Join us for the SOS Illinois Women in Leadership Forum
Celebrate Women's History Month with SOS Illinois 2nd Annual Women's Leadership Forum
Happy International Women's Day from Chicago Foundlings Home!
We're excited to celebrate all month! Join us and register for this engaging event hosted by one of our funding recipients!
The SOS Children’s Villages Illinois’ 2nd Annual Women in Leadership Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, March 23 at 11am CST. We are excited to share this 90-minute dialogue that will feature five fascinating women who represent companies and businesses across the State of Illinois. The goal of the Forum is to hear the journey of women into leadership and consider strategies to improve opportunities for women.
View this Event Online here!
Inspire our youth with a book this Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month with SOS Illinois.
Annual Black History Month Book Drive
Hosted by SOS Children’s Villages of Illinois.
Check back in our event page next February, we look forward to celebrating with you!
Thank you for supporting this important project to inspire youth in foster care.
Interested in making this a company or volunteer project? Please let us know!
Contact Hope Burk at hburk@sosillinois.org.
The Top Three Highlights of 2020 as SOS Illinois Closes the Door on its 30th Anniversary Year
“Home Alone” and “Dances with Wolves” were released. “Beverly Hills, 90210” premiered. The Hubble space telescope was placed into orbit. The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed. “Sue” the best-preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex ever (now at the Field Museum) was discovered. Nelson Mandela was released from a South African prison. Thirty-four countries met in Paris, France to formally mark the end of the Cold War. This remarkable list of things and more share something in common with SOS Children’s Villages Illinois: This past year, we all turned 30.
As SOS Illinois embarked on the celebration of our 30th year of providing innovative, transformational care to children in foster care and at-risk youth and families, we reached several significant milestones – all during a most unprecedented time due to the COVID-19 virus. To wrap up this year of important moments in our organization’s history, we would like to share the top three highlights of 2020.
As we embarked on the celebration of our 30th year of providing innovative, transformational care to children in foster care and at-risk youth and families, SOS Illinois reached several significant milestones – all during a most unprecedented time due to the COVID-19 virus. To wrap up this year of important moments in our organization’s history, we would like to share the top three highlights of 2020:
#3 Innovation: Uplifted by the Generosity of Our Amazing Donors
We are grateful for the immense support of our corporate partners and donors who found new ways of supporting us in a most unprecedented year. As COVID-19 interrupted every facet of life, we were grateful our services were deemed essential; and therefore, continued without interruption.
As an organization with a 30-year history of having faced both challenges and successes, we were thankful we did not have to confront this uncertainty alone. SOS Illinois rose to the occasion; and we did this with the help of our Board of Directors and amazing friends. For your outpouring of encouragement, we are so thankful that you stayed connected to us during these unprecedented times. We are pleased to be able to share a few highlights:
In the early weeks of the pandemic through August, SOS Illinois families received meals twice a week from the #FeedItForward initiative, started by the Lavin Family Foundation.
Swissôtel Chicago held a free give-back initiative with a virtual story hour where they matched donations, delivered groceries to each of our families’ homes, helped us host our Zoom events for Foster Parent Appreciation and our virtual graduations, as well as supported our Holiday Giving Program.
Christian and Sibi Bale recognized the importance of having a good computer to work on for school during this pandemic and donated a new Chromebook to each household and connected us with Baby2Baby to provide baby supplies for our youngest youth in care.
HSBC’s Hispanic Latin Diversity Committee donated 75 brand new Dell “Venue 10 Pro 5056” tablets, keyboards, and more for our families to use in their remote learning efforts. So many thanks for helping our children succeed.
The Ignite a Better World Foundation, Synchrony Bank, and the United Way of Will County among dozens of other individual and corporate donors donated funds specifically to address ongoing expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chicago Regatta presented by Wintrust kept hope afloat with on-water racing during the regatta and a virtual auction and event afterwards.
The Related Lendlease Charity Golf Classic looked a bit different, but went off without a hitch and supported our families in an amazing response from longtime supporters. Thank you so much.
