How One New Role Enhances Family Support 💙

The Missing Link in Family Support Is Finally Here

It’s hard to bond with your child when you’re worried about food, housing, or how you'll get to your next doctor’s appointment.

That’s where The Baby Fold’s Healthy Start program comes in. Healthy Start is a free, voluntary, evidence-based home visiting program that supports McLean and Champaign County families from pregnancy through ages three to five. Trained Family Support Specialists visit families regularly in their homes to offer parenting guidance, emotional support, and help in navigating community resources. The goal is simple: help families create stable homes and build strong, healthy relationships with their children.

Now, a new Family Support Assistant role is helping the McLean County team go even further, ensuring basic needs are met so Specialists can focus on building strong, nurturing relationships between parents and their children.

Funded by the McLean County Board of Health, the new position also supports broader community health goals. In communities where healthcare access and childhood immunization rates have room for growth, this added layer of support helps families overcome barriers and connect to critical resources.

The new assistant role was created after staff recognized that Specialists were often pulled away from their core work to help families complete housing applications, arrange medical transportation, and access food. In the Healthy Start program, we know that all of these are equally critical. Families need stability to thrive, and children need secure, nurturing relationships to develop in healthy ways. By adding a dedicated team member to support with urgent needs, our model ensures both are addressed. Families gain immediate help meeting basic needs while Specialists are better able to focus deeply on fostering the parent-child connection.

As Julie Castle, Doula Services Coordinator, explains, “We’re always pivoting to meet the real-time needs of families. That’s why we added doulas for birthing support, brought in an early childhood mental health consultant to address perinatal mood disorders, and now a Family Support Assistant to help families navigate public systems like Women, Children, and Infants (WIC) and Medicaid. It’s another way we wrap healing services around our families."

“Worrying about where their next meal will come from or where they'll sleep at night makes it difficult to be emotionally present with their children." — Theresa Lawrence, Healthy Start Supervisor.

Beyond immediate help, the Assistant also supports long-term growth by empowering parents to gain independence. Whether it’s teaching families how to ride the city bus, register their children for school, or access community resources, the Assistant guides them step by step, helping build the confidence and skills they need to manage life’s daily demands.

The Assistant also contributes during home visits, supporting Specialists during developmental screenings, helping at family engagement events, and distributing outreach materials for local resources. Every touchpoint strengthens the program’s approach.

“We really are holistic in our Healthy Start program, says Lawrence. "Each time we add a new layer of care, we're making the program more comprehensive and that lifts the overall health and wellbeing of our entire community.”

Easter Happenings

Springtime joy was in full bloom as the children at The Baby Fold celebrated Easter with a cheerful Easter egg hunts and special surprises! Giggles and excitement filled the air as kids searched high and low for colorful eggs tucked away in corners of our campuses.

Thanks to the generosity of several local individuals, businesses, and community groups, children also received festive Easter baskets filled with treats, sensory items, toys, and love. These thoughtful gifts brought bright smiles and a sense of celebration to the children we serve.

We’re incredibly grateful to our donors and volunteers for making this Easter memorable. Your kindness helps us create moments of joy and belonging for every child. Thank you for being part of our family!

Community Schools Coordinator Recognized by 2025 Agribusiness Council

We are proud to announce that Cindy Rodgers, The Baby Fold's Community Schools Coordinator embedded in Cedar Ridge Elementary School in Bloomington, was honored at the 2025 Agriculture Awareness Breakfast, hosted by the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Council. Cindy was recognized for her instrumental role in transforming the Cedar Ridge garden into a vibrant, educational space through community partnerships and innovative vision.

This recognition is part of the George E. Holder Agricultural Awareness Grant, which aims to increase agricultural understanding in McLean County schools while enriching youth through hands-on, agriculture-based learning experiences.

Cindy’s work began when The Baby Fold’s Community Schools program joined the Cedar Ridge community and discovered an aging school garden in need of revitalization. Partnering with Eastview Christian Church, who provided tools and a shed, Cindy helped launch a new Garden Club to engage students and families. This momentum inspired a bigger dream—a Sensory Garden—created in collaboration with Cedar Ridge fifth-grade teacher Alyssa (Ried) Bagwell, who applied for and received the grant.

With support from Heather Wilcox, Unit 5 Horticulturist, the team is now reimagining the garden as a hands-on outdoor classroom. The Sensory Garden will feature textures, scents, sounds, and tastes that allow students to explore science concepts, take movement and sensory breaks, and develop deeper connections with nature—all while learning about agriculture in a meaningful and engaging way.

Cindy’s recognition reflects the power of community partnerships and the lasting impact of incorporating agriculture into education. Congratulations, Cindy, on helping cultivate curiosity, connection, and community through your inspiring work!

Giving Just Got Easier—Now Accepting Venmo and Apple Pay!

You care about helping children and families, and now it’s even easier to support the programs that mean the most to you!

