Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Rockford

08/21/2026

Thank you to Congressman Sean Casten for visiting Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford again—this time to tour our Easterseals Academy Tinley Park Campus and get a first look at our soon-to-open Tinley Park Early Childhood Education Center!

Our new Head Start facility will focus on integrated therapeutic services, creating an inclusive environment where children with a range of abilities can learn and grow. Through strong curriculum, therapeutic supports, predictable routines, and play-based experiences, we’re building a foundation that helps children thrive in kindergarten and beyond.

We’re grateful to Rep. Casten for taking the time to meet with our team, learn more about the children and families we serve, and continue the conversation about how we can strengthen access to high-quality education, disability services, and supports across our communities.

Thank you, Rep. Casten, for your continued support of our mission and the families we serve! 🧡

08/17/2026

⚾ Another great summer of White Sox Youth Camp!

A big thank you to the Chicago White Sox for once again creating an unforgettable experience for our Easterseals Academy students! From learning new skills to getting out on the field and having fun, these camps give our students an incredible opportunity to play, connect and build confidence.

We’re also so grateful to our amazing volunteers from Huntington National Bank and BDO for joining us and helping make the experience so special. Your time, energy and encouragement mean so much to our students and staff.

Thank you to everyone who helped us knock another White Sox Youth Camp out of the park! ⚾🧡

08/17/2026

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Easterseals Serving Chicagoland & Greater Rockford Welcomes The Happy Apple Pie Shop as Its Newest Social Enterprise, Joining Forces with Award-Winning Culinary Artists

08/14/2026

Congratulations to our Mission Partner, LawnCare by Walter, on an incredible 40 years in business! 🎉

For half of that remarkable journey—20 years—LawnCare by Walter has been a dedicated supporter of Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford. Their longstanding partnership has helped us continue creating opportunities and providing life-changing services for children, individuals with disabilities, and families throughout our communities.

We’re incredibly grateful for two decades of partnership and proud to celebrate this milestone alongside the LawnCare by Walter team. Here’s to 40 years of success and many more to come!

https://www.lcbwalter.com

08/14/2026

🎒✨ A new school year—and a brighter future—starts at our Hickory Hills Early Learning Center!

Enrolled families are invited to join us for our Open House & Meet and Greet on Monday, August 17, from 2–4 p.m. Come explore your child’s classroom, meet their teacher and classroom team, learn more about daily routines and activities, and get ready for a great year ahead!

📅 Monday, August 17
⏰ 2–4 p.m.
📍 Easterseals Hickory Hills Early Learning Center
8020 W. 87th St., Hickory Hills

We can’t wait to welcome our little learners and their families back for another year of learning, growing and belonging.

08/14/2026

08/13/2026

For generations, Head Start has helped children grow up healthier, safer, and better prepared to succeed because the federal government made early childhood development a national priority.

Proposals to weaken national standards around class sizes, health and developmental screenings, family engagement, staff preparation, and safety would have real consequences for children and families.
Easterseals supports reducing unnecessary paperwork. But cutting red tape cannot become an excuse for lowering the standards that protect children and help ensure families receive consistent, high-quality support, regardless of where they live.

Read the full statement from Easterseals President and CEO Kendra Davenport: https://www.easterseals.com/about-us/newsroom/easterseals-news/easterseals-responds-reported-proposal-roll-back-head-start

08/13/2026

Welcome, Margie Sprehe!

We're thrilled to welcome Margie Sprehe (she/they) as Pastry Chef & Program Manager at Happy Apple Pie Shop, LLC!

With more than 20 years of professional baking experience, Margie brings incredible culinary talent and a passion for mentoring others. Throughout their career, they've worked at some of Chicagoland's most beloved bakeries and restaurants, including Dinkel's Bakery, The Signature Room at the 95th, and most recently spent nearly a decade leading bakery teams at Whole Foods.

At the Happy Apple, Margie will oversee the bakery's day-to-day operations while helping employees of all abilities build valuable culinary, customer service, and hospitality skills in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Please join us in giving Margie a warm welcome as we begin this exciting new chapter. We can't wait for you to experience the delicious creations, fresh ideas, and joyful spirit they bring to The Happy Apple Pie Shop!

08/12/2026

Power & Internet Outage Notice

Due to a power and internet outage, the CFC 12 Early Intervention Program office in Olympia Fields is closed today.

Our team remains available and can still be reached by phone and email to assist you. Please call 708-429-8231 or email [email protected].

We appreciate your patience and understanding as service is restored. We will share updates as they become available.

Thank you!

08/11/2026

Thank you to the Wednesday Journal for sharing the story of The Happy Apple Pie Shop's exciting new chapter as part of the Easterseals Serving Chicagoland & Greater Rockford family.

As we carry forward the Happy Apple's incredible legacy, we're committed to preserving everything our community loves while expanding meaningful employment opportunities for people of all abilities. With new culinary collaborations, familiar faces, and the same homemade pies you've always enjoyed, the future is looking delicious.

Read the full story below, then stop by and experience the magic for yourself. Every pie makes a difference. ❤️🥧

https://www.oakpark.com/2026/08/11/happy-apple-pie-shop-new-owner-easterseal/