C.I.T.Y. News

We hope you all enjoyed your holidays! We are really looking forward to the year ahead...2020 is going to be packed with fun, and we're already starting to fill up the calendar! Although it can be difficult to start planning so far in advance, we are always thinking about our next events, meetings, playdates, and opportunities. Want to know how you can help? REGISTER for these awesome events! Grab your calendar, mark down the day/time, and reserve the square on your calendar for some time with your C.I.T.Y...It really helps us with planning!

Hope to see you at some of these upcoming events, and if you're interested in helping us brainstorm even more meaningful, relevant, and unique events (social and educational), consider volunteering for one of our committees! We have some brand new opportunities, and we would LOVE you to be involved! Just send us an email: hello@cityofsupport.org!

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.

For this Great Therapy Playdate, we have clinics in TWO regions who have confirmed their ability to host. Register for this FREE event through our Eventbrite link to reserve your spot.

• Northwest Suburbs: Roots Autism Solutions and Therapeutic Academy 733 Hastings Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL, 60089
• North Suburbs: Kick Start Pediatric Therapy Network 14044 Petronella Drive, Suite #1, Libertyville, IL 60048

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.**

Family-friendly Valentine's activities and resource fair in the morning and education series for parents and professionals in the afternoon! C.I.T.Y. of Support is thrilled to be partnering with the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) in order to offer this exciting event! This event is the essence of community-building. Bringing together parents, professionals, and children together for social, educational, and networking purposes...now that is LOVE. <3

This year we are expanding on the success of the "We Love Our C.I.T.Y." Valentine's Event in order to offer programming for everyone! Our theme is "Music and Movement," and you are welcome to stay for some or all of the day's events! Registration is FREE for families with only a nominal charge for professionals attending the education series (IL Early Intervention continuing education credits pending!).

During the morning hours, parents will guide their children through the engaging Valentine's Day-themed obstacle course while interacting with community businesses and neighborhood resources in the large gym. They will also participate in a variety of music and movement activities, led by music therapists and yoga/dance/movement instructors in the large motor rooms nearby. A boxed lunch will be available for purchase if desired.

Then, in the afternoon, parents and professionals can participate in dynamic educational discussions and live demonstrations of ways to incorporate music and movement into therapy sessions, classroom structure, and everyday routines. Onsite childcare *may* be available for those parents wishing to stay the full day.

Professionals: There are so many ways for you to participate in this highly-engaging event! Opportunities are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so don't wait! Either sign up to receive our professional email with all the details, or contact hello@cityofsupport.org for more information.

NORTHWEST SUBURBS: ARLINGTON HEIGHTS MEMORIAL LIBRARY:

As always, we are meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of the month (1/14) for our “Developmental Playgroup.” Come join us and meet other families in the neighborhood. (We will NOT be meeting for our "Caregivers, Coffee, and Play" Sunday group this month, but we will back to our normal schedule in February!)

**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.

Simply search for the January #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 *Four "Valentine's Day Edition" D.I.Y. Card Kits!* 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, January 17th at 7:00pm, and the winner will be notified either via Facebook Message or via Email.

January's Comment Topic:

***Thinking about Valentine's Day...Do you have a unique spot that you and your significant other enjoy visiting when you have the chance for a date out? A special restaurant? A fun neighborhood?

A comfortable theater? We'd love to hear your recommendations!***

Due to your feedback, we are moving this event from the summer to the spring. This event benefits everyone: parents and professionals! It's an easy way to donate developmental and therapeutic toys/tools/materials/equipment that you no longer use and find new items at significantly reduced-prices, all while helping to raise funds for our C.I.T.Y! And, due to the generosity of Arlington Toyota in Palatine, we will have exclusive access to their beautiful, indoor space again.

This event's success depends on the involvement of volunteers. Please let us know if you will be able to help. Check out our SIGN-UP genius link for ways to contribute! Although this event isn't until April, we are already beginning to collect donations at a few locations, since many of us are cleaning out our collections after the holidays. Special thanks to Kick Start Pediatric Therapy Network (Libertyville and Northfield), Arlington Pediatric Therapy (Arlington Heights), Kidnectivity (Northbrook), and We Rock the Spectrum (Palatine).

Stay tuned for more information as the date approaches!

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