Events & Fundraisers
Join us — learn, connect, and support our community
Upcoming Events
Thanksgiving Food Distribution and Family Support
21
Nov 26
Northwestern Settlement hosts its annual community distribution event to support families in need. This event provides essential resources and connects families with ongoing support services.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM CST
1012 N. Noble St, Chicago, IL 60642
300 attending
Settlement Thanksgiving Dinner
24
Nov 26
A community dinner aimed at fostering connection and providing support for families during the holiday season. The event serves as a hub for community engagement and resource sharing.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM CST
1012 N. Noble St, Chicago, IL 60642
200 attending
Opioid Harm Reduction and Narcan Training
3
Dec 26
A public health training session provided by the CDPH Bureau of Behavioral Health. Participants learn how to identify opioid-related emergencies and administer life-saving Narcan.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CST
2160 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
40 attending
Girls Expressive Arts Therapy Group
10
Dec 26
A therapeutic group for girls ages 6-8 to engage in social-emotional learning through art. The program supports communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation in a safe environment.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM CST
6639 N. Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
10 attending
Boys Social-Emotional Learning Group
14
Dec 26
A structured group for boys to engage socially through play and activities. The program focuses on building emotional regulation and communication skills for young students.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM CST
6639 N. Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
12 attending
Mental Health Equity Panel Discussion
15
Jan 27
A panel discussion featuring community leaders and mental health professionals discussing strategies to advance mental health equity across Chicago neighborhoods.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST
Virtual Event
85 attending
Past Events
Chicago Public Schools: Special Education Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
17
Jun 26
CPS's monthly Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) open meeting. Parents, caregivers, and community members are welcome to attend, ask questions, and provide input on district-wide special education policies and services.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CST
Chicago Public Schools Loop Office, 42 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60602
Equip Chicago: IEP Rights Workshop for Parents
24
Jun 26
Equip for Equality presents a free workshop helping Chicago families understand their rights under IDEA, how to participate effectively in IEP meetings, and what to do when a school is not following the plan. Interpretation available.
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST
Equip for Equality, 20 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60602
Understanding IEPs: A Parent's Guide
10
Jul 26
A free webinar walking families through the IEP process, what to look for, and how to advocate effectively for your child.
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Online
Virtual Event — Join Online
https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Parent-Guide-Special-Ed.pdf34 attending
CASEL Forum: Social-Emotional Learning in Chicago Schools
10
Jul 26
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning hosts this professional development forum for Chicago-area educators. Topics include implementing SEL in diverse classrooms, supporting trauma-affected students, and measuring SEL outcomes.
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM CST
University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60607
Special Education Rights Workshop
15
Jul 26
Learn about IEP rights, FAPE, and how to advocate for your child.
10:00 AM
Chicago Community Center, 123 Main St
12 attending
Illinois Disability Rights: Free Legal Clinic for Families
15
Jul 26
Equip for Equality offers free one-on-one legal consultations for families of children with disabilities in Illinois. Topics include special education disputes, IEP violations, discrimination, and disability rights. Appointments required.
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM CST
Equip for Equality, 20 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60602
Chicago Teachers Union: Supporting Students with IEPs (Professional Development)
22
Jul 26
A CTU-hosted professional development session for CPS teachers focused on best practices for supporting students with IEPs in general education settings, co-teaching models, and behavior support strategies.
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST
Chicago Teachers Union, 1901 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago, IL 60612
Mentor Volunteer Orientation
25
Jul 26
New volunteer mentors are invited to attend our orientation to learn about the program, guidelines, and meet your assigned students.
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Right & Wrong Thinking HQ
8 attending
ADHD & Learning Webinar
28
Jul 26
Expert panel discussing strategies for supporting students with ADHD in the classroom and at home.
Lurie Children's Hospital: Understanding ADHD & Learning Webinar
29
Jul 26
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital hosts this free virtual webinar for parents covering ADHD diagnosis, its impact on learning, medication options, behavioral strategies, and school accommodations. Q&A with specialists included.
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM CST
Virtual — Zoom Link Provided Upon Registration
Virtual Event — Join Online
https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/specialties-conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactive-disorder-adhd/Community Conversation: ADHD & Academic Success
3
Aug 26
An open community dialogue for parents, educators, and students to discuss challenges and strategies for academic success with ADHD.
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Bolingbrook Public Library
21 attending
Back to School Community Fair
5
Aug 26
Connect with resources, meet mentors, and get ready for the school year.
11:00 AM
Bolingbrook Park District
33 attending
Illinois Learning Disabilities Association Annual Conference
8
Aug 26
The LDA of Illinois annual conference brings together parents, educators, psychologists, and advocates for a full day of sessions on dyslexia, ADHD, processing disorders, assistive technology, and navigating special education law.
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Marriott Chicago O'Hare, 8535 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631
Back to School IEP Prep Workshop — Know Before You Go
13
Aug 26
Hosted by the Arc of Illinois, this free workshop helps parents prepare for the new school year — reviewing IEPs, setting goals, communicating with teachers, and knowing their rights before back-to-school meetings begin.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CST
The Arc of Illinois, 2327 E. Devon Ave., Suite 200, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Back-to-School Empowerment Workshop
15
Aug 26
Join us for an interactive workshop designed to help parents and students understand their rights and prepare for a successful school year.
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Chicago Community Center, Room 202
12 attending
Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Gala
20
Aug 26
Join us for our annual gala to raise funds for student scholarships and mentorship programs.
6:00 PM
Marriott Hotel, Chicago IL
87 attending
CPS Office of Diverse Learner Supports: Community Listening Session
20
Aug 26
Chicago Public Schools invites families and community stakeholders to share feedback on special education services, transition programs, and inclusive education practices. Input directly informs district policy decisions.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST
Chicago Public Schools, 42 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60602
Chicago Youth Mental Health Fair — Know the Signs
6
Sep 26
A free community health fair focused on youth mental health, hosted by the City of Chicago Department of Public Health. Features free screenings, resource tables, presentations on anxiety, depression, and trauma in students, and connections to local services.
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM CST
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Gala
20
Sep 26
Our flagship fundraising event to support scholarships for graduates with learning disabilities. Dinner, awards, and inspiring success stories.
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Marriott Hotel, Downtown Chicago
58 attending
Interview Tips and Tricks for People with Disabilities
21
Oct 26
A community education workshop presented by JCFS Chicago focusing on practical strategies for preparing for job interviews. The session provides tailored guidance to help individuals with disabilities achieve successful employment outcomes.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CST
30 S Wells St, Chicago, IL 60606
15 attending
14th Annual Health Equity Symposium 2026
29
Oct 26
An annual gathering focused on addressing health disparities in Chicago. This event brings together providers and advocates to discuss systemic improvements in community health and mental health access.
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM CST
320 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606
120 attending
Healing Arts Chicago Wellness Session
5
Nov 26
A creative wellness workshop hosted by the Chicago Department of Public Health at a local mental health center. Participants engage in expressive arts to support emotional regulation and mental health.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST
4314 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60653
25 attending
Parent Advocacy: Navigating IEP Rights
12
Nov 26
A workshop designed for parents of students with disabilities to understand their rights within the Chicago Public Schools system. Experts provide guidance on the IEP process and effective advocacy strategies.
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM CST
42 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60602
45 attending