The Whole Child Review Issue No. 5, January 2021

Increasing Family and Community Partnerships

Erie Neighborhood House
Since 1870, Erie Neighborhood House has provided the comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive and has constantly evolved to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social service nonprofit with programming and resources for children & youth, mental health & community wellness, adult education & training, legal services, and more.

This school year, Erie House offered several virtual workshops for KIPP Chicago families, in English and Spanish, on topics including immigration rights and the process of applying for public benefits. They also helped families submit applications for public benefits. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership with Erie House!

They also participated in our outdoor October 21st Community Market at KIPP One and demonstrated healthy, low-cost recipes.

Rush and Norweigan American Hospitals
We’re so grateful that these two hospitals helped us administer free flu shots at the KIPP One Community Market event.

Cruelty Free You + Me

 
Cruelty Free You + Me is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Chicago, IL. The organization is run by founder + executive director, Victoria Hauptman, former kindergarten teacher at KIPP One Primary. The mission at CFY+M is to make Chicago a more compassionate place one day at a time by making plant-based options accessible in various communities, providing outreach and education about animal + human rights, and strengthening awareness and support for animal sanctuaries.

On December 17th, along with KIPP One, they hosted a warm clothing and food drive + gift event. We’re so grateful for this partnership that continues to bring assistance and joy to our students and families. Check out the KIPPster in line, still logged in for virtual learning while standing in line!

Family Wellness Workshops

 
This January will mark our inaugural Family Wellness Workshop series! As families filled out the wellness survey, the data overwhelmingly suggested that health & nutrition, financial literacy, and parenting resources are top interests. With 13 current partners, we will be offering thematic one-time wellness workshops and workshop series each month.

The first session was held virtually on Thursday, January 28, 2021. Participants cooked a heart-healthy baked parmesan meal with our community partner, Native Tongue, who also offered one bag of free groceries to 10 participating families. While leading the cooking demo, they also answered questions about heart-healthy food staples, low-cost nutritional food options, and quick swaps with current pantry items to make meals heart healthy.

To continue the theme of nutrition and wellness in February, Erie Neighborhood House and KIPP Chicago will offer a virtual cooking and nutrition series for KIPP families. Each week, the menu will consist of low-cost, nutritious recipes that can be prepared by and for the entire family.