Now, for the first time, we're accepting donations through Venmo, Apple Pay, and PayPal, allowing you to support children quickly, securely, and effortlessly!

“At The Baby Fold, we remain faithful to our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in everything we do—including how supporters give,” said Sam Guillory, Vice President of Development and Public Relations. “Expanding our donation options ensures that more people can participate in building strong futures for children.”

Whether you're uplifting a child in foster care, supporting adoption services, or strengthening families through our community programs, your generosity makes an immediate and meaningful impact, and may even come with tax-saving benefits. Simply scan the QR code or visit our online donation form and choose Apple Pay (mobile only), Venmo, or PayPal at checkout.

Thank you for making hope possible. Your compassion continues to create brighter futures for the children and families we serve!

Thinking Green: Student Council Learns the Power of Recycling

In celebration of Earth Day, our Student Council members welcomed a special guest to campus—Katie Vogler from the Ecology Action Center. With energy and expertise, Katie led an engaging recycling demonstration that brought sustainability to life for our students.

From understanding what can and can’t be recycled to discovering the impact of daily choices, students leaned in with curiosity, asked thoughtful questions, and explored how they can be part of protecting the planet.

Thank you to Katie and the Ecology Action Center for inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards and reminding us all that big change starts with small, green steps.

Building Resilient Communities through Trauma-Informed Trainings

Keith Brotheridge, The Baby Fold’s Training Coordinator, is bringing trauma-informed knowledge beyond our walls and into the community, equipping others with the tools to support children and families in need and build healthier connections. Most recently Keith led an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) training at the Illinois State University Alumni Center, a Trauma-Informed Workforce Training, and spoke to a class at Heartland Community College.

An expert in domestic violence, trauma-informed care, and secondary traumatic stress, Keith provides training on ACEs, Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®), and trauma-responsive care to professionals, educators, and caregivers.

ACEs—such as neglect, abuse, or exposure to violence—can significantly impact a child’s development and long-term well-being. Understanding these effects helps communities better support children and families on their healing journeys.

The Baby Fold is committed to educating and equipping those who work with children and families. If you are interested in bringing a training session to your business, church, or organization, please contact Keith at kbrotheridge@thebabyfold.org learn more!

When Every Child Gets a Chance to Shine

The energy was electric at Hammitt School on Willow Street as students took the spotlight for a joyful talent show celebrating creativity, courage, and community. Designed for special education students, the event gave everyone a chance to participate in their own way—and they rose to the occasion with confidence and heart!

From dancing and joke-telling, to arts and crafts and even a crash course on speaking Pig Latin, each moment was met with cheers and support from fellow students and staff. The celebration continued offstage with a stunning art display featuring paintings, crafts, essays, dioramas, and more—showcasing the many ways our students express themselves.

We know you share our heartfelt belief that every child deserves to be seen and celebrated. This year’s talent show was a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when students are empowered to share their gifts in a safe and supportive space.

Leadership in Action: Shelby McNeely Receives Bill Hammitt Meritorious Service Award

Shelby McNeely, Support Services Manager at The Baby Fold, has been named the recipient of the Bill Hammitt Meritorious Service Award. The award is given annually to an employee who exemplifies the character, dedication, and values of longtime Director of Finance and Operations, Bill Hammitt. Recipients are selected for their long-term commitment, integrity, and deep appreciation for The Baby Fold’s mission—past, present, and future.

Known for her steady leadership and behind-the-scenes impact, Shelby oversees both The Baby Fold's food services and facilities teams, ensuring smooth daily operations that directly support the mission of The Baby Fold.

Shelby’s journey began nine years ago in our Hammitt School program, where she brought warmth, structure, and encouragement to students with special needs. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted essential routines, Shelby stepped up in a big way—rebuilding the food services team to provide students and staff with dependable, high-quality meals. Her leadership continued to expand as she took on oversight of facilities, managing logistics with care, consistency, and a sharp eye for detail.

But Shelby’s contributions go far beyond tasks and timelines. She leads with compassion, cultivates respectful and cohesive teams, and remains a familiar, uplifting presence to students who still light up when they see her on campus. Her ability to balance operational excellence with genuine human connection is a true gift to the organization. We are proud to celebrate Shelby’s service and grateful for all she brings to our organization.

Click here to enjoy Shelby's award presentation.

Family Quick Tips from Baby Fold Therapists

Correcting with Compassion: Helping Children Grow Through Connection

Correction isn’t just for moments when things go wrong—it’s also about laying the groundwork for success before challenges arise. Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) Correcting Principles include both proactive and responsive strategies that teach positive behaviors, support emotional regulation, and build lasting trust.

Proactive Strategies

Teach skills before challenges arise:

Build regulation and social skills throughout the day
Help identify and communicate feelings and energy levels
Reinforce shared values with little phrases like “gentle and kind” and "with respect"