C.I.T.Y. NEWS

My absolute favorite time of year, and here at C.I.T.Y. of Support, we are busy planning seasonal events that help us feel all warm and cozy. You'll definitely want to scroll through this whole newsletter to see what we're up to (and also to find this month's #READITTOWINIT contest details).

This season also gets us thinking about all we have to be thankful for (more to come next month during our "Thanks and Giving" campaign). But, we want to take a minute to thank those of you who completed our Google Survey last month (and congrats to our 2 raffle winners!). Your input is shaping the events we are planning for the year ahead, as we continue to learn, listen, and grow from your feedback. Also, thank you to the spontaneous fundraisers spear-headed by members of our group who felt inclined to contribute to our organization in their own unique way.

Speaking of opportunities for collaboration, for those of you who are signed up on our "Professional Email List," you will be receiving a copy of our annual report within the next few weeks. PLEASE NOTE, that this email will include sponsorship/collaborative opportunities that are organized in packages that will help us and you better plan for contributions on an annual basis. We hope that you will find meaningful and engaging ways to continue to support our C.I.T.Y. in the year ahead. AND...if ANY of our members wish to receive these emails outlining ways to participate/contribute to our C.I.T.Y. of Support, signing up is simple with this link.

What a fun event! Between the crafts, the snacks, the conversations, and the budding friendships, the time just flew by! With the generous space provided by Gathered Boutique & Workshop in Mount Prospect and the talents of our neighborhood graphic designer, Casey Deja, we all enjoyed the afternoon, creating meaningful and personal introductions for our child using a 1-page template for their classroom file/IEP records and a backpack tag for more spontaneous interactions. Due to the very positive response to this new adult-only social event, we will continue to discuss the possibility of hosting this again in the near future! Thanks to everyone who participated!

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.

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 personal stories of support. 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.

**AND...if you have a unique perspective to share, please contact us to see how you can participate in the discussion: hello@cityofsupport.org**

For this Great Therapy Playdate (the last of 2019), we have clinics in FOUR regions who have confirmed their ability to host. Register for this FREE event through our Eventbrite link to reserve your spot.

• City of Chicago: PlayWorks Therapy - 2500 W. Bradley Place #109, Chicago, IL 60618
• Northwest Suburbs: Speech & Language Pathways - 1699 Wall Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
• North Suburbs: Wee Speech - 8707 Skokie Blvd, Suite #402, Skokie, IL 60077
• South Suburbs: Kids Can Do - 19100 S. Crescent Dr. Suite #101, Mokena, IL 60448

Reserve your spot today! Hope you can join us!

**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. Opportunities are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.**

Hooray!! Registration is now open for our 2nd Annual Rockin' Shoppin' Holiday Gift Event!

Just like last year, we are thrilled to have the participation of 20+ vendors and local artisans selling their unique gifts that are perfect for the teachers, therapists, family, and friends on our holiday shopping lists! These vendors are not only donating a portion of their sales to C.I.T.Y., but they are also each contributing a fantastic item to our raffle (with a value of at least $50).

Aaannnd, this year, we are hosting this event on a Sunday morning, November 17th from 11am-2pm at H.O.M.E. Restaurant & Bar (House of Music & Entertainment). This HUGE space not only will have food & drinks available, but they will also host the local rock cover band, VALIUS, creating a truly "rockin" experience (I may be partial to the bass player)! The band has agreed to keep the music clean for young ears, and ear plugs will be available! But, while all families are welcome, please keep in mind that this may not be the most sensory-friendly event for our youngest members. Last year's event was adult-only, so this year, you make the call...everyone is welcome!

This community-building fundraiser is open to everyone: parents, therapists, community members, and it's always a great way to meet other people in our C.I.T.Y. of Support while crossing some holiday gifts off our checklists.

Feel free to stop by on the day of the event, but in order to help us best plan, we encourage you to reserve your spot with the REGISTER button. (As a thank you, you will receive a free raffle ticket at the door!) Additional tickets for the raffle will be available at the event and also via ONLINE purchase through our website starting in early-November (in order to accommodate those people who may not be able to attend). Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the event. You do not need to be present to win, and items can be picked up at a later date!

So many reasons to celebrate and ways to participate in our C.I.T.Y....come kick off the holiday season with us!

Simply find the October #READITTOWINIT post in our Facebook Group; write your response to our question (one comment per person, please!); and you will be entered into a random drawing to win an adorable personalized trick-or-treat bag for your child from one of our local Rockin' Shoppin' artists, Sara's Sign Designs. If you are NOT on Facebook, send your response to hello@cityofsupport.org from your email account. The drawing will take place via Facebook Live on Friday, October 18th at 5:00pm, and the winner will be notified either via Facebook Message or via Email.

October's Comment Topic:

***Let us know what your child(ren) are dressing up as for Halloween! A comment in our October #READITTOWINIT Facebook Group post is just fine, but pictures (for cuteness!) are happily accepted as well!***

NORTHWEST SUBURBS: ARLINGTON HEIGHTS MEMORIAL LIBRARY:

As always, we are meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of the month (10/8) 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 (10/27). 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.

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.

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 East Northwest Highway, Suite #109, Mount Prospect, IL, 60056
Phone: (224) 409-7150
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cityofsupport/?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: @cityofsupport