Evening of Hope took a turn onto the “Information Superhighway” and held a virtual event in November. Committee Members, Honorees, Sponsors, and attendees raised an incredible amount of money for the children in our care. Also, a special thanks to Actor David Eigenberg, Swissôtel Chicago Executive Chef Dan McGee, and an SOS Illinois Alumnus for participating in a special cookie baking segment.
Chicago Bear’s Player Deon Bush shared Thanksgiving Dinners with Chicago Village Families, and during the holidays, Chicago Bear’s Defensive End Akiem Hicks and his mother spread holiday cheer in a safe, and socially distanced celebration.
Holiday Giving donors pivoted with us to start online teams and raise funds for our Foster Parents to purchase holiday gifts for the youth in our care. This particular campaign raised over $55,000! This is in addition to many meals, treats, and other gifts delivered to our families this season.
We are incredibly grateful to all our donors, and would like to specifically thank: Christian and Sibi Bale; Swissôtel Chicago; Bohne Foundation; T-Mobile; Chicago Blackhawks Foundation; Chicago Yacht Club; Synchrony Bank; PHMG; Lochner; Central Church of Chicago Foundation; Conagra Foods; CC’s Wish List/ Enchanted Backpack; Lavin Family Foundation; BorgWarner; Maestro Cares Foundation; Goya Foods; Atlas Wealth Management; Headwaters Relief Organization; Home Depot in Homer Glen/The Home Depot Foundation; Win Biernacki and Rama Dandamudi, M.D.
#2 Resilience: Responding to COVID-19 to Keep Children and Families Safe
COVID-19 made this year of providing care to children and families very different from prior years. As a result, operations of the organization had to adapt. With these new and unforeseen changes, SOS Illinois reacted rapidly to successfully navigate the new pandemic. SOS Illinois first responded quickly by ensuring children and families were safe, as well as provided appropriate personal protective equipment. From there, SOS Illinois had a strategic focus on safety, education, behavioral health, and diversity & inclusion at our Villages and sites.
Safety: As we reopened the administrative sites, we took precautionary measures by putting into place additional protocols. Read a special message from our CEO, Tim McCormick, on the safety measures we took.
Education: As Foster Parents took on the additional roles related to our children’s virtual education, we realized additional support was needed. With the expertise of Win Biernacki, video segments for Foster Parents helped answer questions regarding online education. We also developed an entirely new Education Department focused on supporting every age and level of learning at our Villages as e-learning continued. See how we celebrated our graduates virtually this year.
Behavioral Health: The level of uncertainty experienced by all of us was challenging and in many ways traumatic, which is all too often part of what occurs for children entering the foster care system. Group sessions via Zoom took place, and resources were being provided to help Foster Parents. Also, we participated in Mental Illness Awareness Week.
Diversity & Inclusion: As our Villages and services continue to care for children and families of diverse racial and ethics backgrounds, SOS Illinois made the commitment to do more to provide diversity and inclusion training, workshops, and education for our Foster Parents and staff. Additionally, a committed group if staff have led this effort throught the Racial Justice Committee, which will launch initiatives in 2021.
#1 Determination: The Opening of the Roosevelt Square Community Center
The Roosevelt Square Community Center, designed by internationally recognized architect Juan Moreno and construction led by Lendlease, was completed this year, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks due to construction being deemed an essential service. The Center is an 11,000 square-foot facility that features a 3,000 square-foot multipurpose room, Goya Learning Kitchen, learning annex, staff offices, playground, community garden, and more. Even with the uncertainty that COVID-19 presented, thanks to the tireless work of the construction teams, the Center was completed on time and on budget.
Most notable about this building, is that it is a first-of-its-kind for the City of Chicago. The Center is the first public building in the City allowed to be fully constructed from cross laminated timbers, as well as glulam columns and beams. Additionally, other sustainable and renewable energy sources like solar panels, energy efficient appliances, light fixtures, and a community garden, reflect the focus of building sustainable futures for our children, as well as our desire to help create a greener future for our City.
Launching this Center was a huge milestone for SOS Illinois and will be a lasting legacy as it continues to serve over 5,000 children and community members for years to come.
