C.I.T.Y. of Support

Developmental Playgroup at the Barrington Library
2025-12-17 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Barrington Area Library, 505 N Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL, 60010, 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 Megan Smith, a Clinical Therapist at Peace Within Therapy and Wellness, and aligned with C.I.T.Y. of Support’s program model. Drop in. Program Room.
Drop in and please bring your Barrington Area Library card for priority admission. Customers from other library districts will be admitted as space is available. Seating is first come, first served.

Gentle Greeting with Santa & Mrs. Claus
2025-12-11 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Illinois
Take advantage of this special opportunity to schedule a Gentle Greeting with Santa at the GENEROC.I.T.Y. Toy Shop! During your 30-minute reservation window, you will have 5-10 minutes of individual time with Mr. and Mrs. Claus where your family can talk with him in a low-stimulation environment. Imagine no waiting in line, limited noise, gentle lighting, decreased time pressure, and plenty of holiday spirit! Register Here!

Suzanne from Pickle Book Designs will be available to take your photo if desired, too!

Santa wants to give your family and your child special attention. Join us for this unique opportunity, and check out C.I.T.Y. of Support’s new physical location: The GENEROC.I.T.Y. Toy Shop (where there are tons of reasonably-priced, therapist-curated, gently-used toys, books, and games available for sale–and gift cards too!)

Special thanks to The Burhop Group for sponsoring this opportunity!

C.I.T.Y. Dads Hang Out
2025-12-10 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Illinois
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 on Wednesday, 12/10 at 7:00pm. LOCATION: Spears in Wheeling.

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

Developmental Playgroup at Elmhurst Library
2025-12-09 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-11 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-09 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-12 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-08 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/

Developmental Playgroup at Arlington Heights Library
2025-12-09 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-11 10:00 - 11:00 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 Julie Kander with CITY of Support.

Drop-in. No Library Card Required.
https://www.ahml.info/

GENEROC.I.T.Y. Shop Grand Opening!
2025-12-03 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | GENEROC.I.T.Y. TOY SHOP, 1423 E. Palatine Rd., Arlington Heights, IL, 60004, United States
Celebrate the Grand Opening of the GENEROC.I.T.Y. Toy Shop!
This open-house-style event runs from 5-8pm on Wednesday, Dec. 3rd at the shop (1423 E. Palatine Rd. in Arlington Heights, 60004).
Let’s pack the parking lot with supporters of C.I.T.Y. and our community allies, demonstrating the need for inclusive, welcoming spaces for families with children in therapy. We hope you’ll join us!
6:00 pm: Ribbon-Cutting
5:00-8:00 pm: Hot Cocoa Truck, Card-Making Stations, Meet-The-Teacher Booths, Free Giveaways, and more!
Everyone is invited!

Developmental Playgroup at Mt Prospect Library
2025-11-25 10:30 - 11:30 UTC | Mt Prospect Library, 10 S Emerson St, Mount Prospect, Illinois, 60056, United States
This in-person program will be held in Youth Program Room 119. Join us for an inclusive drop-in playgroup for children ages 5 and younger who receive or are considering therapy services.

Best for ages 5 and younger with their families.
Children play while families meet and find support; a developmental therapist will be present to answer general questions. Siblings are welcome to join.
https://mppl.libnet.info/event/13719128

C.I.T.Y. Dads Hang Out
2025-11-19 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Illinois
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 at 7:00pm at Moretti’s in Wheeling (365 W. Dundee Rd. in Wheeling, 60090).

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

Developmental Playgroup at the Skokie Public Library
2025-11-18 10:30 - 11:30 UTC | Elmhurst Library, 125 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, Illinois, 60126, United States
This drop-in inclusive playgroup is for children younger than six who receive or are considering therapy services. Children play while families meet and find support.
Siblings are welcome. Free tickets will be given to those who attend.
Facilitated by staff from All Bright Therapies. Presented in partnership with C.I.T.Y. of Support.
https://www.skokielibrary.info/

Live Discussion: "Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Facts vs. Myths"
2025-11-13 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | GENEROC.I.T.Y. TOY SHOP, 1423 E. Palatine Rd., Arlington Heights, IL, 60004, United States
Join Laura Zimmerman, Marketing and Events Director and Lauren Pridgeon, Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) and Strategic Development Coordinator with Motivated Learners as they host a FREE, live discussion on Thursday, November 13th that compliments their recent blog post: “Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Facts vs. Myths.”
7:00-8:00pm via zoom. Everyone is welcome to join either in-person at the GENEROC.I.T.Y. Toy Shop or online via zoom. Registration is required for the zoom link. Approved for 1 hour of Early Intervention credit.

Developmental Playgroup at Elmhurst Library
2025-11-11 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://elmhurstpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15028546

Spring Soiree: Bi-Annual Professional Networking Event
2025-11-06 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 Fall 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:

Share your resources and connect with other professionals in the C.I.T.Y. community
Learn the latest news about C.I.T.Y. of Support and the new GENEROC.I.T.Y. Toy Shop
Be the first to sign up for collaborative opportunities in the new year
Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Dress is casual, after-work attire.
Receive C.I.T.Y. of Support’s new 2026 Calendar!

