C.I.T.Y. News

How has a month gone by since the last newsletter? While it may seem like there hasn't been much action, what with all of our in-person events being cancelled through April and now May, but we are an organization designed to create a community online AND in-person. It's in our mission. So...we are pivoting; we are adapting; and we are looking ahead to upcoming events that help us connect despite the current situation.

This hasn't been easy on anyone. We are not ignoring the absolute challenge that COVID-19 has brought upon us, but we are deciding to look through the struggle and push towards the positive. So, please read on! See what we've been up to behind-the-scenes, and grab your calendar to find ways you can participate in your C.I.T.Y. (We know you're not going anywhere!) Stay well, friends!

As a reminder, all of our events are also listed on our Google Calendar and on the

C.I.T.Y. of Events tab on our website.

After hosting several successful trials while we have been sheltering-in-place, we've decided to make this a consistent, recurring event. Join us for our weekly Virtual Happy Hour on Fridays at 7:00pm. No topic, no discussion planned...just a format for decompressing from STRESSFUL times among friends who understand. Appropriate for parents and professionals...all are welcome!

Join the Zoom Meeting with this Link:
https://zoom.us/j/92828358056?pwd=aHRYN3pNbDU0eUdSZ2g4WWlleVNmUT09

If this doesn't make you smile, then we don't know what will! After so much uncertainty in planning an in-person celebration this year, we worried that we might need to cancel this event entirely. But, no! We are determined to honor all children and their accomplishments, and so, we are excited to announce our very first Live, Virtual Graduation Celebration! Yes, the format will be different, but the excitement, joy, and pride will be shared by all. We are hard at work creating special surprises and designing an interactive event that will be fun and memorable. Visit our eventbrite listing for more details, and reserve your spot to participate in this well-loved event with your child!

Professionals, looking for a way to participate in this event? We will be sending out information to our professional email list soon! Contact hello@cityofsupport.org with any questions.

In order to meet the needs of our growing community, we are creating a new sub-committee of "Local Leaders" in different regions around the city. These volunteers will meet virtually several times during the year and be featured on our website as the local contact for members in their area. Specifically, they will help:

• Distribute C.I.T.Y. of Support information to local pediatricians, therapy clinics, hospitals, relevant businesses, and community partners
• Facilitate the expansion of established programs such as our Great Therapy Playdates, helping to identify potential hosts (4x/year)
• Serve as a contact person for local outreach inquiries/resources/opportunities
• Potentially create new events based on your community's interest/availability including community-building/social events (virtual happy hours, coffee/wine nights, craft nights), education/outreach events (at local clinics/libraries), and/or awareness/fundraising campaigns (assembling literature displays/Welcome to our C.I.T.Y. bags)

Parents and professionals are all encouraged to help.

Please email hello@cityofsupport.org to express your interest and learn more!

Should you wish to provide feedback about this nominee, please email Terry Labanowski at terrylabanowski@gmail.com by this Sunday, 4/26, prior to the board's official vote.

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.

Our mission is to create a dynamic community, both online and in person, that supports all families navigating the needs of their child in therapy, regardless of diagnosis.

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/
Twitter: @cityofsupport