How a Cup of Coffee Changes Everything | | |
What could a little time, a cup of coffee, or a visit to our school do? For the children we serve, it could change everything.
2026 is full of promise for local children and families, and that promise comes alive when kind people, like you, choose to get involved!
Bev Chiedo, our Donor Engagement Officer, and Rev. Tom Goodell, our Faith & Community Engagement Officer, would love to connect with you—whether you’re an individual or part of a faith organization—over coffee or lunch, on a tour of our school and campus, or through meaningful volunteer opportunities.
Come see our life-critical programs in action and discover how to align your passion with our mission to create a lasting impact for local children and families!
Contact Bev or Tom today at:
Bev Chiedo at bcheido@thebabyfold.org | (309) 451-7209
Rev. Tom Goodell at tgoodell@thebabyfold.org | (309) 557-1059
| | Because of you, lives are changing. The generosity of friends like you brings hope, healing, and brighter futures to local children and families. Here’s a glimpse of the impact your kindness is making: | | |
- 97% of children at Hammitt School on Willow improved their social-emotional wellbeing, gaining the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
- Child development specialists visited 61 area child care providers, providing free consultation and training to identify and support children in their care!
- 129 local families received guidance and resources in the Healthy Start program, helping to create loving home environments for their children!
None of this would be possible without caring people like you!
Click here or the photo to review your 2025 Impact Report!
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Our Healthy Start kids and families jumped right into the new year at Altitude Trampoline Park!
Laughter, bounces, and smiles were everywhere as families enjoyed a day full of fun and connection. Each child also received a new book to take home, keeping the joy and learning going after the visit.
Our Healthy Start families work hard every day to build safe, loving homes for their children. And family engagement opportunities like this give them a chance to celebrate those efforts together, strengthen bonds with their children, and create joyful memories.
It’s all about helping families grow stronger and more resilient—so they can face life’s challenges with confidence while continuing to build healthy and supportive relationships.
| | Across Central Illinois, our children are excited to see snow this time of year! Enjoy these snowy scenes from winters past at The Baby Fold's historic Willow Street campus. | | Boost Your Brand at The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees! | | |
As the new year begins, we’re excited to celebrate the wonderful supporters who helped make The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees a wonderful success.
Each November, event sponsors enjoy strong brand visibility, positive community recognition, and meaningful engagement through this beloved community holiday kick-off.
Festival of Trees sponsorships offer a high-impact way to showcase your business and build authentic connections with families across our community, while also supporting critical services like foster care, special education, and adoption support for local children and families.
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Partners like Rob Dob's Restaurant & Bar and Little Jewels Learning Center, Sylvester Family Dental, Cumulus Radio Bloomington, Friends of Eldon Haab, Wm. Masters, Inc., Rapp Construction, Illinois Prairie Community Foundation and Tom Howe in memory of Ellen Howe, ROQ Events, CEFCU, the McKibben Family in honor of Bernice and James McKibben, and In Memory of Donald & Grethe B. Armstrong are just a few of over 130 businesses and individuals who who make The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees possible.
We’d love to share how a partnership can help you meet your marketing, visibility, and community engagement goals in 2026. Interested in learning more or getting involved? Erin Pieczynski, our Community Engagement Officer, would love to connect. Contact her at (309) 451-7235 or festival@thebabyfold.org, or visit FestOfTrees.org!
| | Family Quick Tips from Baby Fold Therapists | |
As the new year begins, it’s easy to feel the weight of expectations and “fresh start” pressure. But healing doesn’t follow a calendar. Connection, not perfection, is what moves children forward.
Instead of asking, “What can I fix this year?” try asking, “How can I help my child feel safe as this new year begins?”
Try these three principles:
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Empower: Routines, clear expectations, and meeting physical needs help children feel grounded during transitions.
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Connect: Play, laughter, and shared moments build trust and strengthen relationships—especially for children from “hard places.”
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Correct: Big feelings drive big behavior. Use calm, safe, teaching-focused correction to help children learn without shame.
This year, progress might look like fewer meltdowns, quicker repair after a tough moment, or simply showing up again after a hard day. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and safe 2026!
| | Thanks to your giving heart, children and families receive the care they need. With new, convenient ways to give, your impact can go even further. | | | | |
