Philanthropy

GiGi’s Playhouse is a nationwide network of Down syndrome achievement centers. Their goal is to change lives through free, results-driven programs for individuals of all ages, families and communities.

GiGi’s Playhouse is an inspirational and dedicated place for families to celebrate their child and benefit from free programs that unleash joy, confidence and continuous improvement. Playhouses empower children and adults to achieve their “Best of All” and to pursue their dreams.

Founded by GiGi’s Mom, Nancy Gianni, in Hoffman Estates, IL, the organization now includes 31 community Playhouses including the first global Playhouse location in Mexico. Last year, over 26,000 individuals with Down syndrome benefited from free programs and positive empowerment.

Cortney’s Place, a family-founded nonprofit disability organization, provides an inclusive, stimulating, and meaningful community-based day program for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

In 1985, Jim and Cindy Carpenter welcomed their firstborn child, Cortney. Born with multiple complications, she endured numerous life-threatening operations in the first weeks of her life. Despite being diagnosed with congenital nervous system malformations, leaving her non-verbal, non-ambulatory, and unable to care for herself, Cortney grew and faced each challenge with strength, dignity, and determination. When Cortney turned 22 she “aged out” of the school based program she had attended, and the Carpenters began their search for a safe, nurturing, and engaging day program for Cortney. They were disappointed to discover that most day programs were underfunded, uninviting, and only able to offer limited activities.

As a result, in 2007, the Carpenters founded Cortney’s Foundation – a safe, engaging, and innovative environment for individuals with intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) who have aged out of the public-school system.

Today, Cortney’s Place is a specialized day program for up to 42 adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Our caregiver to individual ratio is 1:4 and we currently have 33 individuals enrolled. Cortney’s Place curriculum components include Music Therapy, Healthy Cooking, Hydrotherapy, Pet Therapy, Health and Wellness Programs, Art Classes, and Technology Classes. We strive to ensure that the individuals participating are stimulated cognitively, physically and socially to meet their personal goals, to work toward becoming more self-sufficient, and to elevate their overall personal potential.

Sidney is the nephew of Ron Malcolm, one of our industrial engineers based in Arizona. Cortney's Place has been very special place for Ron's nephew and the whole Malcolm family.

We're honored to support their cause.

The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) is the sector-owned, government-backed workforce development body for the Further Education and Training sector. Its role is to commission and deliver professional learning and development for teachers, leaders and trainers to support government policy and meet sector needs. Their charitable purpose is to improve education and training for learners aged 14 and over.

Quad Plus, with the help of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, visited schools and colleges around the Manchester, England region to help engineering students expand their engineering education. The Education & Training Foundation and Quad Plus partnered on a project called “Taking Teaching Further.” We met with the students, lecturers and educational facilities to help bridge the gap between what you learn in school and engineering work in the field. It was our goal to provide real world advice for the students to hit the ground running when they graduate.

Since 1992, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has been working to help to prevent, treat, and ultimately eradicate breast cancer. The Crusade supports awareness and education, screening and diagnosis, access to care, support services and scientific research.

AVON 39 The Walk To End Breast Cancer, a project of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, takes place in seven U.S. cities and covers 39.3 miles in two days. Since its launch in 2003, the AVON 39 series has raised nearly $590 million thanks to more than 220,000 participating women and men from across the country, including Avon Associates and Representatives.

Since 1883, Children’s Home + Aid has been a leader in responding to the changing needs of disadvantaged children and families in Illinois. For more than 125 years, Children’s Home + Aid has paved the way by establishing best practices and shaping laws in child welfare, early childhood and juvenile justice. Today, Children’s Home + Aid is recognized as a leading provider of quality programs and services to children and families in need.

Children’s Home + Aid remains committed to improving the lives of children and families throughout Illinois. As a leading social service agency, Children’s Home + Aid serves nearly 40,000 children and families in need each year. It delivers over 70 social service programs throughout 40 Illinois counties. Although it has grown significantly over the years, Children’s Home + Aid remains dedicated to the idea that all children should grow up in an atmosphere of love and stability, and should be helped to reach their full potential.

Children’s Home + Aid addresses immediate community needs and responds with direct services and support. Their services include Adoption Services, Early Childhood Care and Education Services, Counseling Programs, and Parent Support.