C.I.T.Y. News

Working from home, learning from home, and of course, trying to live at home is a LOT. Blue light glasses and ergonomic chairs are proving to be more important than ever, as we adjust to this e-lifestyle. We miss the in-person interactions, but C.I.T.Y. of Support is leaning in and making the most of our virtual platforms. Not only are we providing Virtual Happy Hours, but we are planning some Virtual Education Events, and even our annual Rockin' Shoppin' in the C.I.T.Y. is transitioning to an virtual holiday event. By redesigning our programs, we are able to adapt and remain 100% committed to supporting each other and our amazing communit-E.

This newsletter is meant to give you the most relevant information in a concise, click-able format. You'll want to read through all (5) of our bullet points this month to hear all the latest and greatest info from C.I.T.Y. of Support.

We have created an event that you WON'T want to miss. Our next Virtual Happy Hour on Friday, Sept. 11th at 8:00 is going to be focusing on back-to-school issues. Rather than watching more webinars or reading more blogs, THIS event is live and personal. Four of the TOP educational advocates in Chicago have offered to participate, sharing their expertise and advice:

• Wanda Malone (Wanda Malone Educational Services)
• Nicole Schlechter (Nicole Schlechter Advocacy)
• Amy Slutzky (LiveNLearn Consulting)
• Judy Ruffulo (Exceptional Advocacy; Breaking Autism)

We can host up to 100 attendees for this event, and so that means that you can have your top questions/concerns addressed LIVE in an intimate, casual group of only 20-25 people!

We ask that you REGISTER using our eventbrite link for this free event in order to reserve your spot, and the zoom link will be emailed to you shortly before the event. As always, all are welcome, but space is limited! See you there!

In a year where craft fairs and holiday boutiques are going to be very limited, C.I.T.Y. has found a way to not only shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, but also support small businesses, and give back to our C.I.T.Y. By redesigning our shopping event to be online, we are able to reach so many more vendors. We already have commitments from over 30 unique shops selling everything from jewelry, home decor, and body care to accessories, children's toys, and edible goodies...and more are signing up every day! In fact, if you know of any amazing online shops we should be featuring, please let us know: hello@cityofsupport.org.

As we work hard to build our event, all YOU need to do is mark your calendars and save your holiday shopping for the first two weeks in November!

These collaborations bring everyone together, and this is the time to show our strength as a community.

Back-to-school has never been like this. Educational Advocates, Special Needs Attorneys, School Staff/Administration, and parents have been sharing relevant websites, resources, and videos that can help us all better advocate for our children. By compiling all of this information in one Collaborative Blog Post, we hope to make it easier for everyone to access now and as the journey continues.

Meet Ryden! His family was gifted a sensory-friendly family photo session this past month with Something Blue Photography in Arlington Heights! According to his mom:

"(When Ryden was born), I did not get to hold him for 36 days. He had to go to three different hospitals, had four serious scares of barely making it, multiple surgeries & spent 106 days in the NICU. Some days we felt like we would never be able to leave. It was the craziest roller coaster ride ever, and I cannot even begin to explain, but we are so proud of him. He is our miracle warrior. We see nine different specialists, six different therapists weekly, and he just had his fifth surgery last week in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. He still has a few more surgeries to go, but we could not be more proud of our boy. He is a true fighter."

NOTE THE FAST DEADLINE:

Comment on August's Monthly Milestone post in our Facebook Group featuring Ryden

by Thursday night, 9/3 at 11:59 pm, and the winner of our next C.I.T.Y. Close-Up

will be announced on Friday, 9/4.

C.I.T.Y. of Support is thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity to our members, and we are grateful to Something Blue Photography for their support. We love hearing about your successes, and we appreciate all the amazing parents who share their stories with us.

Sign up to participate in this fun, FREE program, and your child 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!

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: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cityofsupport/
Twitter: @cityofsupport