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.