Throughout the pandemic, The Baby Fold has successfully continued every one of its programs and services. We stay focused on our mission to love, heal, and teach the children who need us – no matter what! Rather than simply diverting resources to handle an emergency situation, we answered the call to find safe and creative ways to reach our families while additionally standing in the gap to help them navigate the complex situations created by COVID-19. Other critical needs do not stop in the face of this virus so all of our important work continues, thanks to you. Over the last few months, our caseworkers and therapists in Adoption Support, Foster Care, and Healthy Start have learned to forge and maintain relationships using technology like never before, and Hammitt School staff has engaged students with personalized, remote learning plans. Also, as essential workers, we have never hesitated to help children in need of personal in-home visits. The Baby Fold is here for our community and will continue to be a source of support throughout this unusual and difficult time. With a history that stretches back to 1902, our agency is no stranger to struggle. Our mission is to come alongside children and assist with that shared struggle, bringing hope and healing to those in our care. THANK YOU to all of our generous donors and friends who believe in our mission. Our life-critical work continues because you have supported us. Blessings to you and prayers for your continued safety.

May is National Foster Care Month! Did you know that there are over 437,000 children and youth in foster care in the U.S.? The Baby Fold's Foster Care program cares for over 100 children and we are always looking for families willing to open their hearts and their homes to these precious children because every child deserves to be loved and protected. Learn more about The Baby Fold's foster care program on our website by clicking here.

Congratulations to the class of 2020! Our Hammitt High School graduates faced unique challenges with remote learning this year, but they rose to the occasion. We are very proud of them. With the traditional celebrations on hold due to the pandemic, our staff honored these amazing graduates with a 180-mile car parade that drove by each student’s home. That’s love!

The Baby Fold has always been an organization that adapts to the changing needs of our community. Finding solutions for complex problems is what we have been doing for 118 years. During this unprecedented time of “distancing,” we are staying in touch with our children and families. Every staff member and family has been equipped with technology, and masks as needed, so that student education continues, family therapy is not disrupted, and virtual visits can keep connections strong. We are fortunate that our staff members have built strong relationships with families upon their entrance into our programs, so our children and families know and trust us. It was not difficult to pick up in a virtual setting, where normalcy left off.

The pandemic impacts our highly unique, trauma-affected children and families in ways that require our recognition and extra care.  Recently, employees of The Baby Fold logged in to their computers from the many corners of our community, for an agency-wide virtual training titled “Trauma Treatment During the Coronavirus Pandemic,” presented by Clinical Director Dr. Rob Lusk. Gathering together for the benefit of children, even by virtual means, is always an energizing experience for our staff! We're always learning and finding new ways to support children and families. 

Many friends have utilized their sewing talents to make masks to help keep our frontline staff and clients healthy. We are so grateful to all those who have "covered us in love!" If you'd like to share your sewing talent, we are still in need of masks in youth sizes. For simple CDC guidelines and patterns, click here. Masks may be shipped to or dropped off at The Baby Fold, 108 E. Willow St., Normal, IL 61761, 10am-2pm, Monday-Friday. Thank you!

We all want our lives to have made a difference. Legacy gifts help The Baby Fold continue to strengthen programs that serve children and families for a healthier, more vibrant community. Do you want to learn more about how you can leave a lasting and meaningful impact on children? Please click here or call Norris Porter, Asst. V.P. of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, at (309) 451-7204 or (309) 706-9242 to learn how you can make a lasting impact in the lives of children.