Special thank you, once again, to all of the donors, partners, and board members who helped to make the Roosevelt Square Community Center a reality. From philanthropy, to in-kind support, to countless hours of service, we are deeply grateful to you all. Learn more about the Center and our donors in our virtual tour.
Saying Goodbye to 2020 and Hello to the Next 30 Years
SOS Illinois has been proud to provide three decades of hope through the phenomenal individuals of staff, board members, volunteers, corporate partners, and donors working together tirelessly to support the important mission of caring for Illinois’ most vulnerable children and families. Thank you, and we look forward to the next 30 years.
Please view the original post here.
Navigating Our Next Steps at SOS Illinois
As Illinois continues to navigate the state of the current health crisis, and as our nation works to heal the damages of racism, SOS Illinois continues to assess our changing course of action. Despite the many unknown factors still facing us, as a nonprofit serving communities hit hardest by current events, there is much assurance in the belief that we must first and foremost act upon the goodness that is ours. We will continue to heal, teach, and strengthen children, as well as guide them to move beyond fears and uncertainty. By leading each child to take the much-needed steps, we show them they can trust in the power of the human spirit and in authentic, unconditional, and powerful love. Out of such love for others, we will be implementing new protocols on our journey to provide more services in each of our Villages. During the next few months, we will have a strategic focus on safety, education, behavioral health, and diversity & inclusion for our Villages.
Addressing Safety at SOS Illinois
Gov. Pritzker signed an Executive Order called – Restoring Illinois – Protecting Our Communities – to safely and conscientiously resume activities that were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While programming and services at SOS Illinois were deemed essential and work continued throughout the “stay at home” order, administrative offices were closed with staff access to offices on a need-only basis.
As we reopen administrative sites, we are taking precautionary measures by putting into place additional protocols. These actions will help us ensure good sanitation practices, social distancing, protective face coverings, and self-monitoring are in place. We are adding these steps in order to maximize the health and well-being of our children and families, Foster Parents and staff, as well as birth parents and visitors.
Each site will have limitations as to the number of staff that can be present at any given time. This applies to high traffic areas, as well as individual offices and cubicle areas. Furthermore, these protocols will extend into our homes, where Foster Parents have diligently and mindfully followed all social distancing precautions while providing ongoing support for the children in their care. The extra measures are meant to provide a standardized response to ensure all homes are protected as staff members and birth parents resume in-home visits.
Assessing Educational Needs at SOS Illinois
During the special circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, having accessible, educational resources for Foster Parents and children was and continues to be vital. As Foster Parents took on the additional roles of teachers due to online learning in the spring, it quickly became clear that certain factors, such as the age of the children and whether they could be self-directed, access to a decent computer or device, as well as having good internet were of paramount concern.
Across the nation, parents shared struggles with the new notion of e-learning, and continue to do so as the new academic year begins. Due to the suddenness with which states shut down, very few could adequately prepare for these circumstances, including our teachers and schools. Our Foster Parents, like so many other parents, dug in and did all they could to keep children on task and progressing through assignments. We’ve been fortunate to receive a donation of Chromebooks for each home to make e-learning more accessible. Additionally, we have equipped homes with higher speed internet and will address ongoing concerns. As the semester begins, we will continue to assess the types of support SOS Illinois can provide to Foster Parents as it relates to in-home schooling, supporting diverse learning, and more.
During the summer, we were extremely fortunate to have had this process started by Win Biernacki, a longtime SOS Illinois supporter and wife of SOS Illinois Board Member and Former Board President, Don Biernacki, who graciously offered video segments for Foster Parents in order to answer their questions on virtual learning, at-home education, and supporting our children’s academic needs during this health crisis. We built d upon this and hired a consultant, who focused on writing and implementing an educational plan that will support every age and level of learning at our Villages should e-learning continue. Additionally, we will be onboarding a new educational team that will support our children and staff so that they are able to truly thrive in this remote schooling environment. Look forward to us sharing an update on how our children and families are adjusting to a new semester of at home learning later this fall.
