In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them. Boys & Girls Clubs offer that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun. They are truly The Positive Place For Kids.

The Center for Independence began in 1997 as a parent-directed group offering summer camps to children with motor disabilities. These camps utilized Conductive Education, a unique learning technique, to achieve dramatic results in the children’s physical and social abilities. Conductive Education teaches children with physical disabilities how to be independent through the use of an intensive group motor training program. Group education has achieved remarkable results compared to conventional one-on-one therapies by providing peer interaction, competition, and support that builds a strong foundation of encouragement, motivation, and confidence. The mission of our program is to help children with profound physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, gain physical independence. We do this by developing their motor functions in a manner that creates positive self-esteem and self-direction. All of our children are taught that they are valued; that each child is important and can give back to society regardless of his/her disability.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF) was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with type 1 diabetes. It is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide. JDRF Illinois is the largest fundraising chapter in the nation, contributing more than $13 million annually to diabetes research. The chapter’s major fund-raising efforts mirror those of other chapters throughout the organization - The annual “Walk to Cure Diabetes” and “Chance of a Lifetime Gala.” In 2006, the Illinois chapter raised $5.6 million and $3million during these events respectively.

Approximately 85 cents of every dollar raised by JDRF goes directly to Type 1 diabetes research. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.