Special Children's Charities

Special Children's Charities Championing inclusivity for Chicagoans with intellectual & developmental disabilities
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Since 1969, Special Children’s Charities has been the driving force behind inclusion and empowerment for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Chicago. Our high-quality athletic, educational and life-enriching programs inspire our participants to dream big, overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Our transformative programs champion the rights and potential of individuals, support their families and uplift communities.

We’re having a great time meeting runners at the marathon expo and having their fans write messages!
10/09/2026

We’re having a great time meeting runners at the marathon expo and having their fans write messages!

It's our last Monday before this year's Chicago Marathon, and we're continuing this week's doubleheader with Marian Bo...
10/05/2026

It's our last Monday before this year's Chicago Marathon, and we're continuing this week's doubleheader with Marian Boyd.

"When I was young my dad was injured in a work place accident that resulted in him losing a leg and a permanent wheelchair user. Despite everything, my dad remains the kindest, happiest person I know. His optimism and general zest for life inspires me every day to wake up be grateful for the life I lead and the abilities I have. This mindset has fueled my training for my first ever marathon and in those hard moments when my body hurts or I’m struggling to find the motivation, I remind myself what a privilege it is to move and live!"

Thank you so much to Marian for being a part of our team! Support her effort by making a donation to her campaign today!
https://ow.ly/AF1550ZU1Zf

It's our last Monday before this year's Chicago Marathon, so this week's will be a doubleheader. Every Monday, we cele...
10/05/2026

It's our last Monday before this year's Chicago Marathon, so this week's will be a doubleheader. Every Monday, we celebrate the runners who have joined Team Special Children's Charities for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Our first of this week's featured runners is Andrew Lewinski.

"Chicago will be my first-ever marathon, and I’m incredibly grateful to Special Children’s Charities for giving me the opportunity to support such a great cause.

While marathon training has been incredibly difficult, I recognize how fortunate I am to take on such a physically and mentally challenging endeavor. I previously worked as a counselor at a summer camp, where I had the opportunity to see firsthand the joy that children with disabilities can bring to a community. That experience reinforced for me how important it is for every child to have the opportunity to participate in creative and physical activities, discover their interests, and find something they truly love to do.

I’m honored to represent an organization that helps make those opportunities possible. I also believe there is something incredibly valuable about having a big goal to chase—something that challenges you, pushes you outside your comfort zone, and gives you something to work toward. For me, the marathon is the next goal on that list, and I’m excited to take on that challenge while raising money for a cause I believe in.

Thank you to Special Children’s Charities for all that you do for the community, and thank you again for giving me this amazing opportunity to be part of the Chicago Marathon."

Thank you so much to Andrew for being a part of our team! Support his effort by making a donation to his campaign today!
https://ow.ly/r2qU50ZU1Xw

The leaves are starting to change, and there's a bit of a chill in the air, which means that winter is on its way... and...
10/03/2026

The leaves are starting to change, and there's a bit of a chill in the air, which means that winter is on its way... and so is everyone's favorite Chicago wintertime event: Polar Plunge® Chicago for Special Olympics Illinois presented by Special Children's Charities!

Registration for the event opens October 13, so mark your calendars and sign up to join us at North Avenue Beach on Sunday, March 7, 2027!

A heartfelt thank you to LAZ Parking for hosting the 2026 LAZ Parking Chicago Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 1, at...
10/02/2026

A heartfelt thank you to LAZ Parking for hosting the 2026 LAZ Parking Chicago Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 1, at Cantigny Golf Club, and once again selecting Special Children’s Charities as the beneficiary! Members of our team and some of the individuals who participate in SCC-funded programs came along to meet golfers at the second hole, adding a special touch to the day. Despite the rainy weather, it was a fantastic event, and we are incredibly grateful to LAZ Parking for their continued generosity and support of our mission.

We are really excited about our featured artwork! Not only does it celebrate the Chicago Marathon, but it was created by...
10/01/2026

We are really excited about our featured artwork! Not only does it celebrate the Chicago Marathon, but it was created by Matt Gorski, who participates in Chicago Park District Special Recreation programs at Shabbona Park, and who will be running this year's marathon! We love the sense of excitement in Matt's piece, and we are so excited to cheer for him, his friend Guy Connors from Mt. Greenwood Park, and everyone who is running for Team SCC as they head toward the finish line!

What a night! Thank you to everyone who joined us last Wednesday for Skyline Social Chicago! Your generosity helped us r...
09/30/2026

What a night! Thank you to everyone who joined us last Wednesday for Skyline Social Chicago! Your generosity helped us raise more than $100,000 to fund programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Chicago.

Every Monday, we celebrate the runners who have joined Team Special Children's Charities for the Bank of America Chicago...
09/28/2026

Every Monday, we celebrate the runners who have joined Team Special Children's Charities for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. This week's featured runner is Nathan McDonald. Nathan is a firefighter/EMT who is coming to Chicago all the way from New Hampshire, and supporting SCC while running the World Majors.

"I’m running the 2026 Chicago marathon for Special Children’s Charity with the goal of setting a new PR while chasing the Abbott World Majors. I’m a husband, father of two boys, and Kingston NH firefighter/EMT. I ran the Boston marathon in 2024 for Boston Fire Relief Fund and ran again this year 2026 for Winner’s Circle Running Club. I’m training for Chicago and running the New York City for Tunnels to Towers this fall completing all three US world majors this year. I look to continue my journey of the world major marathons abroad in years to come while fundraising for charities that I’m passionate about."

Thank you so much to Nathan for being a part of our team! Support his effort by making a donation to his campaign today!
https://ow.ly/Jf2950ZRxMj

Skyline Social Chicago is tomorrow, and we cannot wait to see so many friends at Allium supporting inclusive programs fo...
09/22/2026

Skyline Social Chicago is tomorrow, and we cannot wait to see so many friends at Allium supporting inclusive programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Take a look at some photos of the programs and events Special Children's Charities has funded over the past year. If you haven't purchased tickets to this event yet, get them today at https://ow.ly/JBGl50ZQmhA and help SCC continue to make an impact in Chicago.

We are thrilled to have White and Case returning as sponsors of this week's Skyline Social Chicago! Thank you so much fo...
09/21/2026

We are thrilled to have White and Case returning as sponsors of this week's Skyline Social Chicago! Thank you so much for your continuing support of our mission, and we're looking forward to seeing you Wednesday at Allium.

Address

2 E 8th Street, Suite 2M
Chicago, IL
60605

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13125273743

Website

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