C.I.T.Y. of Support

Developmental Playgroup at Elmhurst Library
2025-07-08 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-10 16:00 - 17:00, 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 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!
2025-06-25 10:30 - 11:00, 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.

Developmental Playgroup at the Skokie Library
2025-06-20 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Skokie Public Library, 5215 N. Oakton St., Skokie, IL, 60077
This drop-in inclusive playgroup is for children who receive or are considering therapy services, age birth-5. Children play while families meet and find support.

Siblings are welcome. Facilitated by staff from All Bright Therapies. Presented in partnership with C.I.T.Y of Support.

Storytime and Fun!
2025-06-18 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-06-11 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-06-04 10:30 - 11:00, 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.

Graduation Celebration 2025!
2025-06-14 09:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Ivy Hill Elementary School, 2211 N. Burke Drive, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004, United States
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! CLICK HERE!
Every child is graduating from something…

Meeting a therapy goal!
Adapting to e-learning!
Trying a new food!
Making a new friend!
Becoming potty-trained!
Moving to a new grade in school!

We cannot wait to celebrate this year’s graduates with well-deserved congratulations for all their hard work! At this event, graduates will be showered with special attention that includes:

Public acknowledgement of his/her accomplishment
Distribution of personalized medals
An accommodating cheer squad
Professional graduation photo
Celebratory treats
Interactive, low-structured Family Festival

​​​​Resources for parents & games/prizes for kids
High & low energy celebration options

Optional commemorative graduation photo frame (NEW!)

Reservations for a “Procession Time” are required to keep us organized. This is not a “sit-and-watch” event–it is highly-engaging, active family fun! Our graduation is designed to be a FREE & INTERACTIVE occasion, where families from all around Chicagoland can celebrate together (siblings too–as always!) Sign up your graduate(s), and join in the celebration! “Every child is graduating from something,” so let’s take the time to feature their accomplishments from this past year!
Click Here for Sponsorship Opportunities
Among those who will be attending, we are excited to host these special “Graduation Classes” this year:

In2Great! Pediatric Therapy (yellow)
Marissa Bennett Consulting (green)
Roots Autism Solutions & Therapeutic Academy (turquoise)
Caravel Autism Health (royal blue)

C.I.T.Y. Dads Hangout
2025-06-11 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | IL
Grab 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 environment to make connections with other parents in similar situations.

Join the dads this month on 6/11/25 at 7:00pm at Gators Wing Shack in Palatine.

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

Miracle on Miner
2025-05-17 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Miner School, 1101 E. Miner Street, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004
An Inclusive Block Party with a Purpose

Inviting you, the community, to celebrate inclusivity at the first-annual Miracle on Miner block party on Saturday, 5/17! Miner School (located at the corner of Miner and Dryden) is an incredibly unique educational center supporting children with various special needs.

The goal of the block party is to educate the community on all of the wonderful things happening with these students, learn more about NSSEO (the non-profit organization that manages both Miner and Kirk School) as well as raise funds for special projects at the school. There will be hosts of activities, games, raffles, auctions, and more, all to support an incredibly worthy cause…C.I.T.Y. of Support will be there!

ALL families, friends, and children are welcome!

Local Business Showcase
2025-05-14 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | LUMI Studio & Shoppe, 104 W. Northwest Highway, Mount Prospect, IL, 60056
Support, learn, and have fun as we shine a spotlight on local women-owned businesses!
Hosted by the Women’s Entrepreneur Collective of Arlington Heights.
RSVP Here for a great night out!

Child Screening and Family Resource Fair
2025-05-07 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Skokie Public Library, 5215 N. Oakton St., Skokie, IL, 60077
Come and learn about local collaborations and programs for children birth to age five. FREE–drop in!
Located in the Radmacher Room of the Skokie Public Library.
Schedule a birth-three developmental screening here.

All Abilities Fair
2025-05-03 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S Rohlwing Rd., Palatine, IL, 60067
Join us as we participate in the first FREE “All Abilities Vendor Fair!” The goal for this fair is to promote businesses and organizations that are owned or operated by/for our special needs community. The event is being offered so the community knows what services are available to them, and also for individuals with different abilities to showcase and sell their products.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DTiVxksmR/

ECA Early Childhood Fun Fair
2025-05-03 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Oakton College, 7701 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie, IL
Discover local community programs and resources for your early learner!
Door #21 at Oakton College: 7701 N. Lincoln Ave in Skokie

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.

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.
