants have cognitive issues or disabilities, adaptive equipment is also provided for those campers. These programs help the children to bond with each other, and their supervisors, in a non-hospital setting, challenging them to learn new skills, while providing access to sports, camping, and other activities. The skills, lessons, support, and hope these children gain at camp empowers them as they return home to face the challenges of cancer after learning they are more than cancer patients, they are survivors!

Funding to expand services to sick, abused and neglected children living Within the Partner agencies: Dr. Jorge Prieto Family Health Center, Christopher House, Bethel New Life, and Mujeres Latinas En Accion. Financial assistance is offered to families in desperate need of medications, rental assistance, clothing, and other critical items necessary to exist under impoverished conditions.

Golf First Program

Grant support for the Have Dreams’ need based Scholarship Fund that enables children with Autism, age 13 and younger, to receive much needed intervention services through the Social, Communication, and Independent Life Skills Program. This program has provided children with Autism the opportunity to build critical skills through classes that address the core deficits of Autism.

Program providing equine therapy (therapeutic riding and hippotherapy) to special needs children through trained professionals and licensed therapists. The grant provides four each full-year scholarships for economically challenged families with sick children.

This foundation’s mission is to improve the comfort and quality of life for developmentally challenged and/or sick & disabled children with special needs by providing education, therapy and playground equipment, therapy toys, resources, and scholarships for families in need of financial assistance or community support.

The fifth extension of a one-year grant program to provide much needed, recreational services specifically designed for children with autism spectrum disorder. Exclusive summer camp programs give these children a more structured environment to provide continuity from school year to school year and prevent loss of skill development over the summer. The children are given an opportunity to experience community outings (museum tours, zoo visits, water park exploration, library visits), in-house activities (arts/ crafts projects, interactive play, cooking), as well as art and music therapy.

This is the sixth extension of a one-year grant program to provide after-school snacks and suppers, summer lunches and weekend food-filled backpacks for low-income children at risk of hunger. In these poverty stricken homes, lack of nutritious food affects a child’s ability to develop and perform academically, physically, emotionally and socially. The NIFB serves over 4,370 children weekly, these lunches are typically the only meal the children receive each day.

This critical service works with children between the ages of 4 & 11 who are witnesses to and victims of domestic violence to provide intervention and prevention services that teaches them how to express their feelings and learn how to resolve conflict without using violence. This is achieved through individual advocacy and counseling, support and education groups, art therapy, safety planning, and parental support services.

The purpose of this Project is to introduce underprivileged children in the agency’s transitional and emergency housing to cultural opportunities, develop children’s social skills in public settings, and promote healthy interactions between mothers and children as well as to promote values such as curiosity, empathy, self-control, and tolerance. The end result of the project will be to break the cycle of abuse, violence and poverty in future generations.

The Autism Spectrum & Developmental Disorders Resource Center helps families navigate the complex world of services and treatments for children from economically challenged families. Social deficits remain one of the most difficult challenges for children with Autism disorders, especially for those with average or above average cognitive skills. This grant provides scholarships so that these children can participate in the Social Wellness or Social Success Groups which would otherwise be closed to them (Medicaid will not pay for these social group sessions.).

The Rice Center offers high-level treatment and programming for extremely vulnerable children who are in need of 24 hour care. The Trauma-informed Therapeutic Interventions Program, given to each new child during initial mental health assessment (within 30 days of intake), and to each current client at the time of their treatment plan reviews (every three months), will dramatically improve therapeutic services at the Rice Center. The goal of the program is to enable traumatized children to move back into the community as a part of a stable family, as a participating member of a mainstream school, and as a fully contributing member of society.

Unique recreational, educational, and therapeutic program to help meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of children (7-10 years old) diagnosed with cancer. The grant helps to underwrite room & board, transportation, and program/medical supplies expenses associated with the operation of the camp. Inasmuch as some participants have cognitive issues or disabilities, adaptive equipment is also provided for those campers. These programs help the children to bond with each other, and their supervisors, in a non-hospital setting, challenging them to learn new skills, while providing access to sports, camping, and other activities. The skills, lessons, support, and hope these children gain at camp empowers them as they return home to face the challenges of cancer after learning they are more than cancer patients, they are survivors!

