31 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs in August 2024

Those sweet summer days we’ve waited for all year long are flying by. In the spirit of squeezing all we can from Chicago’s most spectacular season, we’ve compiled the best things to do in Chicago and the suburbs this August. Don’t forget to tag us in your posts on Instagram @betterchicago All Month Dino’s Alive […]

The Honeycomb Project: Creating Change — and Reaping Lifelong Benefits — Through Youth Civil Service

Nearly every Saturday, 11-year-old Brody wakes up early, not to scroll on his phone and watch YouTube videos, but rather to volunteer alongside his parents and siblings. Brody is one of many children in Chicagoland who steps up to address pressing challenges in our communities, such as poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness.  According to Illinois […]

Educate, Enrich, Empower: Carole Robertson Center's E3 Gala Raises $269K For Programs

When we invest in Chicago’s youngest learners, we invest in this city’s brightest potential. In this spirit, the Carole Robertson Center for Learning hosted its annual celebration— now called the E3 Gala —in honor of our mission to educate, enrich and empower children and families. At its core, E3 is a celebration of the Carole Robertson […]

10 of Chicago's Top Family-Owned Businesses — 2023

Family-owned businesses are considered the backbone of the American economy. According to the US Census Bureau, they comprise 90% of all business enterprises in North America. Jill McCall, MBA, JD, CAE, Director of the Family Business Center at Loyola University Chicago says, “Family-owned businesses positively impact the general business climate because they set good examples. […]

New Moms Has Helped Build Strong Chicagoland Families for 40 Years — Invest in Them to Invest in Young Moms and Children, Too

Commemorating 40 years of building strong families, New Moms — an organization that helps Chicago families through a number of obstacles via services and coaching — will host its 40th Anniversary Gala, an elegant evening with over 400 guests, including civic, philanthropic and business leaders. The gala — to be held Friday, April 28, 2023 at […]

Metropolitan Family Services 'Mpowers' Children, Families Across Skokie Valley Communities

Editor’s Note: Some names have been changed to protect identity. Daniel is 77 years old and lives alone at an independent senior apartment building. Though he is alert and oriented, his self-neglect manifested in his lack of housekeeping. As his living conditions deteriorated, the Adult Protective Services program at Metropolitan Family Services’ Skokie Valley Center […]

You Said It: The Holiday Season Can Be as Difficult as It Is Delightful — How to Give the Gift of Your Best Self This Year 

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” We can’t help wondering if Edward Pola and George Wyle, who wrote this famous Christmas tune — popularized by Andy Williams — meant for their lyrics to be sung with a touch of sarcasm. As much as we may want this time of year to be the hap-happiest season […]