Teen Family Support

04/30/2026

Yesterday, our Teen Family Support team proudly wore denim in recognition of Denim Day — a global movement that raises awareness about sexual violence and challenges harmful myths surrounding consent and victim blaming.

Denim Day began after a court ruling suggested a survivor’s clothing implied consent, sparking a worldwide movement of advocacy, education, and support. Wearing denim is a simple but powerful way to stand with survivors and help create conversations rooted in respect, safety, and empowerment.

At Teen Family Support, we are committed to supporting young parents and families with compassion, education, and judgment-free care. Today, we wear denim to show solidarity, raise awareness, and reaffirm our commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces for all.

04/23/2026

Every family deserves support, encouragement, and someone in their corner during the early stages of parenthood.

Through our Teen Family Support program, home visiting provides personalized guidance, connection, and resources to help families feel confident and supported every step of the way.

In this video, moms share how home visiting made a meaningful difference in their journeys—offering not only practical support, but reassurance, trust, and a sense of community.

We’re honored to walk alongside families as they build strong foundations for their children and themselves.

04/22/2026

We’re proud of the incredible work our home visitors do every day! Their impact on the families we serve and the communities they support is invaluable, and we’re honored to celebrate them during National Home Visiting Week. Congratulations to our home visitor, Acazia Rideout, on this well-deserved recognition from Raising Illinois!

Read more about Acazia: https://www.raisingillinois.org/news___resources/national-home-visiting-week-2026/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRV08lleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFXTHpKeU9GS0tWUHRQd094c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHq-WgbzyRImfiwnK0bH6PV2F_CnbKdOPEl-b8syyIe6IIFGgAOAS6NhM07yj_aem_lLGO6jEtCJmjfkmvuv_TFA

This National Home Visiting Week, we're shining the spotlight on our Illinois Home Visitors! Meet Acazia Rideout:

"My favorite thing about home visiting is building relationships with my families. I have been adopted into many villages...It's when the parents come to the door and the child you all share is doing their best to keep their balance as they run to you with wide open arms knowing you'll return their small but grand hug... It's when you become a part of someone else's journey for the better. It's all about the relationships for me. The connections keep us going. It gets me out of bed every single day, and I could not do it without the families I have been blessed with. This is for them; it's bigger than me."

Learn more about Acazia: https://bit.ly/4mH5u1t

Has a home visitor made an impact in your life? Share a message of gratitude by Thursday night for them to receive this Friday: https://bit.ly/4sO48nk

04/20/2026

We’re proud to kick off National Home Visiting Week by celebrating the incredible impact of home visitors—trusted partners who walk alongside families, offering guidance, support, and connection during some of life’s most important early moments.

A special thank you to Tom McNamara for Mayor for his heartfelt message recognizing the vital role home visitors play in strengthening families and building healthier communities. Your continued support helps elevate this important work and the families it serves.

At Easterseals Serving Chicagoland & Greater Rockford, we see every day how home visiting empowers parents, supports child development, and creates a strong foundation for lifelong success.

Join us this week as we celebrate the difference home visiting makes—one family at a time.

04/14/2026

Black Maternal Health Week is here!

This year’s theme, Rooted in Justice and Joy, reminds us that Black mothers deserve more than survival. They deserve to be seen, heard, supported, and celebrated.

We honor the strength, resilience, and beauty of Black women and birthing people, while also acknowledging the real disparities that still exist in maternal health. Justice means equitable care, respect, and access. Joy means creating spaces where Black families can thrive, feel safe, and experience pregnancy, birth, and parenthood with dignity and love.

Let’s continue to uplift voices, advocate for change, and support one another not just this week, but every day. Because Black maternal health matters. Always.

03/16/2026

Support during pregnancy and early parenthood can make all the difference—especially for young families navigating it for the first time. Our parent educators provide guidance, encouragement, and connection to help young parents build confidence and strong foundations for their children.

One parent recently shared this about her experience in the program:

"I am so grateful for my parent educator Brie. She has been with me since I was just two months pregnant, and now my daughter Aria is almost two years old. She has truly been part of our journey from the very beginning.

As a first-time mom there were so many moments where I felt unsure or overwhelmed, but she always showed up with patience, kindness, and encouragement. She never judged me and always made me feel supported and confident as a mom. Watching the bond she has built with Aria has meant so much to me. I love her and I’m so thankful she came into our lives.

I’m also really grateful for the Easterseals Teen Family Support program for providing this kind of support to families. It truly makes a difference.

Honestly, I’m a little upset we only have three years left with her because she has become such a big part of our lives. At this point I am just going to put her in my pocket and take her with me wherever we go.

They say it takes a village, and Brie has truly been part of ours. Aria and I will always be SOO thankful for her. 💛 She is the best."

We’re grateful for the incredible work of our parent educators and the trust families place in them every day.

02/24/2026

This month, Teen Family Support hosted our annual Galentine’s Day Moms group! We had a special evening dedicated to nurturing friendships and honoring the importance of connection through every season of motherhood.

Together, we had dinner, shared stories, strengthened bonds, and created beautiful floral arrangements. This activity was a reminder that friendships, like flowers, flourish when given care and intention. 🌸✨

Meanwhile, in the childcare room, staff orchestrated a special Valentine’s Day themed photoshoot!

Our Parent Educators and Doulas are so grateful for this community of strong, supportive women who inspire and uplift one another, it’s truly an honor to get the opportunity to work with these young women.

Learn more about our program: https://www.eastersealschicago.org/programs/teen-family-support

02/06/2026

Thank you to UW Health for bringing together local doula and home visiting programs to share education and insight into hospital protocols—supporting more aligned, informed care for families while strengthening doula–hospital integration.

We’re especially grateful to Courtney, Women and Children’s educator, whose leadership continues to elevate the role of doulas as essential members of the health care team. We value this partnership and look forward to what’s ahead.

01/27/2026

12/19/2025

Making memories that sparkle! ✨

Our annual holiday event was a success! Thank you to every family who joined us to celebrate the holiday season — your energy, smiles, and little moments of magic made the day unforgettable!

Shout out to our AMAZING community partners who helped make it all happen: Wheels by R.T. by R.T., United Way of Rock River Valley, Townsquare Media, and Rockford IceHogs.

A special thank you to Santa and Mrs. Claus for making an early stop to spread some holiday cheer!

We are so grateful for each of you, and we feel honored to be part of your journey. On behalf of the Teen Family Support staff, we wish you a warm, safe, and healthy holiday season! We look forward to seeing you all in the new year!