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

Virtual

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

community

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

community

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

community Virtual

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

34 attending

community

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

community

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

community

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

community

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

community

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

community Virtual

ADHD & Learning Webinar

28

Jul 26

Expert panel discussing strategies for supporting students with ADHD in the classroom and at home.

2:00 PM

Online via Zoom

Virtual Event — Join Online

https://chadd.org/conference/

45 attending

community Virtual

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

community

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

community

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

community

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

community

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

community

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

community

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

community

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

community

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

community

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

Virtual

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