Collaborating to help even more local kids

The Baby Fold is bringing its child welfare expertise to Unit 5’s Fairview Elementary School to train their staff, parents, and caregivers to help students learn to better regulate their emotions. 

The training provided by The Baby Fold’s Community School and Hammitt Elementary School programs is in response to the increase in emotional and behavioral struggles that local educators are seeing in their students since the 2020 pandemic. Students are struggling with the ability to focus, connect with class activities, and/or engage in the classroom. As a recognized expert in the field of child welfare, The Baby Fold has extensive experience in identifying and treating concerning child behaviors and is often called upon at the local, state and national level to provide training and consultation services to school districts and other professional staff who serve children. 

With grant funding from the McLean County Health Department Board of Health, The Baby Fold’s Lead Community School Coordinator Rebecca Kinsey, who is stationed within Fairview Elementary, and child development specialists from Hammitt School recently met with staff during Fairview’s Teacher Institute Day. They discussed child behavior and offered classroom and student interventions that can improve student attention and behavior. The grant will also provide resources for classroom calming spaces, a motor-sensory area, and a quiet room, which will be modeled from The Baby Fold’s sensory and motor spaces within Hammitt School.

Looking ahead, Baby Fold staff will continue to work with Fairview educators on a grade-level basis, working one-on-one with classroom teachers as needed. Later this fall, the school will also host a family event, led by Hammitt School experts, so that parents and caregivers can learn techniques to support their children. 

When we share The Baby Fold’s expertise with our community, we help prepare even more children for success in life!

Institute Days help staff prepare for the new school year

Earlier this month, teachers and staff at Hammitt Schools kicked off the new school year with staff training and team building. The nature of our work at Hammitt Schools deserves deep, ongoing discussion in order to provide our children the best possible care.

At Hammitt Junior-Senior High School, the institute theme was "Be here. Be you. Belong," encouraging everyone to be their best selves and to appreciate each other's unique qualities.

To liven up the institute days at Hammitt School Willow Campus, teachers and staff hammed it up by having their very own "90's style" photoshoot! The team-building activity was a great start to the year. The staff really got into the spirit and they came up with some pretty amazing poses (even through all of their laughter).

Foster Care Team recognized by State of Illinois

“It is evident that your passion and dedication for children getting to their forever homes is a priority, and it is exceptional work...It is a gold standard,” stated Deborah Kennedy, Associate Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The State of Illinois recently recognized The Baby Fold’s Foster Care team for greatly exceeding their return-to-home permanency benchmark in a big way! 

“Not only have you exceeded this goal, but you continue to show that you have the best interests of our children at heart,” shared Kennedy.

Of the children who are able to find their forever homes (through adoption, returning-to-home, or guardianship), The Baby Fold’s foster care staff have worked tirelessly so that 75% of children were able to safely return to their families—that more than doubled the state benchmark!

With a focus on healing, the goal within foster care work is always for children to return to their homes whenever possible. That means that our therapists work intensely with families to build strong and healthy relationships where children can thrive. We celebrate our incredible foster care team for their outstanding efforts.

Have you ever considered opening your heart and home to a child in need? The Baby Fold is always looking for foster families. If you have questions about becoming a foster parent, click here or call (309) 557-1121. Someone from our Foster Team would love to connect with you.

School supply drive equips children in need

Thank you to everyone who donated to The Baby Fold’s Back to School Supply Drive!

Our teachers and staff were all smiles earlier this month as they picked up items for their students.

Thanks for helping our kids start the new year off right. Children can learn best when they are well-prepared!

Resource fair at Cedar Ridge Elementary School

Did you know that we've embedded our social workers right into two local public schools? They spend each day identifying and meeting the needs of students and their families by connecting them to local resources. It's our Community Schools program!

The Baby Fold's own Cindy Rodgers works at Cedar Ridge Elementary School where she recently helped organize a large resource fair for families. The event included a wide variety of local organizations who offered a variety of items, information, and more!

Students were even able to get free Back-to-School haircuts and manicures so they could start off the school year with confidence, looking their best!

August is "Make a Will" Month

You may be surprised to learn that only around 30% of Americans have a will. August is national "Make a Will Month," and it’s the perfect time to create a will to ensure your wishes will be carried out. 

With just a single sentence, you can create positive futures for children and families. By including a charitable gift to The Baby Fold in your will or estate plans, you'll leave a lasting impact on the community and in the lives of children.

After all, The Baby Fold's origins are in an estate gift. Nancy Mason deeded her home to Methodist Deaconesses, who began offering infants and children a safe haven and a brighter future.

For help with your special gift, contact Sam Guillory, Director of Development, at (309) 451-7202 or sguillory@thebabyfold.org.