Providing Support for Behavioral Health
The level of uncertainty experienced by all of us was challenging and in many ways trauma, which is all too often part of what occurs for children entering the foster care system. Yet, uncertainty, fear, and brokenness can be a source of hope. On weekly calls between senior leadership and Foster Parents at each site, our discussions quickly moved beyond fear to our collective notion of hope in each other. We trusted that despite having to remain physically apart (out of love for others), we were united and most capable of conquering fears to reestablish the certitude of our hope in each other to create a better tomorrow.
From this experience we have come to understand that just as important as our safety and education are, so too is our mental health as well as that of the children in our care. We will be working with our parents and staff to take the next steps to dialogue with children in order to let them know that the brokenness in our society will not define us, but motivate us to be who we really are – a people on a common journey towards the good.
Already, staff at SOS Illinois have established outlets for different age groups in order to address some of these behavioral health needs. Group sessions via Zoom are taking place, and resources are being provided to help Foster Parents be able to begin conversations that deal with larger, complex issues related to events taking place in our city and around our country.
Chief Operating Officer, Delphine Rankin, shared this reflection in a recent team meeting that summarizes the efforts of the Village. “I am proud and grateful we have been able to react to so many challenges and faced incredible change without hesitation as a result of the health crisis. No one blamed anyone, and no one faltered. Our Villages pulled together, and with a team effort rallied through this unprecedented time.” Using that same approach, we will now face the next challenges, knowing that at the core of all things, the safety, well-being of the children in our care is of the utmost importance.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion on our Villages
As our Villages and services continue to care for children and families of diverse racial and ethics backgrounds, SOS Illinois is making the commitment to do more to provide diversity and inclusion training, workshops, and education for our Foster Parents and staff. As Chicago continues to be a primary focal point in the fight to eradicate racism – especially racism that affects Black children and adults – we recognize that it is important now more than ever to unify as a force aligned with anti-racism efforts in our city and beyond.
In response to this growing need, SOS Illinois had gathered a specialized Racial Justice Committee. The goal of this committee, spearheaded by an outside consultant, is to “advance the core mission of SOS Children’s Villages Illinois by critically assessing and creating strategies with a focus on innovative methods to create on-going plans for continued areas for education, training, and advocacy in areas of promoting equality, addressing racism and bias, and advocating for social justice reforms both within the organization and surrounding communities.” This committee, made up of staff and Foster Parents, will continue to work together over the next year on identifying the areas of greatest need without our organization and surrounding communities to address racial bias an intolerance, as well as to create opportunities for culture-sharing and respectful conversation.
We’re looking forward to sharing the ways this new committee will help strengthen our community through a four-part blog series premiering on our blog in September.
Continuing to Move Forward
Like other communities around us, we understand that our collective future comes with some uncertainty. However at SOS Illinois, we are taking an active approach at navigating our next steps with care, tact, and compassion for one another. You can stay updated on each moment by subscribing to our e-newsletter and can support our efforts to keep our children and families safe by making an online gift today.
Please view the initial blog post here.
Welcoming All Families: SOS Illinois Supports Same-Sex Foster Parents
In February 2020, the United States Supreme Court agreed to decide if private foster care agencies in the U.S. can turn down LGBTQ foster parent applicants under religious objectification. Though a decision from SCOUTS has yet to be made, SOS Children’s Villages Illinois recognizes that at the heart of a healthy foster care family is dedication and compassionate support. It is our belief and practice that diverse single adults and couples provide loving, committed care to the children in our Villages, and offer an important perspective to our Village life. We are proud to welcome LGBTQ Foster Parents into the SOS Illinois family, and invite you to consider taking on this life-changing role.
History of LGBTQ Foster Parents in the U.S.
As SOS Illinois celebrates our 30th Anniversary, so too we celebrate the diverse Foster Parents who have joined our community, serving thousands of children across our three Villages in Chicago and Lockport, Illinois. The history of LGBTQ foster parents is, in some ways, parallel to our own, as we have openly welcomed LGBTQ candidates and staff for the last three decades.
Over the last ten years, many child welfare professionals and agencies alike have begun to welcome LGBTQ parents and families in the fold. As early as the 1960s and 1970s, coalitions and advocates began petitioning for state-wide and national recognition of not only same-sex marriages, but same-sex adoptions and foster care placements. Over a thirty-year span, a growing body of research on LGBTQ parents and their children clearly affirms the ability of LGBTQ individuals and same-sex couples to parent, alleviating myths and false narratives about the negative impact on children raised by LGBTQ parents.
