As a child growing up in New York City, I could always find escape and comfort in books. I didn’t know it then, but those stories would become my compass, guiding me through adversity, identity, and inequality. Today, as the founder of Read It and Leave It, I work to offer that same compass to […]
On May 7, nearly 200 guests gathered at Galleria Marchetti in Chicago’s River West neighborhood for The Family Institute at Northwestern University‘s third annual Gratitude Gala. Hosted by the Board of Directors of the Family Institute, a Make It Better Foundation grant partner, the event raised nearly $260,000 to support the Bette D. Harris Family […]
We often speak of our world’s vastness — a place of countless cultures, languages, and lived experiences. We emphasize the importance of cross-cultural understanding, of listening and learning from others. But too often, these ideals remain abstract. Now, imagine a way for young people around the world to connect directly — to share their thoughts, […]
Growing up in the Bay Area, I was extremely shy, but I found my voice behind the lens of a camera. I spent hours creating imaginary worlds and chasing stories that felt larger than life. By the time I was 18, my films about mental health, identity, and teen issues had premiered at top film […]
An unlikely collaboration between a Chicago-based filmmaker, dancers at The Joffrey Ballet, and the International Crane Foundation became a passion project and the beginning of the conservation short film series Mates for Life. Shot in a prairie setting, Mates for Life features two dancers, Joffrey artists Olivia Duryea and Dylan Gutierrez, portraying whooping cranes in […]
For many fathers, the coronavirus pandemic tightly wove work with family life. Because remote work and remote school were a fact of life for a lot of families, some fathers have spent much more time with their children this past year compared to previous years. What impact might that have on the children, down the […]
In West Garfield Park, a square-mile Chicago neighborhood that has seen nearly 1,000 shootings throughout the past five years — roughly one every other day — young people live in a constant state of fear. They watch over their shoulders, wary not only of those called to protect and serve but also of each other. […]
Universal Orlando Resort has expanded in a monumental way with the debut of Universal Epic Universe, a game-changing new theme park that officially opened May 22, 2025. Comprised of five immersive worlds — Celestial Park, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, and […]
Inclusion isn’t just being invited to the party — it’s being asked to dance. The metaphor is simple, but the message runs deep: real inclusion means making sure everyone feels seen, valued, and involved — not just present. And teaching that kind of inclusion starts early. Experts in child development, education, and disability advocacy agree: […]
Finally! Colorful produce as far as the eye can see, stalls full of fresh-cut flowers, and plenty of tasty treats from local vendors — the summer farmers market scene in Chicagoland is in full swing. Check out our list of great farmers markets throughout the city and North Shore — whether you’re shopping for groceries, […]
