Boosting Employee Wellness | |
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At The Baby Fold, we know our greatest resource is our staff, so we prioritize their wellness to ensure they feel supported and valued. When our team is healthy and cared for, they’re empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. We’re proud to foster a culture that values well-being, and our recent Employee Wellness Fair is a perfect example of that.
The Wellness Fair offered a day full of activities and resources dedicated to mental, physical, and emotional health. Staff members enjoyed enriching experiences like yoga, art therapy, and chair massages, giving them time to recharge and connect. Classes on healthy cooking, compassion fatigue, spiritual and financial wellness, and more provided valuable takeaways for both their personal and professional lives. And at our information fair, staff could explore local wellness resources, connect with community organizations, and even enjoy some free smoothie samples along the way.
Beyond this event, we’ve recently introduced Headspace as a free benefit to support our staff's mental health year-round. Through Headspace, employees and their households have access to guided meditations, sleep tools, and focus resources—all designed to reduce stress and promote mindfulness. For added support, staff can reach out to licensed coaches and mental health clinicians via text or video whenever they need a little extra help.
When we care for our staff, they’re better able to care for others. If you’re excited by the idea of working with a team that truly values wellness and provides meaningful support, click here.
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NEW Attractions at the Festival of Trees! | |
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The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees is excited to unveil new attractions that promise to create even more magical moments for children and families!
Taking place from November 21-23 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington, this year’s Festival of Trees will transport you to a winter wonderland, brimming with holiday decor and abundant Christmas spirit. Click here to purchase tickets!
Explore our festive NEW additions!
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Adoption Tree: The names on this Christmas tree represent individuals who support and celebrate the loving gift of adoption. Click here to add your name to this beautiful display!
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Honor & Memorial Tree: This stunning tree shines with the names of treasured friends and family. Add a special name to honor or remember someone dear by clicking here!
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Trivia Night: Test your Christmas knowledge with a holiday-themed Trivia Night hosted by Twin City Trivia on Thursday, November 21 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM!
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Larger Christmas Market: So popular, we nearly doubled the number of vendors! Get a head start on your holiday shopping in the Christmas market, featuring local artisans and unique items like candles, pottery, jewelry, and more. Free with general admission on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM!
Gather your loved ones and make this holiday season truly unforgettable! Don’t miss out on this enchanting tradition—purchase your tickets today and be part of the magic!
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Fostering Connections and Community | | |
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Our Foster Care team is dedicated to creating meaningful moments of support, connection, and celebration for the children and families we serve and for each other!
Recently, the team hosted a Car Seat Check event, ensuring that our community’s little ones travel safely. The staff also enjoyed a team-building visit to the McLean County Museum of History, where they explored The Baby Fold archives and learned about local history. To cap off October, they celebrated with a festive Trunk or Treat event for our foster families, complete with costumes, candy, and endless Halloween fun! Together, we’re creating healthy bonds and wellness for all!
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Autumn Adventures with Healthy Start | |
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Families in our Healthy Start program enjoyed the beauty of the fall season with exciting Family Support and Engagement Groups! McLean County families had a delightful day at Rader Family Farms, where children participated in hands-on activities and received a book and a pumpkin to take home. Similarly, our Champaign County families celebrated the season with a trip to Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch where they created cherished memories together.
Engagement groups help our families to strengthen their connections, healthy relationships, and emotional well-being. By providing these opportunities, our Healthy Start program supports families in building nurturing environments where love and growth thrive.
A heartfelt thank you to PNC for making these wonderful experiences possible and for helping our families to "Grow Up Great!"
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Connecting with Our Community | |
The Baby Fold enjoyed hosting a BBQ to share our gratitude for the McLean County Sheriff's Office and FOP Lodge 176. Their support for our children and families was celebrated over a delicious spread of burgers and hot dogs. | |  |
We also met many new friends at the Children’s Discovery Museum’s "Day of Play," where our booth was bustling with excitement and laughter as we handed out bubbles, rulers, clips, and popsicles to visiting families. | |
Both events offered wonderful opportunities to strengthen community bonds, and we are grateful for everyone who joined in the fun. Together, we’re building a brighter future for local children! | |
Director Emeritus Group Reunites for Hammitt Tour and Fall Social | |
The Baby Fold recently hosted members our Director Emeritus Group for an inspiring visit to Hammitt School on Willow, where they toured special education classrooms, therapy spaces, and sensory rooms. Guests enjoyed a firsthand look at thoughtfully designed areas and specialized equipment, like the sound dampening room divider funded by a grant from the Morton Community Foundation. These additions support the unique developmental needs of our incredible students. | |
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Following the tour, we gathered for a Fall Social where President and CEO Clete Winkelmann and Vice President of Development and Public Relations Sam Guillory shared exciting updates about and our latest initiatives.
The event was a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, where guests connected with our Executive Leadership Team to learn about the impactful work being done at The Baby Fold.
We are grateful to our hosts, Julie and Bob Dobski, whose warmth and generosity made the evening truly special. In fact, their commitment to our cause has recently earned them the Outstanding Philanthropist award from the Central Illinois Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals!
Thank you to all our supporters for your ongoing commitment to The Baby Fold’s mission!
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Purpose-Driven Volunteers | |
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Volunteers are treasures to The Baby Fold! Recently, teams from Rivian, Commerce Bank, and Grace Church dedicated their time and energy to help improve our spaces. Their work makes an impact, allowing us to continue providing essential care in an uplifting atmosphere. We are incredibly grateful for their support and commitment to making a positive difference in our community!
Ready to get plugged in? Click here to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities.
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Spotlight on The Baby Fold's Board of Directors | |
In recognition of the leadership that strengthens our organization, we’re excited to feature two members of our Board of Directors. We begin with Julie Dobski, a prominent philanthropist dedicated to enriching the Bloomington-Normal community and owner of Little Jewels Learning Center. Next is Renesia Martin, an Operations Manager at State Farm, who is also a published author and a passionate advocate for childhood domestic violence prevention. | |
Julie Dobski
Development Committee Chair
"The Baby Fold is one of my absolute favorite organizations to support, both as a board member and community member. It’s incredible to witness the growth of its programs, the thoughtful renovations, and the meaningful support provided to so many local children.
"Making a difference in these young lives inspires me deeply, and I hope our commitment shows our families and friends the transformative impact of supporting The Baby Fold."
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Renesia Martin
Nominating Committee Chair
"I wanted to get involved with The Baby Fold because of the work they do to support families in our community. Their passion for helping others in need aligns with my mission and purpose in life.
"I think Muhammad Ali said it best, 'service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.' Donating to The Baby Fold is an opportunity to help others and pay it forward."
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Whether you're making memories at Central Illinois' largest holiday event or ensuring children aren't forgotten at Christmas, your generosity blesses many! | | | | |