In May 2013, the “Every Child Deserves a Family Act” was introduced to U.S. Congress, but was never enacted. This Act would have stipulated that any organization that facilitates the foster and adoptive care of children and has some form of funding from the federal government could not discriminate against prospective foster or adoptive parents based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. This stipulation also protected children being fostered or adopted from discrimination based sexual orientation and gender identity. However, as this bill would have only applied to organizations and agencies receiving federal funding, private institutions would still have been able to refuse prospective same-sex adults and couples.
Such push-and-pull of policy has not stopped LGBTQ adults from growing their families through foster care and adoption. By 2020, LGBTQ adults are fostering and adopting at rates higher per capita than those outside of the LGBTQ community. In fact, according to Life Long Adoptions, same-sex parents in the United States are four times more likely than different-sex parents to be raising an adopted or fostered child. Among couples with children under the age of 18 in the home, 13% of same-sex parents have an adopted child, compared to just 3% of different-sex parents.
As we continue to move forward with our own mission, we are committed to supporting and encouraging LGBTQ adults and couples to become part of the SOS Illinois community.
Why Support LGBTQ Foster Parents?
Aside from supporting the civic rights of LGBTQ adults, especially in regards to becoming parents, there are unique advantages to including LGBTQ foster parents within foster care communities.
There are more than 450,000 children and youth currently in foster care in the United States, many with diverse backgrounds, identities, and needs. As such, child welfare and foster care agencies are tasked to recruit an equally diverse pool of families to provide crucial support. In particular, LGBTQ foster parents may provide specialized support for LGBTQ children and teens, who are often overrepresented in the foster care population compared to their peers.
According to recent census research, between 7-27% of all youth in foster care identify with a sexual orientation other than “heterosexual,” creating increased needs for empathetic support.
Additionally, according to AdoptUSKids, “LGBTQ families bring particular strengths to parenting children in foster care, including an ability to identify with difficult feelings of isolation or a sense of being ‘different.’” For those within the foster care system, having a parent that understands what it means to be misunderstood by your peers, targeted for harassment, or under-supported by policy is a major benefit.
Becoming a Foster Parent at SOS Illinois
Joining the diverse Foster Parent community at SOS Illinois offers unique opportunities not available within a traditional foster care model.
One of the things that sets SOS Illinois apart from traditional foster care is full-time, professional Foster Parents. The SOS Illinois model places Foster Parents in single-family homes in one of its Villages, where up to six children ranging in age from infants to young adults call home.
For our Foster Parents, daily life involves taking care of each child’s diverse needs and schedules. During the COVID-19 health crisis, the dedication of our Foster Parents is even more remarkable, as they have taken on new roles as at-home teachers and tutors, coaches, and more. Applying to join our community today means that you can join this league of extraordinary single adults and couples committed to providing hope and healing to siblings in Illinois foster care. Learn more today on our Foster Parenting page to see if our inclusive community is right for you.
Please see the original post on SOS Illinois’ website.
Akiem Hicks, Chicago Bears Defensive Lineman, Visits SOS Childrens Villages Illinois
Thrilling energy filled the atmosphere of SOS Children’s Villages Illinois’ “Tailgate Tuesday” on September 10, 2019. In celebration of the beginning of another academic year, SOS Illinois staff, Foster Parents, children, and volunteers gathered on the green space of the Chicago Village for an afternoon jam-packed with football-themed activities, tailgate treats, and plenty of laughter. Among the buzz was the anticipation of the arrival a special guest who would be paying to our unique Illinois foster care agency: Chicago Bears’ Akiem Hicks.
SOS Illinois Welcomes Akiem Hicks with Open Arms and Cheers
As the gathering awaited the appearance of the Chicago Defensive Lineman, participants filled up their time with plenty of outdoor fun. With the help of volunteers from T-Mobile and PHMG, children enjoyed special games, an “inspiration station”, a table full of crafts, exploration of the community garden, and snacks from the “concession stand.” Despite being filled with energy, the group grew attentive and quiet when the announcement was given that Hicks was making his way down to the re-created football field spray-painted on the grass, complete with a 15-foot high homemade field goal post, where the celebration was being held.
