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).