C.I.T.Y. News
August 2019
Lazy Days, But Busy Schedules
First, we want to thank everyone who participated in our first C.I.T.Y. Specialty Supply Sale. The many clinics/offices who collected donations, the volunteers who delivered the donations to the storage room, the Arlington Toyota Dealership managers and staff who graciously let us host our event in their beautiful indoor showroom, the vendors who complimented our sale with their relevant products, the bakers who contributed to our delicious (and allergy-friendly) sale, and our amazing event committee who helped plan, organize, and run the sale. Not only were we able to raise funds for our C.I.T.Y., most importantly, we were able to facilitate the distribution of appropriate toys, materials, and equipment to families in our community who have children in therapy.
AND...(fingers crossed!), if we have the interest, the volunteers, the space, and the donations, we would love to host another Specialty Supply Sale right before the holidays. It would be the perfect time to clean out closets and make room for new items. To gauge this interest, please look through our Sign-Up Genius and see how you might be able to help! We'll keep you posted!
C.I.T.Y.'S FIRST SPECIALTY SUPPLY SALE
SUNDAY MORNING, AUGUST 4TH FROM 10:00-11:00
On a quarterly basis, C.I.T.Y. of Support sponsors "Great Therapy Playdates" at therapy clinics across the various regions of Chicago. These coordinated, open-house style playdates are held at the same day and time among different locations, which rotate based on availability and interest. Children in therapy and their siblings can play in the fun, inclusive space and parents can mingle, all while exploring valuable clinical resources in the community.
For our next Great Therapy Playdate on Sunday, August 4th from 10:00-11:00 am, we have clinics in TWO regions who have confirmed their ability to host. It is possible that other regions may be added; however, currently registration is open for:
- Northwest Suburbs: Play and Say Therapy - 6553 N. Avondale Ave. Chicago, IL 60631
- North Suburbs: Autism Home Support Services - 85 Revere Drive, Suite AA. Northbrook, IL 60062
Registration is required as space is limited.
Use our eventbrite link to reserve your spot today!
And clinics, if you would like to be added to our list of potential Great Therapy Playdate host sites, please contact us at: hello@cityofsupport.org, and join our professional email list.
WEDNESDAY EVENING, AUG. 28th FROM 6:00-8:00
C.I.T.Y. of Support is committed to fostering the sharing of knowledge from a variety of perspectives. Our Roundtable Series provides professionals and parents an opportunity to share their experiences in an informative, but casual/friendly environment (snacks provided too). Questions, discussions, and one-on-one conversations will be encouraged throughout this adult-only event.
The third of four topics in our 2019 series is called "Therapy Hacks for Busy Families." We will be encouraging interactive discussions and opportunities for creative thinking and hands-on learning throughout this event in order to talk about common ways to incorporate "therapy" into everyday routines (i.e. grocery shopping, mealtimes, chores around the house). Come to hear what our knowledgeable panel and attendees can share from their own personal experiences, learn some tips and tricks, and find support resources within our community. This event is applicable for both parents and professionals, and Early Intervention continuing education credits are currently pending approval.
Registration is required through this Eventbrite link, although this event is FREE for parents. Participants can park in the parking garage across the street at no charge. We hope to live-stream this conversation on Facebook for those who are unable to participate in-person, encouraging virtual participation as well.
WEDNESDAY EVENING, OCT. 16TH FROM 6:00-8:00
The last of four topics in our 2019 series is called "Taking Care of YOU." We will be hosting a variety of specialists who have your best interests in mind from mental healthcare to respite options to marriage counseling to legal/financial concerns. Come to hear what our knowledgeable panel and attendees can share from their own personal experiences, learn some new information, and find support resources within our community. This event is applicable for both parents and professionals, and Early Intervention continuing education credits are currently pending approval.
Registration is required through this Eventbrite link, although this event is FREE for parents. We also hope to live-stream this conversation on Facebook for those who are unable to participate in-person, encouraging virtual participation as well.
