Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Rockford

07/31/2025

Now Enrolling!

Parenting a child with autism and challenging behaviors can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone.

Join our 11-week Behavior Consultation Program designed specifically for parents and guardians of children with ASD. Grounded in the proven RUBI Parent Training (PT) model, this series offers practical, step-by-step strategies to support your child and build confidence at home.

📍 Presented by The Autism Program (TAP) at Easterseals
📞 Call 815-395-5566 to enroll — spots are limited!

07/29/2025

Save The Date!

Join us for the 15th Annual Retreat Yourself, a weekend getaway for caregivers of children with developmental disabilities.

Let’s rest, recharge, and connect with others who understand the caregiving journey!

🗓 October 10–12, 2025
📍 Bishop Lane, Rockford, IL
🛏 Private & shared rooms available
🎯 Priority for families with children birth–age 8

Registration opens August 2025!

Questions? Contact Christi Starr at cstarr@eastersealschicago.org

07/28/2025

This past weekend marked the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — a landmark law that continues to advance inclusion, accessibility, and opportunity.

Through our programs and community partnerships that expand possibilities for people of all abilities, we’re proud to carry that legacy forward.

⚾️ A great example is our recent White Sox Youth Camp Days at our Easterseals Academy campuses, where students enjoyed skill-building, teamwork, and summer fun — all in an environment designed to support and celebrate them.

Here’s to 35 years of progress — and to creating a more inclusive world for everyone.

07/24/2025

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us last week for our Head Start Advocacy Night!

To the incredible parents who shared their stories—your voices are powerful, and your advocacy inspires us all.

To our amazing volunteers, thank you for making the evening run so smoothly.

Special thanks to Lakeshore Learning for generously donating raffle items, and to Cook County Commissioner Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill - 5th District for attending and sharing valuable local resources with our families.

Together, we’re building stronger futures for our children—one connection, one conversation, and one community at a time.

07/22/2025

We’re grateful to Easterseals President & CEO Kendra E. Davenport for elevating this message.

At Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, we see firsthand how Head Start and Early Head Start not only support child development, but also strengthen families, stabilize communities, and fuel our local workforce. Investing in early childhood is investing in everyone's future.

For corporate leaders concerned with long-term productivity, talent pipelines and even the health of local economies, supporting early learning is smart business.

07/18/2025

⚾️ The White Sox Youth Camp hit another home run today—this time at our Easterseals Academy Tinley Park campus!

Students had a blast working with Chicago White Sox coaches on pitching, hitting, and base running skills in a camp designed to be inclusive, engaging, and unforgettable for young athletes with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Huge thanks to our friends at the White Sox and Huntington National Bank for making this day so special. And yes—Huntington was back again with popsicles to help everyone cool down after all that fun in the sun! 🍧☀️

07/16/2025

📣 Tonight’s the Night!

Join us for Head Start Advocacy Night—a powerful evening of community, connection, and celebration.

🗓 Tuesday, July 16
🕔 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Cuddle Care, 150 W 137th St, Riverdale, IL

Hear directly from parents and staff, explore resources, and learn how you can help protect and grow Head Start in our community.

✨ Food, family-friendly activities, and real stories of impact.
We can’t wait to see you there!

07/15/2025

📣 Head Start Advocacy Night – July 16!

Join us tomorrow as we celebrate 60 years of Head Start and rally together to protect and grow this vital program! 🎉

📍 Cuddle Care, 150 W. 137th St., Riverdale, IL

🗓 Wednesday, July 16 | 5:00–7:00 PM

✨ Enjoy:

Inspiring guest speakers

Family-friendly activities

Community resources

Tips and tools to become a Head Start advocate

Let’s stand by the families we serve and the future of early childhood education. 💛

🔗 Learn more and RSVP: https://ow.ly/MgsT50Wq1aQ

Join us for Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford’s Head Start Advocacy Night. Help us honor 60 years of impact and join the movement to protect and grow Head Start!

07/14/2025

📣 We're hiring!

Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford is looking for passionate, mission-driven Special Education Teacher to join our team—and we’re offering a $3,000 sign-on bonus! 💼✨

Make a difference in the lives of students with autism and developmental disabilities by delivering individualized, inclusive instruction in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Learn more and apply: https://ow.ly/kXhm50WprZz

07/11/2025

Today was a home run! ⚾🍦

Students at Easterseals Academy’s Chicago campus spent the morning learning to hit, pitch, and run the bases thanks to an inclusive baseball camp hosted in partnership with the Chicago White Sox

Our young athletes—many of whom are living with autism or other developmental disabilities—were all smiles as White Sox coaches led stations designed to build skills, confidence, and unforgettable summer memories.

A big thank-you to Huntington National Bank for bringing even more joy to the day with an ice cream truck and popsicles for students and staff!

This event was a true celebration of community, inclusion, and summer fun—and we’re so grateful to our partners who made it all possible. 💙⚾

07/10/2025

🩺 Community Health Fair with State Rep. Maurice West – July 19

We’re proud to be part of the 2025 Community Health Fair alongside amazing partners like NAMI Northern Illinois, Molina Healthcare, and Crusader Community Health!

This event will bring together many physical and mental health resources for families and individuals throughout Rockford. Our team will be on-site to share information about Easterseals’ programs and services and help connect attendees with the support they need to thrive. Stop by our table to learn more about how Easterseals supports your community's children, adults, and families.

📍 Crusader Community Health, 1200 W State St, Rockford
🗓 Saturday, July 19 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

07/09/2025

July is Disability Pride Month!

At Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, we’re proud to stand alongside individuals with disabilities and celebrate the strength, resilience, and joy they bring to our communities.

This month—and every month—we honor the incredible children, adults, and families we serve. It’s our privilege to help individuals of all abilities thrive through early learning, employment support, family services, and more.

To our families, supporters, partners, and advocates: thank you for being part of this journey. Your belief in inclusion and equity fuels our mission every day. 💪🌟