JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHICAGO INC

The Mad Hatters promote literacy throughout Chicagoland by providing high-energy, interactive, storytelling-based performances geared toward children ages 3-9 and their parents. Primarily held in branches of the Chicago Public Library, these fun-filled storytime shows feature children's books, poems, and songs which demonstrate to children how much fun reading can be while encouraging parents to read to their children at home. Originally founded by the Junior League of Chicago in 1921 as a children's theater, the Mad Hatters have been promoting children's literacy for over 100 years. At the end of each library performance, the Mad Hatters give each child a bookmark, sticker, and a book to take home.

Child Enrichment provides programming centered on creative self-expression and fun activities to enrich the lives of children and their families. Child Enrichment's primary partner is Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center ("CAC"), where our partners are the front-line responders in Chicago to reports of child sexual abuse, as well as reports of physical abuse of children under age 3. Since opening their doors in 2001, they have served more than 30,000 children. Chicago CAC is the city’s only not-for-profit organization that coordinates the efforts of child protection staff, law enforcement professionals, family advocates, medical experts and mental health clinicians under one roof. The JLC hosts fun, activity-filled family events at the center with the goal of fostering familial bonding and creating a welcoming environment for families served by CAC (e.g., for ongoing therapy sessions). Other partners include Maryville Crisis Nursery and Big Shoulders.

Done in a Day ("DIAD") organizes service projects throughout the year targeted at helping women and children in the community in just one day. The committee has relationships with dozens of partners throughout the city and creates opportunities for JLC to work with other organizations and explore future partnerships. The committee’s wide offering of projects, times and locations make the Junior League of Chicago’s ongoing service in the community possible. Last year, DIAD events included "Give Back Day" at Big Shoulders, processing diapers and clothes at Share Our Space, and donating food and kitchen items to the Ravenswood Elementary School Pantry Program.

The Junior League of Chicago introduced a new signature issue in 2016 – Human Trafficking. Freeing Individuals from Human Trafficking (FIHT) formed to support the fight against Human Trafficking in Chicagoland with boots on the ground. The FIHT committee works with organizations across Chicago to help support the community effort against human trafficking. In addition, FIHT explores opportunities for how the JLC can get more involved as well as educate JLC members about the human trafficking both in Chicago and beyond.

Homework Heroes’ focus is to support elementary and middle school children by assisting with homework, reinforcing study skills, and mentoring children in an engaging environment. The JLC partners with Second Presbyterian Church in Chicago's South Loop to tutor neighborhood children and assist them with their homework during the school year. In addition to building our relationship with the children through educational activities, the sessions include a fun activity and a nutritious snack.

Kids in the Kitchen is a nationally recognized health education program that empowers youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues. The Junior League of Chicago’s Kids in the Kitchen mission is to impact the lives of area children for healthier lifestyles through hands-on events throughout the year. By providing fun, family-oriented solutions to healthy living, kids and youth are encouraged to be active participants in their own health and well-being.

The Teen Mentoring committee aims to inspire confidence, learn about women’s issues, encourage women’s empowerment and education, and promote volunteerism for teen girls (9th-12th grade) in Pilsen. The group provides a safe space, enriching activity, and lunch on select Saturdays throughout the school year. This past year, the committee began a new partnership with the Las Chicas group at Cristo Rey high school in the Pilsen area.