C.I.T.Y. of Support

Storytime and Fun!
2025-04-23 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-04-16 10:30 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | GENEROC.I.T.Y. TOY SHOP, 1423 E. Palatine Rd., Arlington Heights, IL, 60004, United States
Join Ms. Joan (Joan Kurtz), experienced preschool teacher and C.I.T.Y. of Support Volunteer Extraordinaire! She will be bringing some stories, songs, and rhymes to the GENERO-C.I.T.Y. Toy Shop weekly on Wednesdays at 10:30.
Drop-in! No registration required.

Spring Soiree: Bi-Annual Professional Networking Event
2025-04-10 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Westwood Tavern, 1385 N Meacham Rd, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60173, United States
You and a colleague are invited to join us for our Spring 2025 C.I.T.Y. Sponsor Soiree!
These bi-annual events are the perfect way to meet other C.I.T.Y. Supporters, share information about your business, and learn about other resources in the community. Networking not only leads to stronger professional relationships, but also builds trust among your clients, as you provide more knowledgeable suggestions and referrals for care.
Other reasons to join us:

Be the first to sign up to participate in our “Graduation Celebration”
Celebrate our 2025 C.I.T.Y. Award Winners
Learn the latest news about the GENERO-C.I.T.Y. Toy Shop (and how you can get involved)
Share your resources and connect with other professionals in the C.I.T.Y. community
Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Dress is casual, after-work attire.

Like last year, we will have a table to display printed resources, so please bring plenty of business cards and/or 1 flyer/brochure for sharing. In order to guarantee that you are included as a resource in our attendee booklet, we ask that you kindly register by THURSDAY, APRIL 3rd.
As can be the case with free events (and maybe you know from personal experience), we understand that attendance can be unpredictable. We want this event to be a success, so we ask you to please be mindful of your RSVP and plan to attend if you reply “yes.” Early responses are extremely appreciated.
We hope to see you on the 10th! Please email us with any questions: hello@cityofsupport.org.

Developmental Playgroup at Elmhurst Library
2025-04-08 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-11 16:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-10 16:00 - 17:00, 2024-11-12 16:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-08 16:00 - 17:00 UTC | Elmhurst Library, 125 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, Illinois, 60126, United States
An 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 Amy Mishima (Local Leader of C.I.T.Y. of Support) and Ellen Karalis (Executive Director of Comprehensive Behavior Development).

Drop-in. No Library Card Required.

https://www.elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/

Storytime and Fun!
2025-03-26 10:30 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | GENEROC.I.T.Y. TOY SHOP, 1423 E. Palatine Rd., Arlington Heights, IL, 60004, United States
Join Emily Mroczek, Youth Librarian from the Arlington Heights Library, as she brings her stories to the GENERO-C.I.T.Y. Toy Shop!
Drop-in! No registration required.

Community Gathering at the GENERO-C.I.T.Y. Toy Shop
2025-03-19 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | GENEROC.I.T.Y. TOY SHOP, 1423 E. Palatine Rd., Arlington Heights, IL, 60004, United States
Join Anisha Patel and us at the GENERO-C.I.T.Y. Toy Shop for a “City of Good Neighbors” Family Service and Action Event! We are having a celebration of community, inclusivity, and accessibility where everyone is welcome to:

Bring gently-used toys/books to donate!
Purchase new treasures at the shop!
Create celebration notecards for families being discharged from NICU Departments around Chicagoland

We are thrilled to host this gathering at our new physical location: 91 W. Rand Road in Arlington Heights
Reservations are not required, but suggested using this link.

Our Time Celebration : Sing and Soar with Nanny Nikki
2025-02-22 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60004, United States
Get ready for a high energy, fun, and active musical show. We’ll sing, dance and enjoy puppets, followed by a 30-minute musical playtime to celebrate inclusion and connection.

This supported show is presented as part of We Love Our C.I.T.Y. month and designed for children with disabilities and their families, and any child that could benefit from a more controlled environment. Special supports like lap weights and fidget toys are available to make children feel successful.