The grant is for transitional services and supplies (food, medications, clothing, & personal items) used within the Foster Care and Adoption Program for ten children being placed in stable, nurturing foster homes until they can return to their biological families or are adopted. The program serves children with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, diabetes, substance exposure, shaken baby syndrome, heart ailments of complications of prematurity or HIV infection. All of the children come from predominantly low-income families living in communities with little access to social services.

The Mission provides resources to support at-risk teens and prevent suicide. The SOS is an evidence-based suicide prevention program for middle and high schools where it is the only such program to show a 40% reduction in self-reported suicide attempts in a randomized, controlled study. It was selected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for its National Registry of Effective Programs and Practices. The grant will help the Mission to expand its very effective SOS Program to new schools and health care professionals in the greater Chicago area.

Golf First Program

Helping Hand is a school for children with Autism learn to live independently once they have reached majority. The grant will assist the school in the purchase of technology to be used in the classroom to enhance teaching and promote learning. Inasmuch as many of the children cannot hold a pencil or communicate, the program enhances their learning experience and communications through differential instruction techniques. Since the majority of the children with Autism are visual and kinesthetic learners the use of SMART Boards utilizing finger touch capability, IPads and data management systems to allow students to easily respond to instructions and other stimuli being used in the classroom. The technological equipment will also help maintain discipline and increase engagement of students.

Grant provides three each full-year scholarships for economically challenged families with sick children and also provides for the purchase of a computer, digital camera, and software to be used for patient evaluation and records documentation.

The fifth extension of a one-year grant program to provide much needed, recreational services specifically designed for children with autism spectrum disorder. Exclusive summer camp programs give these children a more structured environment to provide continuity from school year to school year and prevent loss of skill development over the summer. The children are given an opportunity to experience community outings (museum tours, zoo visits, water park exploration, library visits), in-house activities (arts/ crafts projects, interactive play, cooking), as well as art and music therapy.

This is the fifth extension of a one-year grant program to provide after-school snacks and suppers, summer lunches and weekend food-filled backpacks for low-income children at risk of hunger. In these poverty stricken homes, lack of nutritious food affects a child’s ability to develop and perform academically, physically, emotionally and socially. The NIFB serves over 3,000 children daily, these lunches are typically the only meal the children receive each day.

Project HELP is a Child Abuse Prevention Center that empowers parents to create a nurturing environment to enhance children to reach their full potential. The PEC teaches parents to use natural and logical consequences to reduce irresponsible and unacceptable behaviors of children in order to lessen the chance of abusive discipline.

Grant provides financial aid so that economically disadvantaged students can attend this life changing program to improve their reading and comprehension skills so they can interact at the appropriate grade level.

Shelter’s mission is to help and protect children who are abused, neglected, or dependent by providing 24-hour emergency and longer-term care. The Fund covers the cost of critical and immediate health needs for adolescents who are uninsured and unable to access private or state health insurance. These children are provided with additional medical visits, dental visits, prescription medications, glasses, and medical equipment that the children would not otherwise have available to them. The Shelter also provides for health screenings and physicals necessary to detect health problems.

Mikaslyn Larson, an 8 year little girl born with a serious neuromuscular disorder was in critical need of surgery to correct the disorder. In 2010 the community, state, nation and world showed its compassion by responding to the family’s plea for help. While Mikaslyn has shown great progress, she is wheel chair bound and the family cannot transport her anymore in a standard automobile. The purpose of this grant is to provide funds with which to purchase a used handicapped conversion van for Mikaslyn.

The purpose of this Project is to introduce underprivileged children in the agency’s transitional and emergency housing to cultural opportunities, develop children’s social skills in public settings, and promote healthy interactions between mothers and children as well as to promote values such as curiosity, empathy, self control, and tolerance. The end result of the project will be to break the cycle of abuse, violence and poverty in future generations.