C.I.T.Y. NEWS October 2025 Upcoming Events
cityofsupport.org hello@cityofsupport.org
2025 “YOU GOTTA READ THIS!” BOOK DISCUSSION
“Amanda is a licensed marriage & family therapist and an internationally recognized expert in the field of disability parenting. As both a therapist TUES 10/14| 10:00-11:00am Developmental Playgroup at the Arlington and the parent to a disabled son Hts. Memorial Library. Drop-in. with high support needs, Amanda's specialization lies in TUES 10/14 4:00-5:00pm Developmental Playgroup at the Elmhurst Library. Drop-in. providing support to other parents. Her personal connection with parents WED 10/15| 11:30am-12:30pm worldwide who are facing these struggles focuses Developmental Playgroup at Barrington on empathy, empowerment, and resilience.” Library. Drop-in. WED 10/8 | 7:00pm Casual CITY Dad’s Hang Out at Gator’s Wing Shack in Palatine. No need to RSVP. Join the Dads contact list: hello@cityofsupport.org
WED 10/15| 7:00-8:00pm “You Gotta Read This!” Book Discussion at the GENEROC.I.T.Y. Shop and on zoom. Registration is requested. FRI 10/17| 1:30-2:30pm Developmental Playgroup at the Skokie Public Library. Drop-in. TUES 10/28| 10:30-11:30am Developmental Playgroup at Mt. Prospect Library. Drop-in. THURS 11/6| 5:00-7:00pm Bi-Annual Professional Networking C.I.T.Y. Soiree in Schaumburg. Registration is required. THURS 11/13| 7:00-8:00pm Live Webinar: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Facts vs. Myths at the GENEROC.I.T.Y. Shop and on zoom. Registration required for zoom link.
OPENING NEXT WEEK! See Page 2 for Details
When you finish reading, we think you’ll want to tell everyone that they’ve “gotta read it” too! Let’s use this book to create more discussions about disability & support in the community.
In This Newsletter: P 1: UPCOMING EVENTS, “YOU GOTTA READ THIS!” BOOK DISCUSSION P 2: GENEROC.I.T.Y. SHOP OPENING & FALL CLASSES! P 3: D.I.Y. HOLIDAY CARD FUNDRAISER, FALL SOIREE P 4: NEW BLOG POST & WEBINAR, PLAYGROUP UPDATES, & PARENT RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS P 5: SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT, VOLUNTEER & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES-NEW!
1
CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETE AND WE ARE BUSY MOVING IN!
WITH VILLAGE APPROVAL, WE ARE HOPING TO OPEN SOMETIME NEXT WEEK!
FOLLOW US FOR UPDATES:
@GENEROCITYTOYSHOP CHECK OUT OUR FALL 2025 CLASS CATALOG FEATURING: FREE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS FOR KIDS, PARENTS, FAMILIES & SIBLINGS AFFORDABLE THERAPEUTIC ENRICHMENT CLASSES SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL, & RESPITE OPTIONS FOR CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN IN THERAPY
CLASSES ARE SCHEDULED TO START OCT. 14th! WE’RE ACTIVELY LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH SHIFTS AT THE SHOP:
to learn more! HELP WITH SHOP SALES ASSIST WITH CLASSES ORGANIZE DONATIONS
2
LOOKING FOR A FUN, NEW WAY TO COUNTDOWN TO THE HOLIDAYS WHILE ALSO GIVING BACK TO C.I.T.Y?
OUR D.I.Y. CARD KITS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE GENEROC.I.T.Y. TOY SHOP AND ONLINE: WWW.CITYOFSUPPORT.ORG/SHOP --AVAILABLE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST--
FALL 2025 PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING EVENT: BI-ANNUAL C.I.T.Y. SOIREE P 2: P 3: P 4:
Meet other C.I.T.Y. Supporters, share information about your business, and learn about other resources in the community.
3
NEW BLOG POST Read through the newest article on our collaborative blog and register to participate in the live, FREE discussion: “Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Facts vs. Myths” EI Continuing Education credit is currently pending for professionals!
Register Here We would love to feature you and your expertise in a CITY blog
Open Call for post! These posts are now available to be published at NO cost based on board approval for originality, relevance, and Blog Posts: and content validity. Submit your potential blog topic here! C.I.T.Y. DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYGROUPS AT 5 AREA LIBRARIES: ARLINGTON HEIGHTS MOUNT PROSPECT* ELMHURST SKOKIE BARRINGTON *Currently seeking a facilitator (therapist/professional) to help with their Tuesday program 1x/month
Want to start a C.I.T.Y. Playgroup near you? Learn more here, and send us an email! We would love to help identify a local facilitator and library partner in your area to increase access to our inclusive playgroups for families across Chicagoland: hello@cityofsupport.org
“LET’S MEET” PARENT RETREAT 2025 HIGHLIGHTS: What a day! Introductions were made, resources were shared, and questions/concerns were addressed...all within an informal setting surrounded by other caregivers who “get it.” Thank you to the speakers, volunteers, and attendees who made this year’s retreat a great success! For those of you who were unable to join us in-person, the recorded presentations will be uploaded to C.I.T.Y.’s on-demand learning portal soon.
"This was the best retreat by far. The last two were good, but this one was powerful. It helped parents and caregivers to feel empowered. I left knowing I'm doing the best for my son."
4
“The nation’s first collective brewery, pour-your-own beer hall and shop under one roof.” Although no longer operating in Wheeling, District Brew Yards continues to serve customers at its West Loop location in Chicago. They have been strong supporters of C.I.T.Y, frequently donating appetizers to our Dads Hangout Groups and hosting on-site fundraisers.
www.districtbrewyards.com
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
We want to provide meaningful, relevant, and convenient programs that meet your needs. Join other parents/caregivers as we meet via zoom about 1x/month to discuss ideas and guide our initiatives. Email: hello@cityofsupport.org to sign up!
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.
EVENT COMMITTEE: WE WOULD LOVE YOUR HELP! We would love your help in organizing next year’s CITY Tribute Concert, Graduation Celebration, and “Let’s Meet” Parent Retreat, in addition to our GENEROC.I.T.Y. Shop Grand Opening and other exciting events. Complete our sign-up form & join in the fun!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: 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.
SIGN UP FOR AN ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP & RECEIVE BENEFITS YEAR-ROUND 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. With the opening of our new physical location, we are excited to share some NEW perks associated with each tier of giving. These will be announced shortly at our Fall Soiree! We hope you’ll join us to learn more.
CONTRIBUTE YOUR EXPERTISE
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. Connect with your local library to consider hosting CITY Developmental Playgroups 5