As Hicks strolled up to the sea of children ringing cowbells and holding signs decked-out with his jersey number, parents and staff members snapped quick photos and joined the children in cheers. High-fiving members of the gathering as he passed, Hicks greeted SOS Illinois families with a supportive speech and a wide smile.
Akiem Hicks Offers Wisdom to our Youth
“To me, preparing for the school year is similar to gearing up for a game. You have to get ready, set goals, and stay focused,” Hicks said, joined by his supportive mother, Desiree. “Success on the field or in the classroom is where preparation and opportunity meet.”
Desiree, beaming as she watched her son speak, was praised by SOS Illinois Chief Executive Officer, Tim McCormick, as he introduced her and called her up to the front of the group. McCormick explained that SOS Illinois understands the importance of a supportive caregiver. Sharing in the sentiment, Hicks expressed that he would not be where he is today without the support and love he receives from his mother, whose influence is the reason he feels the need to give back and care for his fellow teammates and communities.
One of those fellow teammates on the Bears, wide receiver Riley Ridley and his older brother, Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley, spent a portion of their childhood at SOS Children’s Villages Florida. Seeing major success stories such as these, paired with the encouragement of idols such as Hicks, plays a major part in sparking ambitious spirits in children as they look toward a hopeful future.
“Children in foster care really don’t have a voice,” said McCormick to members of the press. “Often, in the education system, the healthcare system, even in communities, children don’t know some of the things that have been going on, and they feel invisible. When someone like Akiem Hicks of the Chicago Bears comes here, these children realize, ‘Wow, we really are something, and people do care.’”
We’re fortunate that this is not the first time the children at SOS Illinois have enjoyed the support of Chicago Bears athletes. Previously, Anthony “Spice” Adams, former Chicago Bears Defensive Tackle, joined our community to lend his support for foster care in Illinois by running the “Magic Minute” for us to gather gifts for children and families in our care.
Hicks Gifts the Children with Backpacks and Hope
After Hicks’ speech to the children, he was presented with a signed football with every child’s name. He, then, graciously gifted each child with a new backpack to help make the new school year a great success. It was then Hicks’ to join the fun. Activities included Hicks practicing football moves on the faux field with the children, coloring with the younger youth at the inspiration station, and participating as judge of the “touchdown dance competition” hosted for a prize. Each child enjoyed their time with Hicks, many mentioning that it was the most exciting time of the summer season.
Gratitude for Akiem Hicks and the Chicago Bears
We are immensely grateful for the support, empowerment, and kindness of Akiem Hicks and the Chicago Bears team, as well as for the hard work of the Tailgate Tuesday volunteers from PHMG and T-Mobile. Together with your support, we are creating stronger futures for youth in foster care, inspiring the next generation of leaders on – and off the football field.
Get Involved with SOS Illinois in Honor of Akiem Hicks
Feeling encouraged to get involved with our organization? Find your perfect fit at Becoming a Foster Parent, Careers & Internships, Volunteers, or Giving!
Supplied with Love: SOS Illinois’ 2019 Back-to-School Supply Drive
It’s time for SOS Illinois’ 5th Annual Back-to-School Supply Drive, and their partners at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago have teamed up with SOS Illinois again as this year’s Premier Sponsor!
Each school supply donation alleviates the financial strain of back-to-school for our Foster Parents and sets a child on the path to success!
Summer may still be in full swing, but we are turning our focus toward helping the children in our care that are preparing to start another school year. The 5th Annual Back-to-School Drive continues to carry on a meaningful tradition that was created from the growing desire to assist children in foster care with academic support and resources.
As parents know, school supply shopping really adds up. From notebooks to graphing calculators to art supplies – shopping for one child can be quite pricy! According to the National Retail Federation, parents will spend $26.5 billion on K-12 back-to-school necessities this year. For the Foster Parents at SOS Illinois, shopping for SIX CHILDREN is six times the expense. That’s why our Back-to-School Supply Drive provides much-needed to support to our communities through individual contributions, collections from office supply drives, and generous back-to-school promotions from our corporate partners. Your donations this summer ensure that children in foster care can succeed all academic year!
