As summer begins, we celebrate the connections, growth, and memories that make families strong. We hope this issue brings encouragement, helpful resources, and reminders of the lasting impact of permanency and belonging.
Older Teens
All children in foster care deserve permanency and a safe, loving home. Each year more than 15,000 youth leave foster care without achieving permanency and are left to navigate adulthood on their own. Without the support and stability of a permanent family, these youth faced increased risk of homelessness, unemployment, substance use, early parenting, are subjected to human trafficking, and other high-risk behaviors.
C.K. spent 1,183 days in foster care before achieving permanency through guardianship just 24 days before his 18th birthday. Throughout his journey, he faced and overcame many challenges. With the support of his case worker, adoption worker, and foster parent, C.K. worked hard to reach his goals. Today, he has successfully completed his education, is employed, and is moving forward with the stability and support that permanency provides. His story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late for a young person to achieve permanent, caring family connection.
What began as a close friendship between two families in 2010 grew into a lifelong commitment of love, support, and devotion. Over the years, the families shared both joyful moments and significant hardships, including a house fire, relocation, and the tragic loss of the girl’s father in 2014. Through every challenge, the bond remained strong.
In 2023, circumstances led to an emergency placement of Samantha and Kaylin. The girls were able to be placed with the family who had long been a source of stability and care in their lives. After three years of dedication, perseverance, and unconditional love they are now officially a family. Wendy was able to keep her promise that they made to the girl’s dad so many years ago, when they agreed to always take care of each other’s children should something happen to one of them.
Meet C.K.
Meet Samantha and Kaylin
Training Opportunities
Jockey Being Family
Jockey offers free training to families. Topics such as Maintaining connection with an angry child, Navigating Special Education and the IEP/504 Process, Managing Tech & Mental Health, etc.
Free Lunch during Summer
• SUMMER EBT (SUN bucks)
C.A.S.E.
Sign up on their website to access their free trainings, webinars, and resources.
Summer EBT is a benefit program that provides households $120 for each eligible school-aged child. The Summer EBT benefits are for households to buy groceries when school is out for the summer. Most households will receive benefits automatically, but some may need to apply.
• Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline 1-866-348-6479
• Call 211
• Explore the USDA Find Meals online
Safety Spotlight: Prioritize Water Safety
Never leave children unattended near water, even for a moment. Use close, constant supervision and be mindful of CYFS guidelines when it comes to backyard pools and bodies of water. Below are some tips to follow when you are around water.
• The “Water Watcher” Strategy: Designate one adult to actively watch the pool without distractions like phones, reading, or socializing. Use rotating shifts in group settings.
• Learn CPR: Knowing how to perform CPR can save a life in an emergency, even when lifeguards are present.
• Use Life Jackets: Ensure children and inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Avoid relying on inflatable “puddle jumpers” or arm floaties, which are not designed for true lifesaving protection.
• Learn to Swim: Formal swimming lessons can significantly reduce the risk of drowning.
• Swim with a Buddy: Always swim in pairs to ensure someone can help or call for assistance if a problem occurs.
• Check Your Pool Barriers: If you have a home pool, secure it with a four-foot fence that has self-latching, self-closing gates to prevent unsupervised access.
Surviving Summer with Kids Impacted by Trauma: Why Structure Matters
Kids thrive on predictable routines. When school ends, the sudden shift in structure can create feelings of chaos or uncertainty—especially for children with trauma histories, ADHD, anxiety, or neurodivergent processing. Here are some tips:
• Set Daily Routines
ɥ Use Simple schedules with consistent wake, meals, and sleep times
ɥ Use visual schedules for younger kids
• Acknowledge that change is hard. Be empathetic and understanding. Transitioning from school to summer break can take time and patience.
• Limit Screen Time
ɥ Set clear limits
ɥ Offer healthy activities as a choice
• Create new summer traditions. Ask your children what ideas they have for day trips, their top three summer wishes, or create a bucket list. Bucket lists don’t have to be complicated or only have ideas that are expensive. Example: build a fort in the living room with blankets.
Looking for something fun to do?
BLOOMINGTON / NORMAL AREA
• Summer Concert Series: Wednesday evenings on the patio at the Bloomington Library
• Therapeutic and Supportive Camps: The Bloomington-based The Baby Fold offers “Camp Take-a-Break,” a therapeutic weekend camp for adopted children aged 6–14 that gives them a chance to play and regulate, while giving parents respite.
• Sensory-Friendly Animal Encounters: Check out the Sensory Tours at the Miller Park Zoo, held on select summer evenings. These provide a calmer, quieter environment (lower crowds, reduced noise) which is highly recommended for children integrating into new families or experiencing sensory processing challenges.
CHAMPAIGN AREA
• Urbana’s Market at the Square: Every Saturday
• Sensory Sunday at Elevate Trampoline Park: Sensory Sunday at Elevate Trampoline Park offers a quiet, sensory friendly jumping experience for children with disabilities or sensory sensitivities, held every Sunday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
DANVILLE AREA
• First Fridays: Science in the City A downtown event featuring interactive community activities, science demonstrations and entertainment.
• Danville Farmers Market: Every Saturday morning
GALESBURG AREA
• First Fridays on the Seminary Street: From 5–8 PM, Historic Seminary Street transforms into a vibrant, open-air celebration filled with music, food, shopping, and community fun
LASALLE AREA
• Downtown LaSalle Farmers Market: Every Saturday
LINCOLN AREA
• Third Fridays Downtown: – Downtown Lincoln on the 3rd Friday of May, June and July. Features Bounce houses, water games, vendor markets, live music and food trucks
PEORIA AREA
• Peoria RiverFront Market: Every Saturday through September 26th.
• Music in the Park: Thursday evening at Levee Park in East Peoria
SPRINGFIELD AREA
• Monday Movie Matinees: Free admission and popcorn at the Lincoln Public Library
• Free Guided Art Tours at the Illinois Governor’s Mansion: Reservations required
ROCK ISLAND AREA
• Free Outdoor live music and food at Lincoln Park: Tuesdays June–July
Contact your local Animal Shelter to see if they have a “Paws to Read” program. Children will get the opportunity to read their favorite book to a certified therapy dog.
