For 170 years, Chicago Child Care Society (CCCS) has empowered families in creating pathways for a successful future. The nonprofit child welfare agency specializes in high impact intervention and prevention services for children and youth, using its “Two-Generational” approach.
“We know that in order to increase economic mobility, parents and caregivers need stable employment that provides a livable wage, high-quality education for their children, health care, and a network of support and hope,” said Dara Munson, CEO of Chicago Child Care Society. “The Two-Generation approach is about putting the whole family on a path to economic security. We use this approach to reduce the number of families whose daily lives are filled with economic insecurity and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.”
On May 7, CCCS celebrated 170 years of service at the annual Dream Builders Luncheon held at The Standard Club. Setting a new record, the luncheon raised $153,000 in support of CCCS family and early childhood through young adult programming throughout Chicago’s South Side and South Suburbs.
The benefit honored John Rogers, founder, chairman, and CEO of Ariel Investments for his work supporting youth development and education. As the 2019 Dream Builder Award recipient, Rogers joined Munson onstage for a fireside chat. The pair touched on the importance of mentorship, equal access and opportunity for students, pursuing a career in the financial services industry, and more.
“Today’s job market is filled with financial services opportunities, yet many young people in our city don’t know what these jobs are,” Rogers said. “By introducing students to this industry’s vocabulary at a young age, we’re laying the foundation for a future of possibilities. I like the idea of this next generation being financially sophisticated. It’s never too early to begin learning these ideas.”
I-NOMA (Illinois Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects) received the Community Partner Award, highlighting its student-led project transforming a space in the Hyde Park headquarters.
The 2019 Dream Builders Luncheon was made possible through the generous support from: Abbott, Ariel Investments, and Judith S. Block.
Emily Stone earned a degree in journalism from Elon University in North Carolina. Along with writing, Stone has a passion for digital storytelling and photography. Her work has been published in Chicago Athlete Magazine. Stone is a supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Stone is a fluent Spanish speaker who in her free time loves a good dance class.