Beat the Heat: Order School Supplies through Amazon on Our SOS Illinois Wish List
Why face the Chicago heat when you can order right from your home? This year, we’ve made it easier than ever before for you to contribute to making the school year a successful and stress-free one for students and Foster Parents alike. Simply click on the Amazon wishlist link below and instantly order supplies for those in need.
You can choose from this list and ship directly to SOS Illinois, or shop the sales in stores and drop off at any convenient SOS Children’s Villages Illinois location during office hours.
What’s more, you can also donate gift cards to Amazon, Walgreens, Walmart and Target so that our Foster Parents are able to make sure that the children in their care have everything they need to start the school year off right.
SOS Illinois’ Amazon Wish List
We also happily welcome supply drop-off directly at any of our locations listed below. Please deliver school supplies to all Chicago locations by August 23, 2019, and to the Lockport Village location by August 2, 2019. Contact the location that is most convenient for you for additional details:
Lockport Village – Deliver Supplies by August 2
17545 Village Lane
Lockport, IL 60441
P: 815-740-7280
F: 815-740-7282
Administrative Office – Deliver Supplies by August 23
216 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 925
Chicago, IL 60606
P: 312-372-8200
F: 312-372-8202
Chicago Village – Deliver Supplies by August 23
7600 S. Parnell
Chicago, IL 60620
P: 773-783-0500
F: 773-783-0600
Casa Tepeyac – Deliver Supplies by August 23
4538 S. Hermitage
Chicago, IL 60609
P: 773-247-7725
F: 773-247-7794
Roosevelt Square Village – Deliver Supplies by August 23
1200 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Chicago, IL 60608
P: 312-243-1901
F: 312-243-3086
2019 Star Pupil: Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Once again, we are delighted to partner with Fashion Outlets of Chicago as our Premier Sponsor. As part of their annual Back-to-School Celebration, Fashion Outlets of Chicago is inviting guests to visit Concierge Services to receive exclusive offers and incentives, as well as participating in their supply drive.
By donating a new school supply item of a $5 value or more (including the receipt distributed upon purchase), guests will receive a free pass to Chicago’s world-famous Brookfield Zoo. Plus, students and teachers who present their school ID at Concierge Services will receive a free 7-day trial of the Fashion Outlets Savings Pass, available only at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago (a value of $800 in savings).
This promotion begins on July 19 and runs through August 11, 2019. At the end of the promotion, all supplies collected will be donated to SOS Illinois. Learn more about this generous initiative and complete Back-to-School Celebration details at Fashion Outlets of Chicago.
Make a Difference By Contributing Today
In the U.S., there are over 400,000 children in foster care. Contributions and support from individuals and organizations can truly make a difference in helping these children and their families get the school supplies they need, right when they need them. Simple, yet essential items such as a box of sharp crayons or a colorful new binder can give children in foster care the confidence they need to make a fresh start at school.
We encourage you to gather your colleagues together again this year. We are excited to discover what you will help us accomplish for our 4th Annual Back-to-School Supply Drive.
Share your progress and activity on social media, and stay in touch with any questions along the way. Together, by providing essentials like notebooks and pencils, our Foster Parents and children will be able to focus on all the exciting goals they have made for a productive academic year.
It is from these thoughtful contributions that we’ve been able to fill our young students’ backpacks with plenty of school supplies so they can reach their full potential with the tools they need to succeed.
Upgraded SOS Children's Villages Illinois Website!
SOS Children’s Villages Illinois is excited to announce the launch of our upgraded website. The fresh site – conceptualized, designed, and launched in partnership with the digital agency, ArtVersion – offers a user-forward experience with a clean, sleek design, as well as elements that allow for interactive and vibrant viewing during desktop, tablet, and mobile browsing.
The concept behind the site is to move from a semi-responsive site to an adaptable, energetic resource hub that keeps visitors in touch with the lives and stories of those at the very core of our mission, the children and families served across our four Villages and sites.
