Our History

Special Children's Charities was founded in 1969 to fund special recreation programs administered by the Chicago Park District, which later expanded to Chicago Public Schools and other agencies throughout the city.

Special Children's Charities currently develops and funds a wide range of recreational, educational and social activities that encourage physical and mental health for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring that all individuals have access to high-quality programming.

Our Mission

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.

Our Vision

Special Children’s Charities aims to transcend boundaries and redefine possibilities by serving as a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity within both the disability community and the City of Chicago.

We aspire to be recognized as the trusted leader in ensuring access to athletic, educational and life-enriching opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and enabled to thrive.

Our Values

INCLUSIVITY

We champion inclusivity to celebrate the diversity among our participants and welcome everyone to compete, play and learn regardless of ability.

EMPOWERMENT

We ignite potential, fostering self-belief and action in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, guiding them toward their own paths of strength and fulfillment.

COMMUNITY

We stand as more than an organization; we are a place to call home. With deep roots in Chicago and the disability community, the programming we support fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie that resonates in the hearts and minds of all Chicagoans.

INSPIRATION

We serve as a source of inspiration, igniting hope and excitement for our participants and their families, and creating an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and possibility.

RESPECT

We foster a culture of respect, ensuring every individual feels encouraged and valued. We approach our work with empathy, kindness and understanding, recognizing the inherent value and humanity of every individual we serve.

Our Team

Our dedicated team is at the heart of everything we do.

From our passionate board of directors and staff to our dynamic associate board members and their friends, we deeply appreciate their relentless efforts to ensure the success and impact of our programs.