For families with children ages 0-6. Siblings Welcome. No library card required. Register Here.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation, please call 847.392.0100, text 847.665.1491 or email us at accessibility@ahml.info

C.I.T.Y. Tribute Concert—2025
2025-02-07 20:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago) | HOME Bar, 1227 N. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60004, United States
This special night out is designed to recognize and celebrate the tireless caregivers who have children in therapy as part of C.I.T.Y. of Support’s “We Love our C.I.T.Y.” Month. With all their extra responsibilities such as medical appointments, therapy schedules, insurance/financial headaches, and school advocacy meetings, these caregivers often have little time for themselves and few opportunities to meet others in similar situations.

Enjoy live music from the local rock cover band, Valius, appetizers, & drinks as we host our 3rd annual tribute concert dedicated to these caregivers and those who support them on Friday, Feb. 7th at 8:00pm at HOME Bar in Arlington Heights. Line up the babysitters now!

Interested in participating as a sponsor? Click here for more details!

Gently-Used Toy & Book Donations
2024-12-28 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-27 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | GENEROC.I.T.Y. TOY SHOP, 1423 E. Palatine Rd., Arlington Heights, IL, 60004, United States
Need 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!

Live Discussion—"The Importance of Therapeutic Preschool"
2024-11-14 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | IL
Join Dr. Angie Harisiadis, Owner and Executive Director at In2Great! Pediatric Therapy, and author of the recent blog post, “The Importance of Therapeutic Preschool,” where she discusses this topic live.

EI Credit approved for professionals.

Fall 2024 Soiree
2024-11-07 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Westwood Tavern, 1385 N Meacham Rd, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60173, United States
C.I.T.Y’s Bi-Annual Professional Networking Event

You and a colleague are invited to join us for our Fall 2024 C.I.T.Y. Sponsor Soiree!

These bi-annual events are the perfect way to meet other C.I.T.Y. Supporters, share information about your business, and learn about other resources in the community. Networking not only leads to stronger professional relationships, but also builds trust among your clients, as you provide more knowledgeable suggestions and referrals for care.

Other reasons to join us:

Be the first to sign up to participate in our “We Love our CITY Month” Interactive Calendar in February

Receive C.I.T.Y. of Support’s 2025 printed calendar

Learn how to participate in co-sponsored activities: playdates, education opportunities, special events

Hear a re-cap of this year’s accomplishments and our plans for the new year

Sign up for annual sponsorship opportunities to help us reach our goals

Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Dress is casual, after-work attire.

Like last year, we will have a table to display printed resources, so please bring plenty of business cards and a flyer/brochure for sharing. In order to guarantee that you are included as a resource in our attendee booklet, we ask that you kindly register by WEDNESDAY, OCT 30th.

As can be the case with free events (and maybe you know from personal experience), we understand that attendance can be unpredictable. We want this event to be a success, so we ask you to please be mindful of your RSVP and plan to attend if you reply “yes.” Early responses are extremely appreciated.

We hope to see you on the 7th! Please email us with any questions: hello@cityofsupport.org.

Trunk or Treat Halloween Event in Arlington Heights
2024-10-26 10:00 - 12:30 UTC | Pioneer Park Parking Lot, 500 S Fernadez Ave, Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60005, United States
Come in costume to Pioneer Park to visit In2Great! Pediatric Therapy – there will be treat bags, candy, music, inflatables, and photo booth!

This event is for children 2-13 years of age. Registration is $10 per child, and registration is open through 10/25.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free for children under 2 years of age if attending with a registered child.

Trunk or Treat is an outdoor, rain or shine activity. Please dress for the weather! Refunds will only be issued for requests submitted via our website or in writing at least one week prior to the event.

Mobile Therapy Center's Annual Fall Fest
2024-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Mobile Therapy Center, 854 Technology Way, Libertyville, Illinois, 60048, United States
Join Mobile Therapy Center for their Annual Fall Fest!There will be games, crafts, trunk-or-treating, and fun for the whole family!

RSVP at: rsvp@mtcus.com

Help for the Whole Child Presentation
2024-10-19 11:30 - 12:30 UTC | IL
Virgina Viafore – a certified P.L.A.Y. project consultant and neurodevelopmental specialist will be presenting at Kids Place Therapy Services on Saturday October 19th at 11:30 a.m. Please join us!

Virgina will discuss her approach to helping children – how she creates stronger brain-to-body connections to improve their social emotional, self-regulation and language skills. Please join us to hear how her approach compliments other therapies (OT, PT, ST) your child may already be receiving.