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, OCTOBER 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 6th! Please email us with any questions: hello@cityofsupport.org.

Free Halloween Parent Safety Workshop + Kids Social Hour
2025-10-18 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Motivated Learners, 712 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, IL, 60090, United States
Families, you are invited to a FREE workshop on Halloween Safety for your child with autism while they enjoy a magical Halloween social experience with our team of Registered Behavior Technicians!
FOR PARENTS: Equip parents with strategies for keeping their children safe during halloween outings, focusing on communication, elopment prevention, costume concerns, and community participation.
FOR CHILDREN: Provide a fun, inclusive, and safe sensory-friendly Halloween experience with trained professionals in a structured setting.

"You Gotta Read This!" 2025 Book Discussion
2025-10-15 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | GENEROC.I.T.Y. TOY SHOP, 1423 E. Palatine Rd., Arlington Heights, IL, 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 How to Handle More Than You Can Handle, 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.

Plus, everyone is invited to attend the free, LIVE, IN-PERSON discussion with this year’s author, Amanda Griffith-Atkins on Wednesday, Oct. 15th 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, this discussion has been APPROVED for 1 hour of Early Intervention Continuing Education Credit.

Amanda Griffith-Atkins is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an internationally recognized expert in the field of disability parenting. She founded the Amanda Atkins Counseling Group in Chicago in 2015 and is highly sought-after for her expertise. Amanda frequently presents at prestigious institutions such as Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Adler University, Rush Medical School, as well as various conferences across the USA. Her clinical expertise lies in perinatal mental health, grief and loss, and disability support and advocacy.
As both a therapist and the parent to a disabled son with high support needs, Amanda’s specialization lies in providing support to other parents. Her expertise centers around helping parents reconnect to themselves and work through their complex feelings in the wake of their child receiving a life-changing diagnosis. Her personal connection with parents worldwide who are facing these struggles focuses on empathy, empowerment, and resilience.
Amanda lives in Chicago with her husband and three sons. When she’s not with her family or seeing clients, she enjoys watching a good horror film, connecting to nature, or exploring new workout classes.

C.I.T.Y. Dads Hang Out
2025-10-08 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Gator’s Wing Shack, 1719 N. Rand Rd., Palatine, IL, 60074, United States
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 at 7:00pm at Gator’s Wing Shack in Palatine.

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

Come Check out a Fire Engine!
2025-10-04 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Infinity & Beyond Pediatric Therapy, 755 Ela Road, Suite A, Lake Zurich, IL, 60047, United States
Infinity & Beyond Pediatric Therapy in Lake Zurich we will be hosting a FREE COMMUNITY EVENT on Saturday 10/04/25 for Fire Safety Awareness Month.

The Lake Zurich Fire Department will be bringing an engine and fire fighters to answer questions and give out information!

This will be a sensory-friendly event. Additionally, we will have a therapy dog on site for families to meet if interested.

"Let's Meet" Parent Retreat
2025-09-27 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Illinois
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
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!
Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, this program is once again offered AT NO COST to parents!
This year we are focusing on “Building Strong Relationships” including those with your spouses, family, friends, and community. Your medical team, your school team, your Early Intervention team. And, importantly, your relationship with yourself. You won’t want to miss the speakers we are lining up…all experts in their fields and many who can relate as a professional and as a parent. Join us for this informative, empowering, and fun afternoon! Sign up here!

12:00 PRE-RETREAT (optional): Volunteer to assemble “Welcome to our C.I.T.Y.” NICU giftbags as an ice-breaker.
Sign up here.
1:00-2:00: Speakers TBD
2:00-2:30: Mingle/Snack/Create/Discuss
2:30-3:30: Speakers TBD
3:30-4:00: Mingle/Snack/Create/Discuss
5:00 POST-RETREAT (optional–at your own cost): Continue socializing with new/old C.I.T.Y. caregivers at Fox & Hound in Schaumburg–just minutes from Harper with a large menu and plenty of activities (pool, darts, ping-pong, etc).
Sign up here.
NEW this year: Use this link to sign up for our “Parent Retreat–PLUS!” activities including a pre-event volunteering and post-event socializing. Extend your weekend with these optional activities that were designed to help break the ice and create even more CITY connections…we just ask that you use the sign-up form, so we know how many people to expect.

C.I.T.Y. Dads Hang Out
2025-09-10 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Illinois
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 at 7:00pm at The Landmark Inn Bar & Grille (1352 Shermer Rd. in Northbrook, 60062).

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

5K for All: From Babies to Grandparents
2025-09-07 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Fox River Marina, 28500 W. Roberts Rd., Port Barrington, IL, 60010, United States
Walk, crawl, run, or roll! It’s a 5K event for the whole family (even if you’re not a runner!)
Is it your first race?
Are you a serious competitor?
Do you need to walk with a helper?
Or just a tiny tot learning to crawl?​
​Choose your distance:
5 yards
50 yards
1K
5K

Storytime and Fun!
2025-06-25 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 (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) | Illinois
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.
