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X-WR-CALNAME:Let It Be Us
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Let It Be Us
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260728T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260728T193000
DTSTAMP:20260720T161738
CREATED:20260518T152857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T194417Z
UID:1007701-1785261600-1785267000@letitbeus.org
SUMMARY:Learn About Emergency Foster Care with Shelter Youth & Family Services
DESCRIPTION:Let It Be Us offers a series of virtual educational events on topics surrounding Foster Care and Adoption in the State of Illinois. Our Live Foster Parent Recruitment Events are the in-person portion of this series. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHave you ever thought about opening your home to a child in need\, but didn’t know where to start?\nJoin us for an inspiring and informative in-person event to learn how you can become an Emergency Foster Home with Shelter Youth & Family Services and provide immediate care for children when they need it most.\n \nEmergency Foster Homes welcome children during times of crisis for a short period\, offering them safety\, compassion\, and stability during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Shelter Youth & Family Services provides extensive wraparound support to foster parents\, ensuring both families and children receive the resources they need. Emergency Foster Parents also receive additional financial support.\nWe especially encourage bilingual Spanish-speaking families to attend\, as there is a critical need for foster homes that can support Spanish-speaking children and families in our communities.\n \nWhether you are already licensed\, considering becoming licensed\, or simply exploring what foster care looks like\, we invite you to come learn more and ask questions in a welcoming environment.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe are currently specifically targeting the following individuals: \n\nEducation professionals\nEducational support professionals\nMedical care providers\nMental health care providers\nEmergency responders\nIndividuals with parenting experience\nIndividuals with special needs experience\n\nThis event is located at Moretti’s Ristorante & Pizzeria – 6500 S. Central Ave.\, Bedford Park\, IL 60638. If you live in Bedford Park\, Oak Lawn\, Hickory Hills or surrounding areas\, you are encouraged to join us. Questions may be directed to Cathy Newbury at cathynewbury@letitbeus.org. \n\nThis event is free and open to the public\nAccess to this event is in-person ONLY\nRegistration for this event is required\nDuring the event\, attendees will have the opportunity for question & answer\nPizza\, salad\, and soda will be served.\n\nWe hope you’ll join us to learn how you can help provide safety\, stability\, and hope to children when they need it most.
URL:https://letitbeus.org/event/learn-about-emergency-foster-care-with-shelter-youth-family-services-5/
LOCATION:Moretti’s Ristorante and Pizzeria\, 6500 S Central Avenue\, Bedford Park\, Illinois\, 60638\, United States
CATEGORIES:Learn More with Let It Be Us,Shelter Youth & Family Services
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://letitbeus.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/5.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T200000
DTSTAMP:20260720T161738
CREATED:20260709T161529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T142753Z
UID:1007976-1787162400-1787169600@letitbeus.org
SUMMARY:Foster and Adoptive Parents Prepare for Back to School with 2 Credit Hours Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Foster parents will receive 2 credit hours towards their license. \nJoin Let It Be Us and Be Strong Families for a Foster Parent Café designed for licensed foster parents. As the school year begins\, take time to pause\, reconnect\, and recharge alongside fellow foster parents. Through guided conversation and shared experiences\, you’ll explore what helps you stay grounded and resilient while building meaningful connections with others who understand the unique journey of foster parenting.  \n\nThis event is free and open to all licensed foster and adoptive families in Illinois. Families will receive 2 credit hours towards their license.\nAccess to this event is completely virtual\, NO in-person options\nRegistration for this event is required\nDuring the event\, attendees will have the opportunity for question & answer\nIf you have any questions\, please contact Daisy Taylor at daisytaylor@letitbeus.org.\n\nFoster Parent Café: Saved by the Bell \nAs the school year kicks off\, join us for a fun\, refreshing conversation about what helps you reset\, recenter\, and recharge. This Foster Parent Café is your chance to reconnect with yourself\, your support system\, and other foster parents. Let’s share what keeps us grounded and resilient as the routines return. \nAbout Foster Parent Cafés: \nFoster Parent Cafés are an opportunity for growth\, connection\, and shared learning. Using one-on-one and group conversations\, the strengths and wisdom of foster parents are celebrated and harnessed to create healthier and happier families. Foster Parent Cafés are a powerful tool for strengthening the Protective Factors that contribute to family well-being. Through open and meaningful conversations\, Foster Parent Cafés encourage caregivers to learn from one another’s experiences by sharing stories\, challenges\, and successes that help participants gain insights and practical advice. Foster Parent Cafés facilitate a sense of community and support among foster parents where they will form connections with others who understand the unique journey of parenting.             \nZoom Info \nIMPORTANT: Continuing Education Credits and Certificates of Completion \nAll Be Strong Families events for foster parents are eligible for continuing education credits for Foster Parent license renewal. Certificates of completion are sent via email within 10-14 business days after an event takes place. If a participant has not received a certificate of completion for an event they attended\, they can reach out to training@bestrongfamilies.net. Attendance forms from each month are sent to IDCFS at the beginning of the following month for processing of continuing education credits. If participants do not see their hours reflected in their DCFS training portal\, they are encouraged to reach out to their assigned point of contact. \nIn order to register\, the last four digits of your social security number are required for Training Credit Approval. \nIn order to fully participate\, participants must join the event from a device that has access to a working microphone and camera. \nAbout Let It Be Us \nLet It Be Us manages adoption through foster care throughout the State of Illinois. To consider working with Let It Be Us\, complete this form. \n\n\nLet It Be Us offers a series of virtual and in-person educational events on topics surrounding Foster Care and Adoption in the State of Illinois.