“Every so often we have the opportunity to work with an organization of such importance and we are honored and thrilled that we can contribute and influence brand visuals and messaging the same way they impact the community,” shared Erin Lentz, Director of Design at Art Version.
“The new design was a strategic collaborative effort to clearly illustrate SOS Children’s Villages Illinois’ mission visually and contextually. We thoroughly enjoyed working with the SOS Illinois Team. Our cross-disciplinary creative team works closely through a highly collaborative process to ensure the best product is delivered to the client to meet their goals. We are proud to be recognized for the work that drives us.”
Users have come to expect an optimized user experience as a basic requirement, and it’s now become a prerequisite implementation strategy across all platforms and devices. The newly optimized site, focused on the user experience, recognizes the growing need to keep an increasingly web-savvy world informed, invested, and involved with the inner workings of SOS Illinois.
Among an array of new interactive elements and resources, three unique features will allow users to gain in-depth awareness of our brand, look inside our decades-long commitment to youth and families, and learn how to invest in the future of foster care.
At the heart of our new website is our revised blog feature, “Our Stories”, which aims to educate our friends and supporters on the many facets that bring SOS Illinois to life.
From details on signature events and fundraising efforts, to interviews with current Foster Parents and SOS Illinois Alum, to updated information on the ever-changing landscape of foster care, “Our Stories” amplifies the voice of our agency and offers calls-to-action, praise for our partners, and opportunities to get more engaged with the communities we serve. Plus, “Our Stories” shares a landing page with other media content, such as Press Releases, Newsletters, and Annual Reports. That way, you’ll always stay on top of SOS Illinois updates!
Inspired by “Our Stories” and interested in seeing how far we’ve come? Don’t forget to check out our new interactive timeline which traces back the founding of SOS Illinois over 25 years ago and further back to its roots in Imst, Austria exactly 70 years ago!
One of the most frequent inquiries SOS Illinois receives is requests for information about becoming a professional Foster Parent at one of our three Village communities in Chicago and Lockport. This position, which sits at the center of our Village Model of Care, involves ten, unique phases of interviewing, hands-on training, and licensure to ensure that each candidate and our community share a mutual fit. As such, it is more necessary than ever to have a website that can house all the details.
On our Foster Parenting page, users can dive into videos, lists, sliders, blog posts, and other interactive tools to learn more about each step between filling out an application and moving into one of our Villages as a Foster Parent. The site even includes a detailed Frequently Asked Questions page for some of the most common questions we receive about serving in our community.
Looking to get in contact with a member of our team to chat about how this position may be a good fit for you? Filling out our quick Foster Parenting Questionnaire is one of the fastest ways to get connected today!
The success of our community and our legacy of care is only made possible with the support of our donors, partners, and friends. With our updated Giving page, investing in SOS Illinois has never been easier.
With online philanthropy growing each year, we know how important it is for you to be able to invest online. Offering a dozen different options for giving, our interactive Giving page highlights twelve key ways that donors can support the next generation of leaders, innovators, and creators. From joining our growing list of monthly Dream Makers, to offering gifts in tribute to a loved one, to hosting your own fundraiser or giving drive, this new page showcases just a sample of opportunities available to those looking to invest in SOS Illinois. And as always, your information is kept safe and secure, making online giving the quickest way to create an impact on children and families at SOS Illinois.
Looking for a way to give back that isn’t offered on our website? Let us know by contacting us at info@sosillinois.org or 312-372-8200 and ask for our Advancement Team.
Each time a new visitor browses our website, your investment grows. By spreading awareness about SOS Illinois, you are helping to ensure that the children and families we serve have their voices and needs heard for years to come. Share our updated site on your social media page, with your company’s community engagement department, or with friends and family interested in supporting at-risk youth. By getting others informed, involved, and invested, you are helping us build the future of foster care. Visit us today – sosillinois.org.
Special Note:
ArtVersion has submitted our site to awwwards.com — which is a site dedicated to awards that recognize the talent and effort of the best web designers, developers, and agencies in the world. In the coming days, we will share a link to online voting. We encourage you to vote to increase our chance of getting an “Award winning site”!