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2017 Impact Report

Thanks to you, we better served more children than ever in 2017.

We are so grateful to you, our community of supporters, whose dedication and support helped us to make hope happen for thousands of children and families this year.

Together, we were able to make a bigger impact in 2017 than ever before:

  • Hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in launching and expanding innovative programs that are helping children in low-income and high-crime areas to thrive. 

  • Supported groundbreaking programs at 48 different sites serving diverse populations including refugees, undocumented immigrants, incarcerated parents and their children, homeless youth and families, and foster children. 

  • Engaged more than 500 community members in 4 major events focused on creating awareness about Chicago children's most pressing unmet needs and celebrating individuals and organizations who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to helping kids succeed, including our 2017 Award recipients Dr. Linda GilkersonThomas Hale, and Anthony V. Clark.

More Highlights:

During 2017, Bright Promises partnered with Gads Hill Center to expand their social emotional learning programs, layering weekly home visits, parent support groups and social family gatherings to build upon one another and maximize impact.
We also partnered with Learning Bridge Early Education Center to help parents, teachers, & school leadership create intentional, strong partnerships and help young learners gain skills they need to achieve in school and beyond.
We were thrilled to honor Anthony V. Clark with the 2017 Ed Marciniak Bright Star Award, which includes a $5,000 honorarium to advance his work in restorative justice practices for at-risk youth. Your support allows us to invest in people like Anthony who are taking action to create opportunities for all kids to thrive!

Looking Ahead:

As we countdown to the celebration of our 150th anniversary, there are many new and exciting ways for you to connect with Bright Promises in the New Year

  • Celebration of the 2018 Awards (Submit an early nomination!) 

  • Announcement of a brand new initiative and funding opportunity as part of our 150th anniversary celebration. 

  • New volunteer opportunities to help the children of Chicago thrive.