URL:https://letitbeus.org/event/foster-parent-cafe-saved-by-the-bell/
LOCATION:ZOOM Webinar
CATEGORIES:Children's Home,Learn More with Let It Be Us
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://letitbeus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/BSFAugust-19_2.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260825T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260825T193000
DTSTAMP:20260720T161738
CREATED:20260511T185918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260710T155807Z
UID:1007686-1787680800-1787686200@letitbeus.org
SUMMARY:Learn About Foster Care and Licensing with Children's Home
DESCRIPTION:Let It Be Us offers a series of virtual educational events on topics surrounding Foster Care and Adoption in the State of Illinois. Our Live Foster Parent Recruitment Events are the in-person portion of this series. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAre you interested in learning more about the Illinois child welfare system\, what it means to become a foster parent\, and how to get started? \nJoin Let It Be Us for an informative and inspiring event designed to answer your questions and guide you through the first steps of making a difference in a child’s life with Children’s Home Association of Illinois. This is a relaxed and supportive space to learn\, connect\, and discover how you can be part of something truly life-changing for children in need. \nAt This Event\, You Will Learn: \n\n• What foster care looks like today in Illinois• The process of becoming a licensed foster parent• The types of children who need homes right now• The support available to foster families• Your questions about fostering\n\nAttend In Person or Virtually \nThis hybrid event allows families to attend either in person or virtually via Zoom Webinar. \nIn-Person Location: Community Service Building – 311 W. John H. Gwynn Jr. Ave.\, Peoria\, IL 61605 \nGuests attending in person will enjoy light snacks while connecting with our team and learning more about foster care. This is for families in Peoria\, Tazewell\, and Woodford counties. \n\nThis event is free and open to the public\nAccess to this event is available in-person\, with a virtual option\nRegistration for this event is required\nDuring the event\, attendees will have the opportunity for question & answer\nQuestions may be directed to Cathy Newbury at cathynewbury@letitbeus.org\n\nLet It Be Us is proud to host this educational event to help more children in foster care find safe\, loving homes. We can’t wait to meet you.
URL:https://letitbeus.org/event/learn-about-foster-care-and-licensing-with-childrens-home/
LOCATION:Community Services Building – Children’s Home Association of Illinois\, 311 W John H Gwynn Jr Avenue\, Peoria\, Illinois\, 61605\, United States
CATEGORIES:Children's Home,Learn More with Let It Be Us
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://letitbeus.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Childrens-Home.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260902T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260902T130000
DTSTAMP:20260720T161738
CREATED:20260710T142258Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260710T142306Z
UID:1008001-1788350400-1788354000@letitbeus.org
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn: Become a Foster Parent with Cathy Newbury\, Director of Foster Home Recruitment - Zoom Event
DESCRIPTION:Let It Be Us offers a series of virtual educational events on topics surrounding Foster Care and Adoption in the State of Illinois. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHave you ever thought about becoming a foster parent?  \n \nLet It Be Us invites you to a free\, no-pressure Zoom Lunch and Learn to learn how you can make a difference in the life of a child or teen in your community on Wednesday\, September 2nd from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.\n \n\n\n\n\nHosted by our Director of Foster Home Recruitment\, Cathy Newbury\, you will learn:\n\nWhat it means to be a foster parent\nHow the licensing process works\nThe different types of foster care\nHow Let It Be Us supports you every step of the way\n\nWhether you’re just curious or ready to take the next step\, this is a welcoming space to get started. If you live in the State of Illinois\, you are invited to come meet our team\, ask questions\, and connect with others who share your passion. Great conversations are provided. We can’t wait to meet you! \n\n\nThis event is free and open to the public\nAccess to this event is completely VIRTUAL\, no in-person options available\nRegistration for this event is required\nDuring the event\, attendees will have the opportunity for question & answer\nQuestions may be directed to Cathy Newbury at cathynewbury@letitbeus.org
URL:https://letitbeus.org/event/lunch-and-learn-become-a-foster-parent-with-cathy-newbury-director-of-foster-home-recruitment-zoom-event-3/
LOCATION:ZOOM Webinar
CATEGORIES:Learn More with Let It Be Us,Lutheran Children & Family Services
