Creating a Community of Support for
Children In Therapy and You
Our Mission
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.
We believe that all families can benefit from the support of this unique community. All of our resources and programs are provided at no cost and in various forms (in-person and online) in order to increase accessibility for families.
90%
of our funds go towards our programs
90%
of our funds come from sponsorships and donations
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100%
volunteer-run
Free
programs for the community
7.4k
social media followers
442
guests at our Graduation this year
What We Do
Programs
Our free and inclusive programs welcome all kids in therapy and their families, no matter the diagnosis. Programs include sensory-friendly photo shoots, library playgroups, Birthday Buddies celebrations, NICU partnerships, and so much more.
Events
Children and families can participate in a range of free events including inclusive library playgroups, parent meetups, webinars, and our annual Graduation Ceremony and Let’s Meet Retreat!
Community Outreach
We connect with local libraries, hospitals, and other organizations to collaborate on outreach programs that are geared towards children and their families.
Resources
Our online learning platform is for both parents and professionals. Parents can access free resources guides while professionals can access continuing education courses, some of which are approved for PDH.
“We felt different, as parents, because our situation was so unique…
Your child might have medical needs. Or maybe there’s a behavioral or a sensory need where you’re worried about how they will tolerate the environment.
Sometimes we find ourselves doing less as a result of that, and it can lead to those feelings of loneliness or isolation.
I think it’s why these communities of support are so important…”
“The network of families and therapists that C.I.T.Y. brings together is priceless. Being a parent of a special needs kiddo can be scary, and joyful, and overwhelming.
For any of these moments, thanks to C.I.T.Y., I know right where to go for advice, for expertise, for friendship, and for celebration.”
Upcoming C.I.T.Y. Events
Gently-Used Toy & Book Donations
GENERO-C.I.T.Y. TOY SHOP 91 W. Rand, Arlington Heights, Illinois, United StatesNeed to make room for some new holiday toys?The GENERO-C.I.T.Y. Toy Shop is open for donations this Friday, 12/27 and Saturday, 12/28 from 9:00am-12:00pm...come check out our new space!
Gently-Used Toy & Book Donations
GENERO-C.I.T.Y. TOY SHOP 91 W. Rand, Arlington Heights, Illinois, United StatesNeed to make room for some new holiday toys?The GENERO-C.I.T.Y. Toy Shop is open for donations this Friday, 12/27 and Saturday, 12/28 from 9:00am-12:00pm...come check out our new space!
C.I.T.Y. Dads Hang Out
District Brewyards 700 N Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, ILGrab a beer with other dads in our community on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. This casual hangout, with no agenda/structure, is designed to bring dads together in a stress-free […]
Developmental Playgroup at the Arlington Heights Library
Arlington Heights Memorial Library 500 N. Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, Illinois, United StatesAn inclusive drop-in playgroup for children who receive or are considering therapy services, ages 0-5. Children play while families meet and find support. Siblings welcome. Facilitated by Julie Kander, CITY […]
Gently-Used Toy & Book Donations
GENERO-C.I.T.Y. TOY SHOP 91 W. Rand, Arlington Heights, Illinois, United StatesNeed to make room for some new holiday toys?The GENERO-C.I.T.Y. Toy Shop is open for donations this Friday, 12/27 and Saturday, 12/28 from 9:00am-12:00pm...come check out our new space!
Gently-Used Toy & Book Donations
GENERO-C.I.T.Y. TOY SHOP 91 W. Rand, Arlington Heights, Illinois, United StatesNeed to make room for some new holiday toys?The GENERO-C.I.T.Y. Toy Shop is open for donations this Friday, 12/27 and Saturday, 12/28 from 9:00am-12:00pm...come check out our new space!
C.I.T.Y. Dads Hang Out
District Brewyards 700 N Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, ILGrab a beer with other dads in our community on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. This casual hangout, with no agenda/structure, is designed to bring dads together in a stress-free […]
Developmental Playgroup at the Arlington Heights Library
Arlington Heights Memorial Library 500 N. Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, Illinois, United StatesAn inclusive drop-in playgroup for children who receive or are considering therapy services, ages 0-5. Children play while families meet and find support. Siblings welcome. Facilitated by Julie Kander, CITY […]
News, Events, Updates, & More
Our Latest Blogs
The Importance of Therapeutic Preschool
Guest blog contributed by: In2Great! Pediatric Therapy In the early years of a child’s life, the foundation for future learning, behavior, and...
Read More
Why Executive Functions Matter for Social Skill Building
Guest blog contributed by: Alyssa Stone, MT-BC, NMT, Music Therapist,Clinical Director, Owner, and Founder of Dynamic Lynks Executive functioning is a...
Read More
What Do I Say? Things to Bring Up or Discuss at your Child’s Parent Conference
Guest blog contributed by Laura Angelus, Special Education Teacher in District 25 So the school year has started and hopefully things...
Read MoreHelp Support Our Programs
Every single C.I.T.Y. program or event that you have participated in was made possible by community members like you!
As a 100% volunteer run nonprofit, we rely on both financial support and volunteer time from our members and community sponsors in order to keep growing!
Donate
C.I.T.Y. member donations accounted for about 56% of all funding for 2023! Every little bit helps us grow.
Sponsor
Learn about the opportunities and impact of becoming a community sponsor.