AUGUST'S READ IT TO WIN IT
Simply find the #READITTOWINIT post in our Facebook Group, write your response (one comment per person, please!), and you will be entered into a random drawing to win (FOUR) passes to Santa's Village that don't expire until 12/31! (What an amazing end-of-summer prize!) A winner will be randomly drawn at 5:00pm on Friday night, August 16th via FB Live.
August's topic:
***We have tried to accommodate our community by hosting our Education Roundtable Series in different regions of the city. When looking ahead to next year, we want to continue to keep your needs in mind. So, please comment with the city where you live for this month's post!***
As always, we are meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of the month (8/13) for our “Developmental Playgroup.” We are also continuing to offer a more adult-focused group called “Caregivers, Coffee, and Play” on the 4th Sunday of the month (8/25). Come join us and meet other families in the neighborhood.
**OTHER REGIONS**
We are continuing to research other neighborhood options in the North, West, South, and City locations that will help to accommodate more families. We are especially interested in partnering with other local libraries in those areas. If you are interested in helping to facilitate these types of events near you, please feel free to contact us at hello@cityofsupport.org.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
#ISPYCOS
We want to see photos of C.I.T.Y. of Support around town! Does your clinic proudly display the monthly snapshots of information/events? If not, make sure they have signed up for our professional email list to receive the most up-to-date news.
Does your clinic need more business cards/brochures/flyers? We have a ton! Increasing our visibility in the community is one of our main initiatives this year. We'd love your help and welcome your emails: hello@cityofsupport.org.
D.I.Y. IN THE C.I.T.Y.
These card kits continue to be a "best seller!" They are available through our website, and they can be mailed to you quickly! We are also excited to have them in-stock at "We Rock the Spectrum" Sensory Gym in Palatine and Gathered Boutique & Workshop in Mount Prospect. With "Thank You/Thinking of You/Happy Birthday" themes, they are relevant year-round and serve as a perfect gift for someone special, especially at the end of the school year (family, friend, teacher, therapist).
These card kits are a natural fundraiser for C.I.T.Y. of Support, as they promote a fun, developmentally-challenging activity for parents to complete with their children and they provide joy to others. Plus, at only $5 each and all the materials provided, it's a great value. (It's hard to find a generic card at the store for much less than that!) Plus, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these cards goes back to our organization. Visit our website to place your order!
RESOURCE ROUND-UP
Have you noticed this new addition to our Facebook Group? Starting the first day of each month, we are creating a post titled our Resource Round-Up. In order to make it easier for our members to find upcoming resources/special events, businesses/organizations are asked to COMMENT on this monthly post, rather than creating many different separate posts. The consistent title ("Resource Round-Up") makes it easy to search, and it helps ensure that our newsfeed doesn't become overwhelmed with event posts, as the purpose of our Facebook Group is to facilitate discussions and interactions among members.
REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMENTING ON OUR "RESOURCE ROUND-UP" POST:
- Local Event (Chicago or Surrounding Suburbs)
- Applicable for Our Community of Parents/Families
- Event Is Within 6 Months of Current Month's Post
- Must Specify the Sponsor of the Event
- Only One Comment Per Event On the Monthly Post
- Not more than 3 Comments Per Business/Organization Per Month
Thanks for helping us develop our Resource Round-Up!
C.I.T.Y. OF SUPPORT WEB DIRECTORY
C.I.T.Y. of Support continues to add clinics, professionals, businesses, and organizations each month to our C.I.T.Y. of Professionals Directory on our website. A listing in this directory is not only a fundraiser for our organization, but it is also great advertising for service providers and easy access for families as consumers. We ALL win here.
Email: hello@cityofsupport.org to learn how to be included in this new resource.
OTHER COMMUNITY RESOURCES
INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP MUSIC THERAPY
Want to have your business/practice/clinic/organization featured in one of newsletters? Contact us at: hello@cityofsupport.org to inquire about our limited number of advertisements and sponsorships available each month.
C.I.T.Y. of Support
Email: hello@cityofsupport.org
Website: www.cityofsupport.org
Location: 800 E. Northwest Highway, Suite # 109, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Phone: (224) 409-7150
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cityofsupport/?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: @cityofsupport