Partner Spotlight: SOS Children’s Villages Illinois

February 15, 2024

by Francesca Sigmond

One of our tried and true partners over the years has been SOS Children’s Villages Illinois. SOS Children’s Villages “build[s] families for children in need, help[s] them shape their futures, and share[s] in the development of their communities.” SOS Children’s Villages has three locations in Illinois: Lockport Village, Roosevelt Village, and Chicago Village. Youth from all three villages engage with CYCF programs throughout the year.

In 2024, SOS has launched a new Swim School with a grant from CYCF, where 25 kids from the villages are learning to swim by taking swim lessons in their local communities. This new initiative builds on a successful history of partnership between SOS and the CYC Foundation.

In summer 2023, SOS Children’s Villages participated in a CYCF Sailing Camp and an Introductory Cruise. New this past fall, the Foundation launched a STEAM after-school program in partnership with SOS that serves kids in first through sixth grade at their Roosevelt and Chicago Villages. Twenty youth participated in this new program, with more joining this spring. 

Emily Brown, Education & Family Enrichment Manager at SOS Children’s Villages Illinois, shared, "We are so grateful for the wealth of opportunities that the partnership with CYCF has given our children. Swim lessons are something that foster parents have been asking for for years, and CYCF made it happen! Not only are the experiences invaluable, but the relationships your staff have built with our youth during STEAM programs and summer camp mean our kids are always excited for a CYCF program."

We are excited to have another exciting summer on the water with our youth at SOS Children’s Villages Illinois!