"You Gotta Read This!" Book Discussion
2024-10-07 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60004, United States
Once a year, we select a book that we think the entire community could benefit from reading. The challenge is to recruit people within your personal network to participate in a meaningful conversation about the Disability community while also increasing your own personal knowledge. Once completing Everything No One Tells You About Parenting A Disabled Child, we think you’ll tell your family, friends, therapists, teachers, and allies that “You Gotta Read This!” We see the potential impact of this community-wide initiative helping to increase awareness, acceptance, accessibility, and compassion for children in therapy and their families.

Everyone is invited to attend the free, LIVE discussion with this year’s author, Kelley Coleman on Monday, Oct. 7th from 7:00-8:00pm. Signing up with this registration form helps us plan accordingly for our simultaneous in-person and online options. For professionals, Early Intervention Continuing Education Credit is currently pending.

This book is an “honest, relatable, actionable roadmap to the practicalities of parenting a disabled child, featuring personal stories, expert interviews, and the foundational information parents need to know about topics including diagnosis, school, doctors, insurance, financial planning, disability rights, and what life looks like as a parent caregiver.”

Kids' Brains & Screens: ScreenStrong Workshop
2024-10-07 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Bloomingdale Public Library, Meeting Room A—101 Fairfield Way, Bloomindale, Illinois, 60108, United States
ScreenStrong EMPOWERS parents to prevent & reverse childhood screen dependency. We provide practice solutions to FREE children from toxic screen habits.

Workshop sponsored by Midwest Speech Therapy.

Test submission
2024-10-07 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | My House, 1228 S Lloyd Ave, Lombard, 60148, United States
This is for a test!

"Let's Meet" Parent Retreat
2024-09-28 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Harper College, 1200 West Algonquin Road, Palatine, Illinois, 60067, United States
Parents! This in-person retreat was designed just for you! Mark it on your calendar, and line up the babysitters now, so you can treat yourself to this day of connecting and learning! This is a day that will benefit you AND your child–we hope you’ll join us!

A﻿nd, thanks to a very generous donation from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, this program is offered AT NO COST to parents!

This year, we are focusing on the overall theme of communication and “Navigating Tough Conversations.” Our line-up of speakers includes adults with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and professionals who work with families on this journey. We will explore strategies, resources, and advice that will make communication more effective among friends/family, our children’s treatment team, the general community, and each other.

Space is limited! As an incentive to register early, ONLY those who register before September 1st will be included in our raffle to receive an exclusive self-care gift package at the retreat. Register now!

NEW this year is an option to extend the event with social activities following the workshop, where parents can continue to make connections among themselves in a fun, casual atmosphere.

September Developmental Playgroup at the Mt. Prospect Library
2024-09-26 10:30 - 11:30 UTC | Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S Emerson St, Mount Prospect, Illinois, 60056, United States
This in-person program will be held in Meeting Room A. Play and connect with other families who have children in therapy or are considering therapy. This is a relaxed drop-in program and siblings are welcome to join. Facilitated by Beth Deiter, pediatric speech-language pathologist, and presented in partnership with C.I.T.Y. of Support. No registration required.

CAYRgiver Circle Monthly Meetup
2024-09-25 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | IL
Join the CAYRgiver Circle from 6-7pm for a virtual screening of the documentary “The children refusing to go to school,” or watch it beforehand (link in full details) and tune in at 7pm for the discussion.

CITY Dads Hang Out
2024-09-11 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | IL
Grab a beer with other dads in our community on the one Wednesday each month. This casual hangout, with no agenda/structure, is designed to bring dads together in a stress-free environment to make connections with other parents in similar situations. This month’s hang-out will be at 7:00pm at Spears in Wheeling.

Additional dates for the 2024 include: Oct. 9, Nov. 13, and Dec. 11

Email: hello@cityofsupport.org with any questions or to sign up for email alerts. No RSVP required.

Back-to-School Carnival
2024-09-08 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Key Autism Services, 5420 N. Harlem Ave., Norwood Park, Illinois, 60656
Join Key Autism Services for a morning full of fun! They are transforming their Norwood Park Center into a lively outdoor carnival, designed with sensory sensitivities in mind! All children and their families are welcome to attend!
