C.I.T.Y.NEWS
August 2025
2025 “YOU GOTTA READ THIS!” BOOK SELECTION
We are thrilled to announce this year’s book for our community-wide reading challenge: How to Handle More Than You Can Handle: Caring for Yourself While Raising a Disabled Child by Amanda Griffith-Atkins.
“Amanda is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an internationally recognized expert in the field of disability parenting. 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 personal connection with parents worldwide who are facing these struggles focuses on empathy, empowerment, and resilience.”
When you finish reading, we think you’ll want to tell other parents, professionals, therapists, and neighbors that they’ve “gotta read it” too!
-Fall2025-
Let’s use this book to bring the community together in discussion and support to create more allies in the disability world.
We’re also super-excited that Amanda (being based in Chicago) will be joining us for a live book discussion in October! We will have options for participating inperson and remotely, so stay tuned for more details. Once finalized, we will also submit this discussion for potential EI credits for professionals.
We hope you’ll pick up your copy today!
cityofsupport.org hello@cityofsupport.org
TUES 8/12| 10:00-11:00am Developmental Playgroup at the Arlington Hts. Memorial Library. Drop-in.
TUES 8/12| 4:00-5:00pm Developmental Playgroup at the Elmhurst Library. Drop-in.
WED 8/13 | 7:00pm Casual CITY Dad’s Hang Out at District Brewyards in Wheeling. No need to RSVP. Join the Dads contact list, by emailing: hello@cityofsupport.org
SAT 9/27 | 1:00-4:00pm “Let’s Meet” Parent Retreat at Harper College in Palatine Registration is required and now open!
UPCOMINGEVENTS,2025“YOUGOTTA READTHIS!”BOOKSELECTION “LET’SMEET”PARENTRETREAT,PARENT ADVISORYCOMMITTEE CITYCLOSE-UP,GENEROC.I.T.Y.TOY SHOPUPDATES,CALLFORTEACHERS
“LET’S MEET” PARENT RETREAT
STRONG RELATIONSHIPS”
What to expect:
REGISTER NOW TO SAVE YOUR SPOT!
Based on feedback from our Parent Advisory Committee, this year’s theme will be 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. informative, empowering, and fun afternoon!
Sign up here, and we’ll send you a link to join our next zoom meeting on 8/11 at 7:00pm!
C.I.T.Y. Close-Up: Meet Remy
According to his mom:
“Remington “Remy” is a resilient 6-year-old who has been a fighter since the moment he entered the world. What began as undiagnosed heart conditions soon unfolded into global developmental delays. Although his milestones came later than expected, Remy has met each one with determination, growing and progressing at his own pace. Every accomplishment no matter how big or small is celebrated, and we cherish every moment.
WeareendlesslyproudofRemy ofhiscuriosity,hisprogress,hisjoyfulspirit,hisdeeploveoflearning,his bondwithnatureandanimals,andmostofall,hisunwaveringloveforhisfamily Remymadeincrediblestrides duringkindergartenandwillsoonbetransitioningintoahigherlevelspecialeducationprogramforfirstgrade atestamenttohowfarhe’scome ThoughRemyisnon-speaking,heisalwaysengaged,aware,and communicatesclearlythroughgestures,pointing,orusageofhisAACdevice We’reproudofthewayRemy communicateshisneedsinawaythatworksbestforhim.
Remy’spotentialknowsnobounds theworldishistoexplore.Wecouldn’tbeprouderofourincredible, resilientlittleboy”
Youcouldbeournextwinner!
WeshareourmonthlyClose-UppostonthelastFridayofeverymonthinourFacebook Group.Commenttherewithyourchild'slatestsuccessstoryby11:59pmonWed,August 13th,andyouwillbeenteredintoournextrandomquarterlydrawingtoreceiveafamily photoshootwithSomethingBluePhotography.Youcanearn3entries(1foreachmonth!)
FOLLOW US FOR UPDATES:
Sociability Therapy, PLLC is a specialized family private practice located in Northbrook, Illinois For the past 15 years, we have been offering specialized treatments for our clients who struggle to socialize or interact comfortably with others for a variety of reasons including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and learning disorders.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
EVENT COMMITTEE: WE WOULD LOVE YOUR HELP!
Our “Let’s Meet” Parent Retreat (September) takes a team effort to coordinate. We would love your help in organizing this and other meaningful events in the next few months. Complete our sign-up form to join in the fun!
VOLUNTEER AT THE GENEROC.I.T.Y. TOY SHOP!
We are looking for motivated volunteers to help with organizing the donations, managing the sales floor, and assisting with programs, among other tasks Fill out an application if you would like to learn more about these critical roles at our new shop location
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This volunteer opportunity makes DOUBLE THE IMPACT, with 100% of proceeds funding our current & future programs, while also spreading kindness in our community. Perfect cardmaking craft project for schools, scout groups, and corporate team-building events. Order a small number of kits and learn more here, or email us to organize bigger group projects: hello@cityofsupport.org
JOIN US AS A 2025 PARENT RETREAT SPONSOR:
We depend on your help in spreading the word about this much-anticipated annual event, and we love your enthusiasm and support each year! Opportunities for clinic-based and community-based sponsorships are now available Sign up here to participate, and annual sponsors--don’t forget about your event sponsorship discounts!
BECOME A FOUNDING SPONSOR OF
OUR GENERO-C.I.T.Y.
TOY SHOP
As we transition to our newer, bigger, and more permanent location, we continue to need to raise funds to help with our operating costs. Contact us to see how your contribution can make a significant impact on the long-term benefit of the shop and our community. Email: hello@cityofsupport.org for more information.
We have 3 options at different price points, all of which include a listing in our Professional Directory (with thousands of visitors each year) Learn more here
Email to inquire about teaching a class at our new facility this fall: hello@cityofsupport.org
Consider submitting a blog post proposal! Visit here to learn more.