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://letitbeus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Lunch-and-Learn_September-2-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T133000
DTSTAMP:20260720T161738
CREATED:20260709T181246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T181248Z
UID:1007997-1791459000-1791466200@letitbeus.org
SUMMARY:Ladies Leadership Luncheon with Let It Be Us
DESCRIPTION:Join Let It Be Us for our annual Ladies Leadership Luncheon\, an inspiring afternoon that brings together community leaders\, advocates\, and supporters who are passionate about making a difference for children and families involved in foster care and adoption throughout Illinois. \nThis special event celebrates leadership\, connection\, and the collective impact we can make when we come together in support of our mission. \nAdditional event details\, ticket information\, sponsorship opportunities\, and featured guests will be announced soon. We look forward to welcoming you! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsorship opportunities for the event exist – to learn more\, contact Kaycee Coles\, Let It Be Us Board Member\, at kayceecoles@gmail.com
URL:https://letitbeus.org/event/ladies-leadership-luncheon-with-let-it-be-us-4/
LOCATION:Barrington Hills Country Club\, 300 W County Line Road\, Barrington\, Illinois\, 60010\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261210T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261211T235959
DTSTAMP:20260720T161738
CREATED:20260709T201104Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T201159Z
UID:1008007-1796860800-1797033599@letitbeus.org
SUMMARY:Toy Drive for Children in Foster Care including Those Awaiting Adoption
DESCRIPTION:Join Let It Be Us as we collect toys for children in Illinois foster care and deliver them throughout the Northern Region of Illinois.\nWe are working together with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services office in Waukegan\, CASA of McHenry County\, and group homes and the gifts will be distributed to the neediest children. \nThe Let It Be Us Toy Drive will be available to receive new\, unwrapped gift donations at the following locations: \n\nLet It Be Us Headquarters\, 145 West Main Street in Barrington\, Illinois on December 10th 2:00 – 7:00 pm and 11th from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm\n\nDonation details: \n\nWe request that toys be new and unwrapped.\nThe gift list will be updated frequently so check.\nDonations of wrapping paper\, ribbon\, and tape would also be appreciated.\n\nThank you to those who are able to participate with us. For corporate sponsorships\, please contact Susan McConnell\, Executive Director\, at susanmcconnell@letitbeus.org. \nNot able to shop for a gift this year? Make a direct donation to this program by December 8\, and we will shop for you! Visit our direct donation page to make a safe and secure donation.\nTOYS REQUESTED\nGaming Bed Set \nLegos \nArts/crafts \nBracelet making kits \nSlime/fidget dough \nDiamond art \nDiamond dots \nDinosaur toys \nAnimal toys \nGlass bead kit \nBitzee toys \nMagic the Gathering Starter Kit \nPokemon cards \nPokemon toys \nPower Rangers toys \nMarvel comics \nMP3 Player with corded earbuds \nHot Wheels \nAcrylic nail kit \nGiant stuffed animals \nPAW Patrol toys \nBluey toys \nPress on nails \nFlashcards of the alphabet \nTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles UNO \nFisher-Price Laugh and Learn Magical Lights Fishbowl \n 
URL:https://letitbeus.org/event/toy-drive-for-children-in-foster-care-including-those-awaiting-adoption/
LOCATION:Barrington’s White House\, 145 W Main St\, Barrington\, Illinois\, 60010\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://letitbeus.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/LIBU-Toy-Drive.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261216T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261216T200000
DTSTAMP:20260720T161738
CREATED:20260709T180940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T180942Z
UID:1007993-1797442200-1797451200@letitbeus.org
SUMMARY:Candy Cottage For a Cause: Gingerbread Holiday Fundraiser for Foster Care & Adoption
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the holiday season with Let It Be Us at the return of Candy Cottage for a Cause! \nThis festive annual event brings our community together to celebrate the season while supporting children and teens in Illinois foster care. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another year\, it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and make a meaningful impact. \nAdditional event details\, ticket information\, and sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon. We look forward to celebrating with you this holiday season! \n 
URL:https://letitbeus.org/event/candy-cottage-for-a-cause-gingerbread-holiday-fundraiser-for-foster-care-adoption-3/
LOCATION:Butterfield Country Club\, 2800 Midwest Road\, Oak Brook\, Illinois\, 60523\, United States
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