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Carole Robertson Center Receives $1.15 Million Community Development Grant for Capital Improvements at Little Village Site
We’re thrilled to share that the Carole Robertson Center for Learning was selected as one of 14 awardees out of 240 proposals to receive a Community Development Grant from Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD). This funding will support renovations to our Little Village flagship site, including the construction of a new multi-purpose Discovery Center, state-of-the-art library, indoor play spaces, and substantial remodeling throughout the entire facility. Construction is already in progress!
For more updates and to support this transformative project, visit our NEW Campaign web page:
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EARLY CHILDHOOOD EDUCATION (ECE) | | |
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International Delegation of Early Childhood Advocates Visits North Lawndale Site
Site leadership at our North Lawndale flagship hosted an international delegation of early childhood advocates from the Erikson Institute’s Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Education (RECE) Conference. The group toured the facility, learned about our program philosophy, and engaged in discussions about the systemic challenges facing early childhood education. During the visit, site leadership and members of our teaching and family support teams shared their personal and professional stories, providing a deeper understanding of our Center’s history and mission.
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Social Justice and Equity Committee Celebrates the Holidays by Promoting Cross-Cultural Literacy
To celebrate the holiday season, our Social Justice and Equity committee gave families books about multicultural holiday festivities—so that everyone, regardless of how they observe, could learn about, appreciate, and feel represented by the traditions that unite us.
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Center Honors Dr. King's Life and Legacy
Carole Robertson Center children and families reflected on the power of kindness, justice, and unity to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. Our Social Justice and Equity Committee provided free books to families in both English and Spanish, including Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream, You by Carole Weatherford, and Celebra El Día de Martin Luther King Jr. by Alma Ada and F. Campoy. Families were also encouraged to volunteer in our classrooms by reading aloud and leading art projects.
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Center Introduces Updated Advocacy Blueprint, From Community to Capitol
The Center’s latest advocacy report highlights our work in community-based advocacy, driven by the vision of justice and equity for children, families, and providers who’ve been historically overlooked in systemic decision making. We’re dedicated to creating a future where every child can reach their full potential.
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Carole Robertson Center Qualifies as Finalist for Chicago Reader's Best of Chicago 2024 Contest
Every year the Chicago Reader asks readers to vote for the best people, places, and businesses in Chicago. This year, the Carole Robertson Center was one of 5 finalists for the Best Charity category. While we did not receive the title of Best Charity, we were honored to be recognized alongside other nonprofits that are making a real difference in Chicago’s communities.
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Christine Brambila Named 2024 Notable Nonprofit Board Leader by Crain's Chicago Business
In recognition of her professional achievements and contributions to the Center, Board Member and Center alumna Christine Brambila was recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as a 2024 Notable Nonprofit Board Leader. Crain’s published a special editorial feature in its December 2 print and online issues, highlighting Chicago leaders like Christine who bring their energy, expertise, and networks to the vital work of strengthening communities.
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Laura Hool Joins 2025 Civic Leadership Academy
The Carole Robertson Center’s Chief of Staff Laura Hool has joined the 2025 Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) cohort, offered by the Center of Effective Government at the University of Chicago. Alongside other nonprofit and government leaders from Chicago and Cook County, Laura is participating in a rigorous six-month program. Laura was further honored by receiving the Jessica Bryar Scholarship, a prestigious award given annually to a CLA fellow who demonstrates a deep commitment to serving the most marginalized members of the community.
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Annual Holiday Gift-Giving Campaign Brings Cheer to Children and Families at the Carole Robertson Center
Thanks to the support of our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners—including ComEd, Vantage Group, Exelon, PNC, Ferrara Candies, Micro-Tech USA, Von Steuben High School, Caerus Foundation, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Baxter International—every child in our programs received a special gift for the holidays!
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This Holiday Season, Light Up a Child's Life
At the Carole Robertson Center for Learning, we are not just a workplace—we’re a community of individuals who share a common passion for improving the lives of Chicago’s children and their families. Join us in making a difference and be a part of something transformational.
Empower your community today:
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An Honor & Responsibility
Since its inception, the Center has worked to honor the life and memory of Carole Robertson who, together with her friends Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair, was killed in the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
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