Northwestern Settlement’s Post

Save the date for Northwestern Settlement's Spring Smash fundraiser, coming up on June 12, 2024!

The Settlement renewed an important tradition today after a long hiatus. Members of the @northshoreboard and Settlement staff hosted local golden agers for a round of bingo and prizes for the first time since the pandemic! We look forward to re-establishing the long-running activity for our neighbors in the months to come.

"Autism is not a disability, it is a different ability." -Stuart Duncan, author Today, families, children, and staff came together for Northwestern Settlement's first annual Autism Awareness Walk! Signs of autism can emerge as early as 2-3 years of age and persist throughout a person's life. In 2023, the CDC reported that autism affects 1 in 36 children. Given this frequency, the Settlement has noted a significant rise in both diagnosed cases and individuals suspected of having autism enrolling in our programs. Early diagnosis and intervention can enable individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to lead fulfilling, healthy lives and attain remarkable achievements. Thanks to our donors and our amazing teachers, the Early Childhood Education program at the Settlement has developed many tools for supporting and empowering children showing signs of autism, including a rigorous procedure for screening and identifying the signs, special play equipment, and parent informational workshops. Thank you to everyone who made this inspiring event possible! #autismawareness #autism

Rowe scholars were fired up for today's full eclipse! After learning about the science behind solar eclipses in the weeks leading up to it, Rowe scholars donned their protective glasses and enjoyed the rare event, along with their teachers and staff (who were equally excited, of course!).

At Northwestern Settlement, we collaborate with local elected officials to advance common goals that support the people in our communities. The Settlement recently hosted 47th Ward Alderman, Matt Martin, who visited the historic Settlement House building this week. "Chicago must do more to support our young people as they take advantage of everything our city offers," he wrote on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. "Northwestern Settlement is doing its part by providing mentorship + after-school opportunities across the North Side. City Hall should expand its support of this critical work." Thank you for the visiting us and supporting youth programming in Chicago, Alderman Martin!

The first annual House in the Wood Spring Break trip was a huge success! Over 90 kids from ages 5-12 signed up for a fun spring field trip in the great outdoors. They enjoyed arts and crafts, field science activities, archery, and, of course, delicious food. There was enthusiasm all around, and, judging from the response, many participants will probably return for future Leaders in Training and Outdoor Education programs! Founded in 1910, House in the Wood is one of Northwestern Settlement's oldest programs. It began with a simple but powerful idea that still resonates today: to foster growth and responsibility in children and young adults so that they can return to their communities as leaders. Through House in the Wood's Summer Camp, Outdoor Education, and Leader In Training programs, it encourages young people to imagine new possibilities and experiences for themselves in a world beyond their own. You can learn more about House in the Wood, or donate to support the program, by visiting our site. #outdooreducation #youthdevelopment #mentoring #leadership

Northwestern Settlement's Emerging Leaders Board recently hosted an evening of painting and camaraderie to raise funds for the Settlement's youth programs! Board Members brought along friends and partners for a fun night of sipping, exercising their creativity, and learning about the Settlement's programs and mission.

At Rowe Elementary School, scholars are given the opportunity to experience and participate in a wide variety of cultural traditions. Latonya Roberts' first grade class recently celebrated and learned about the history of Saint Patrick's Day. Before that, February featured differently themed days as part of Black History Month, including: "Unity Day," in which students were encouraged to wear red, black, and green in the spirit of unity; "Soul Train Day," which featured outfits and gear from the 1960's, '70's, and '80's; and "HBCU" day, which highlighted a specific Historically Black College or University, in this case Morehouse College. Rowe teachers make learning fun for our scholars!

In After School programming at the Settlement this week, Rowe Scholars participated in social-emotional learning activities focused on stress management. The activity of chewing gum and blowing bubbles is a good way to focus one's attention purely on breathing, which can have a calming effect in stressful times. They composed their own self portraits with bubbles to help remember this exercise in the future.