KidsMatter

09/04/2026

KidsMatter was proud to host our 23rd Annual Volunteer Fair on September 3 at the Fort Hill Activity Center in Naperville.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to the 25+ local nonprofit organizations and community groups who joined us and shared the many meaningful opportunities available to volunteer, serve, and make a difference throughout our community.

Throughout the evening, we heard so many wonderful reasons why people choose to volunteer:

✨ “I want to make a difference.”
✨ “I want to help people.”
✨ “I want to spread positive vibes.”
✨ “I want to give back.”
✨ “Because it matters.”

One act of kindness can inspire another. One person choosing to help can inspire someone else to do the same. Those individual acts become a ripple of compassion, generosity, and connection—and that’s how communities grow stronger.

We are incredibly grateful to our community partners—the Naperville Park District, City of Naperville, Naperville Community Unit School District 203, Indian Prairie School District 204, and Giving DuPage—for helping make this special evening possible.

09/04/2026

KidsMatter is incredibly honored and excited to be the Grand Marshal of this year's Labor Day parade at the Naperville Last Fling. We'll have Naperville Trolley & Tours driving some of our supporters, with others walking the route on foot to celebrate the end of summer and our 25th anniversary serving youth and families. Join us at the parade -- we can't wait!

🎺 Two days out. Parade day is Monday, September 7 presented by NeighbrHub — Grand Marshal KidsMatter leads it off at 10 AM. The good curb spots go early.

09/03/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to support local youth? Become a sponsor of the KidsMatter EMPOWER Gala, and join us as we celebrate 25 years of building resilient kids who say “No” to destructive choices and “Yes” to their endless possibilities! 🌟

When you become a gala sponsor, you will gain valuable visibility while helping KidsMatter empower youth to realize their purpose, know their value, and find their pathway. Join us as we “Dream. Believe. Become.” It will be an evening to empower young lives with hope, purpose, and endless possibilities.

Learn more and get involved today: https://kidsmatter2us.org/empower/ Tickets are also available for purchase!

09/02/2026

That’s a wrap on our 2026 SpringBoard Series! Congratulations to all of our students for their hard work and dedication to each program. We are so proud of all you were able to accomplish!

Interested in applying next year? Looking for ways to support this endeavor from KidsMatter? Visit https://kidsmatter2us.org/springboard-series/ to learn more about our annual summer program!

We are grateful for the generous support of our SpringBoard Series Partners, who make this program possible.

These programs are funded by the Endeavor Health Community Investment Fund, Lisle Township Community Mental Health 708 Board, Milton Township 708 Community Mental Health Board, Naperville Township 708 Community Mental Health Board, AMS Industries, Inc., Bulley & Andrews, PowerForward DuPage, Marquette Management - Naperville, IL, Ryan Hill Group - Century 21 Circle, Nicor Gas, Bosch Home, Ecolab, DuPage Foundation, Budget Blinds of Naperville, Bosch Community Fund, Naperville Rotary Charities, Alissa Johnson Tripas and other generous partners (see website).

The programs are a collaboration between KidsMatter, KidsMatter Senior High Board, College of DuPage, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Team B2B, Naperville Community Unit School District 203, Indian Prairie School District 204, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205, Lisle School District 202, Benet Academy, Glenbard School District 87, Wheaton Community Unit School District 200, and Endeavor Health, which includes Edward Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital and Linden Oaks Hospital, and other key partners (see website). Visit our website to explore the incredible sponsors.

09/01/2026

Our Volunteer Fair is right around the corner! Join us this Thursday, September 3rd, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Fort Hill Activity Center for our annual Volunteer Fair to learn all about the volunteer opportunities in our community. We’re hosting 25+ nonprofit organizations, all looking for volunteers like you!

Learn More: https://kidsmatter2us.org/volunteerfair/

A huge thanks to our partners: City of Naperville, Illinois, Government, Naperville Park District, Naperville Community Unit School District 203, Indian Prairie School District , and Giving DuPage.

08/31/2026

Congratulations to all of our Healthcare SpringBoard students! Our 87 Healthcare students have completed their programs and have even received college credit from the College of DuPage. Congratulations are also in order for our 30 Pharmacy Tech 1 and 2 students, who have completed the classroom portion of their program and are diving into their field experiences and continuing their online program!

Our Healthcare students explored various allied health professions, including diagnostic, medical information, rehabilitation, and patient care services, with opportunities for mental health/behavioral health career exploration. Our Pharmacy Tech students are continuing their opportunity to learn about the pharmacy profession, guiding students in learning the foundational knowledge and skills of a pharmacy technician role. Both programs were also trained and certified in Teen Mental Health First Aid in partnership with Endeavor Health Linden Oaks Hospital!

