Blog and News
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month
How We’re Supporting Schoolchildren’s Mental Health May is a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, share resources, and advocate for policies that support people living with mental illness and their families. This year’s theme of “Together for Mental Health,” has a strong connection to how we approach our work in the community. At Children’s Home […]
Fathers and Children: Building Blocks to Strengthen Families
Building LEGO, reading, playing sports, hide and seek, peekaboo, and even tickling are all examples of activities that foster creativity and closeness. In fact, research shows that playtime stimulates early brain development and improves a child’s communication, vocabulary, and language skills. Play also contributes to school readiness by helping children learn how to problem-solve, manage […]
Blue Bow Statement 2022
It’s hard to believe that it’s already spring––though there is still a chill in the air, the bright sun signifies something new is around the corner. This April, we are once again recognizing a very important cause––Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. The 2022 theme of “growing a better tomorrow for all children, together” captures the […]
Remembering Camille Harmon
“Her love, infectious smile, high spirit, humility, and integrity impacted everyone she knew. Never once did Camille doubt our abilities, empowering us to excel and to be the best in all our endeavors and not lose sight of that.” Our agency is deeply saddened by the news of Camille Harmon’s passing on February 22, 2022. […]
30 Years of Work and Dedication: We Salute You, Janice Moenster!
“Janice is an amazing strategic planner, thought partner, and collaborator across all our agency programs…She is a fantastic example of someone who holds themselves accountable to the work in both the southern region and statewide.” ~ Linda White, Director of Youth Services, Children’s Home & Aid, Southern Region Thirty years of service to Children’s Home […]
This is what opportunity looks like
I’m coming to you a bit earlier this week because I’m excited to share some real ground- breaking work going on at Children’s Home & Aid. I want to do this by returning to our values – our SCOPE. First, a bit of a recap. In the fall, I introduced the first two values of […]
Black History Month Spotlight: Kangol Kid
As we recognize Black History Month and reflect on this year’s theme of “Black Health and Wellness,” we honor the incredible legacy of Shaun Shiller Fequiere—known to fans as the Kangol Kid. You probably know Kangol Kid from his recognizable hat and legendary contributions to the early hip hop scene. But this pioneering songwriter, producer, […]
Black History Month Spotlight: Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant: The Ultimate Girl Dad Natalia, Gianna, Bianka and Capri. These four girls meant more to sports legend Kobe Bryant than any basketball championship he ever earned. His daughters with his wife Vanessa, were the center of his world before his life was cut tragically short in a helicopter crash that also took the […]
Black History Month Spotlight: Jarad “Juice WRLD” Higgins
You may know the name Juice WRLD, but many do not know the real Jarad Anthony Higgins — the man behind some of the chart-topping hits like “Lucid Dreams,” “Lean Wit Me,” and “Legends.” Despite the catchy beats and his unique, raspy voice, the lyrics gave us a clearer look at the challenges he faced […]
Driving to Independence: January is Teen Driving Awareness Month
Many of us vividly remember going to the DMV to get our driver’s license on our 16th birthday. The thrill of driving, and the independence brought with it, is something many can look back on as a moment of liberation and excitement. What we might not have realized at the time is the statistical significance […]
Children’s Home and Aid Celebrates National Mentoring Month
Can you remember a time when someone encouraged you to keep pushing on during challenging times or inspired you with their knowledge and life experiences? Has anyone ever given you personal or professional development tips or helped you set goals for yourself? If you answered “yes” to any of these, then you should take the […]
Celebrating the legacy of Barb Buckavekas
Today marks a significant milestone for one of our fellow teammates. Barb Buckavekas, a secretary who supports our agency’s foster care team in the northern region, is retiring after serving 35.5 years at Children’s Home & Aid. Barb’s passion for the agency’s mission and longstanding commitment to our families, staff, and partners through her work deserves the highest recognition. She […]
Holiday Cheer for the End of the Year
The Holiday Campaign has come to an end – we are extremely grateful to our supporters for providing assistance to nearly 2,000 children, youth and caregivers this winter! In the Chicagoland area, more than 12 local partners and 240 individuals donated to support kids and families in our programs. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the […]
Shining a Light on National Adoption Month
Did you know there are nearly half a million children in the US foster care system? Each year, just 150,000 children are adopted, with only one-third coming from foster care. The majority of these young people spend months –– even years––waiting for a home to call their own. Here at Children’s Home & Aid, we know that the waiting, the doubt and the trauma of a young person caught […]
Children’s Home & Aid Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month
As we close the month of October, we want to recognize the survivors and the countless others affected by domestic violence. At Children’s Home & Aid, we work with families every day who are looking for a path up and out of these situations that, unfortunately, are all too common for families from every walk of life. You may not even realize […]
Realizing the Power of Fathers
Our most recent result of the quarter showcases the success of our Power of Fathers program. Fathers participating in Power of Fathers were found to spend more time with their children, improve their parenting and co-parenting skills and their overall relationships with their children and co-parents. The impact of being a present parent has benefits […]
CPS to Expand Program that Provides High-Risk Students with Mentoring, Counseling
In the News The Chicago Sun-Times‘ very own Laura Washington has written an insightful article about the efforts Children’s Home and Aid and Youth Advocate Programs Inc., have made in providing high-risk students with the tools they need to thrive post-pandemic by collaborating with Chicago Public Schools. Read the full article here
Learning to Solve Problems Together
“Kids arrive scared and angry. They’ve been through a lot. We listen without judgment to understand their perspective. When kids start feeling safe to come and talk to us about what they are experiencing, you see progress.” ~ Melvyn Tate, Coordinator, Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Child & Family Center A safe space to […]
Service. Compassion. Fun. Doulas Strengthen Families from the Start!
“It’s about investing in our families and having that heart connection. We want our families to feel how much we enjoy what we do, and that we’re here with them from the start.” ~ Jasmine Martin, Doula Program Supervisor Jasmine Martin has been a doula at Children’s Home & Aid for six years, walking hand in hand with […]
Blueprint for Impact: Our vision for the future.
“I’ve seen momentous change because of this program. Because of my brothers. They sit and they talk to me. They don’t talk at me. Nobody in here puts anybody down. And this is one of the greatest things that a father needs.” ~ Fatherhood program participant Rising to the challenge The pandemic exacerbated hardships that […]
