C.I.T.Y. News

The sun is shining; vaccinations are increasing; our C.I.T.Y. committees are growing; and optimism is everywhere. With our new mindset and warmer weather, look for opportunities to get together in the coming months--Our Virtual Happy Hour is coming up in just over a week, and some in-person events are also being planned (!). Let's enjoy this new feeling of hope as we look ahead to spring in our C.I.T.Y!

Set aside this hour for you! Everyone is welcome: Moms, Dads, Professionals, Family, Friends! We get together quarterly to unwind at the end of the week and make some connections within our community using this casual format. We use the most recent Collaborative Blog Post to get the conversation going, but then we follow wherever it may lead. An RSVP is required, either on the Facebook Event Page ("interested" or "going") or via email if you're not on social media, and a zoom link is sent out a few hours before the call.

RSVP for our next call on Friday, April 9th at 8:00pm

And mark your calendars for the remaining 2 dates: Fridays, July 9th and Oct. 8th at 8:00pm

We are thrilled to offer BRAND NEW D.I.Y. Cards in our redesigned store!

And, if you plan ahead, you'll have a fun way to entertain your child during spring break.

Our new Creative Card Package is the perfect way to acknowledge your child's teachers and therapists. The spring-themed package includes (6) cards & envelopes plus all the materials your child needs to make thoughtful, one-of-a-kind notes. All for $14.

Our Individual Card Kits with step-by-step directions are also available in sweet spring appreciation themes or fun summer birthday designs. One kit is $3 or purchase several and save 15% off your total with the coupon code MORETHAN1.

Hey there, James! His family received a sensory-friendly family photo session this past month with Something Blue Photography, courtesy of C.I.T.Y. of Support. His proud mom says:

"Our little man has come a long way in the last six months. With a dual diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism, he is non verbal and communication has been a huge challenge. He received his AAC device in October and since then we've noticed his vocabulary and communication taking off. It has been absolutely amazing seeing his progress and hearing his voice, and we couldn't be more proud of his hard work!"

NOTE THE FAST DEADLINE:

Comment on March's C.I.T.Y. Close-Up post in our Facebook Group featuring James by Wednesday night, 4/14 at 11:59 pm for YOUR chance to win a photography session in April!

A winner will be randomly selected and announced on Thursday, 4/15.

C.I.T.Y. of Support is proud to partner with the Arlington Heights Memorial Library in sponsoring an accessible support collection of books and materials that meet the needs of families in our organization. By supporting this program, we are adding to the inclusivity and diversity of our neighborhood, demonstrating the importance of acknowledging and supporting our community of families with children in therapy.

We need your help!! What would you want to see included in this special collection? Books for children, books for parents, adaptive toys/tools, media products, developmental skill kits...what is on your wishlist? Share your suggestions with us on this form.

This collection in Arlington Heights is our pilot site; however, with continued interest and funding, we would love to sponsor other accessibility collections in libraries all across Chicago.

Parents: Sign your child up to participate in this fun, FREE program, and he/she will receive a handmade birthday card in the mail from another child who receives therapy services. What a fun way to make early social connections and celebrate everyone. Our Google Form is quick, easy, and secure, so take a minute, and register your child today!

Clinics/Schools: Reserve a month for patients/students at your site to participate, and have them help assemble our special DIY birthday cards for anonymous peers! These projects encourage social connections and also address important therapeutic skills. We have a Sign-Up Genius where you can find all the details and select your month!

**Thank you to Roots Autism Solutions and Therapeutic Academy for sponsoring our

March birthdays! The kids at your clinic did such a great job!**

Speech-language pathologist and Usborne book consultant, Natalie Gnade, will be sharing why Usborne children’s books are fun, engaging, and educational in her upcoming virtual events! Please contact NatalieGnade10@gmail.com to register or for book recommendations.

• Babbling Bookworms: Books for Engaging Babies, Toddlers, and Little Learners: April 18th at 10am
• Mindfulness: Books about regulation, feelings, friendship, and more: May 4th at 7:00 pm
• Books Every SLP needs: May 13th at 7:00 pm

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: 733 Hastings Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL, USA
Phone: (224) 409-7150
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/cityofsupport
Twitter: @cityofsupport