We are grateful for the field experiences provided by Symbria, Midwestern University, DuPage County Health Department, College of DuPage, Naperville Police and Fire, Elmhurst Police and Fire, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and Endeavor Health, including Edward Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital, Linden Oaks Hospital, and the Endeavor Health corporate office. Thank you to our amazing presenters, Dr. Laura Bokar with Fox Valley Institute, Shafer Suggs with Innerwinner, Rebecca Malotke-Meslin with Pleasantly Aggressive Coaching, Josiah Flex with RivalMind, Logan White with LinkedIn (in partnership with the Career & Networking Center), and Dr. Tajuana (the “LinkedIn Professor”). Special thanks go out to Photography by Emily Cummings for taking the students’ professional headshots for their LinkedIn profiles.

These programs are funded by Endeavor Health Community Investment Fund, Lisle Township Community Mental Health 708 Board, Milton Township 708 Community Mental Health Board, Naperville Township 708 Community Mental Health Board, City of Naperville Social Service Grant, and other generous partners. These programs are a collaboration between KidsMatter, KidsMatter Senior High Board, College of DuPage, Naperville Community Unit School District 203, Indian Prairie School District 204, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205, Lisle School District 202, Glenbard School District 87, Wheaton Community Unit School District 200, Benet Academy, and Endeavor Health, which includes Edward Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital and Linden Oaks Hospital, and other key partners.

08/30/2026

KidsMatter has partnered with the of Naperville, Illinois, Government in numerous ways throughout our 25-year history, and some of the programs we offer together give chances for youth to experience city leadership opportunities — while they’re students!
In collaboration with city staff, there are two great ways for Naperville resident students to experience local government in action:
— Apply to serve as a student representative on a city board or commission
— Apply to join the Mayor’s chief of Staff internship program and serve in Mayor Scott Wehrli’s office
Find details about these exciting leadership and exploration opportunities on the city’s website at https://www.naperville.il.us/2026-news-articles/naperville-invites-students-to-get-involved-in-local-government/

08/28/2026

It’s time to mark your calendars for our annual EMPOWER Gala! Join us Saturday, October 24th, as we honor the profound impact KidsMatter and our partners have had on youth, parents, and our community for the past quarter-century.

Reserve your seat for this special night here: https://kidsmatter2us.org/empower/

It will be an evening to empower young lives with hope, purpose, and endless possibilities. Join us to help shape the next 25 years of impact and build a community where every young person is empowered to “Dream, Believe, and Become.”

08/25/2026

Our Volunteer Fair is almost here! Join us Thursday, September 3rd, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Fort Hill Activity Center for our annual Volunteer Fair to learn all about the volunteer opportunities in our community. We’re hosting 25+ nonprofit organizations, all looking for volunteers like you!

This event is free for all, with no registration required. Learn More: https://kidsmatter2us.org/volunteerfair/

A huge thanks to our partners: City of Naperville, Illinois, Government, Naperville Park District, Naperville Community Unit School District 203, Indian Prairie School District , and Giving DuPage.

08/24/2026

🚨 DON’T JUST HEAR ABOUT IT — BE THERE!

💃 One of KidsMatter’s very own is taking the dance floor for a cause!

We are incredibly excited to support Sherilyn Hebel, Director of Programs at KidsMatter, as she participates in Cha-Cha for a Change: Dancing with the Celebrities 2026, benefiting the Career & Networking Center (CNC) of Naperville!

This special evening is about so much more than dancing. ❤️

For nearly 30 years, the Career & Networking Center has empowered thousands of individuals navigating job searches, career transitions, and professional growth.

So why are we dancing? 💃🕺

At KidsMatter, we know how powerful it can be when community organizations join forces around a shared purpose: helping people discover their potential, build confidence, and create brighter futures.

Together, we’re joining forces to raise funds, raise awareness, and create lasting impact through each of our missions. And we couldn’t be prouder to have Sherilyn representing KidsMatter on the dance floor! 🌟

📅 Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 5:30–8:30 PM
📍 Aura Club & Conventions | Naperville

🎟️ Tickets are available NOW!

👉 Grab your tickets and support Dancing with the Celebrities 2026 https://www.careernetworkingcenter.org/dwtc

Come out, cheer on Sherilyn, support an incredible local organization, and dance for a cause that changes lives!

👇 Who are you bringing? Tag them below!