C.I.T.Y. News

I know for me, February was filled with exciting events, but also some brutal family illnesses. Anyone else still recovering from strep/flu/laryngitis/pneumonia?! Thankfully, we are all on the mend in my house; the groundhog says spring is coming; and we are excited about all our C.I.T.Y. is planning for the months ahead. Hope you will join us!

Between the 30+ stations at our interactive resource fair, the family-centered music and movement activities, and the education discussion in the afternoon, we heard so many positive comments from those who came out a few weeks ago. The NWSRA (Northwest Suburban Special Recreation Association) provided us with the most accessible, sunshine-filled space that accommodated so many more attendees. Have a look at the highlight video above (with some fantastic professional photos from Christy at Something Blue Photography), and we hope it warms your heart as much as it does ours.

C.I.T.Y. of Support is excited to officially announce the opening of TWO additional positions on our Board of Directors. As a non-profit organization serving the community, we THRIVE on collaboration with a variety people and businesses. Our Board of Directors is no different. We are looking to add candidates who have unique talents, knowledge, skills, perspectives, and passion to our Board of Directors.

• Do you have new ideas for our C.I.T.Y.?
• Do you understand the needs of our community?
• Do you enjoy collaborating with other families, professionals, and community members?
• Do you have a special interest/skill such as event-planning, marketing, strategic planning, or social media savvy?

We would love to hear from you! Send in an application or nominate someone you know who might fit this description. Can anyone apply? YES! No experience is necessary, as we will help train the right candidates. To view the position's description, nomination process, and application procedures, please click on our application link. Once you read through the information on the application page, scroll to the bottom and download the application form as a Microsoft Word document. You'll be able to edit and save. After you've completed the form, please email it directly to the Nomination Committee Chair, Terry Labanowsi at terrylabanowski@gmail.com.

All applications are due March 16th.

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 FOUR regions who have confirmed their ability to host. Register for this FREE event through our Eventbrite link to reserve your spot.

• Northwest Suburbs: Central Speech & Language Clinic (4160 IL Route 83, Suite 304 in Long Grove 60047)
• North Suburbs: Therapediatrics (200 N. Fairway Drive, Suite 208 in Vernon Hills 60061)
• West Suburbs: C.A.B.S. Autism and Behavior Specialists (975 W Hawthorn Drive in Itasca 60143)
• City of Chicago: Autism Home Support Services (AHSS) Autism Center-Lakeview (2762 North Lincoln Avenue in Chicago 60614)

Remember to be considerate when registering, as each site has a limited number of spaces available. Please do your best to attend the event once you commit by registering. Thank you!

**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.**

This event benefits everyone: parents and professionals! It's an easy way to donate developmental and therapeutic toys/tools/books/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! In addition to dropping off your donations at different collection sites around the city, you are also welcome to bring your items to the dealership in person on Monday evenings between 6-8pm from now until the event.

Special thanks to our collection sites: Kick Start Pediatric Therapy Network (Libertyville and Northfield), Arlington Pediatric Therapy (Arlington Heights), Kidnectivity (Northbrook), Pediatric Interactions (Grayslake), and We Rock the Spectrum (Palatine). If you would like your therapy clinic to participate as a collection site, just ask them! We'd love to work with your clinic and your region! Contact us for more information: hello@cityofsupport.org.

NORTHWEST SUBURBS: ARLINGTON HEIGHTS MEMORIAL LIBRARY:

As always, we are meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of the month (3/10) for our “Developmental Playgroup.” We are also continuing to offer a more adult-focused group called “Caregivers, Coffee, and Play” on Sunday, 3/29 (date changed due to spring break). 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.

WIN A PRIZE PACKAGE TO ROCKIN' JUMP

(4 free jump hours, t-shirt, frisbee, bang sticks, bracelet)--Buffalo Grove or Carol Stream locations

Simply search for the "March 2020 #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. If you are NOT on Facebook, please email your response to hello@cityofsupport.org. The drawing will take place via Facebook Live on Friday, March 20th at 5:00pm, and the winner will be notified either via Facebook Message or via Email.

March's Comment Topic:

***Do you look forward to spring cleaning? Do you dread it?

What is your most challenging and/or most rewarding task?***

Hear what your local C.I.T.Y. members had to contribute to this latest Collaborative Blog Post, and be on the lookout for more opportunities to share your ideas in the future. This is a great way to bring the community together around one central topic. Thanks so much to those who participated!

AHSS is excited to partner with Buddha Belly Kids Yoga to bring autism-friendly yoga classes to the community! The classes provide ways for parents and kids to connect with the magic of yoga through moving and breathing. These are family yoga classes, parents and siblings are welcome!

AHSS Autism Center-Arlington Heights Registration • AHSS Autism Center-Lakeview Registration

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