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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Let It Be Us
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261020T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261020T200000
DTSTAMP:20261009T164635Z
CREATED:20260813T184054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T164635Z
UID:1008176-1792519200-1792526400@letitbeus.org
SUMMARY:Learn About Trauma Informed Parenting with Let It Be Us
DESCRIPTION:Licensed foster parents will receive 2 hours of foster parent training credit for attending. \nPlease join Let It Be Us and Erin Janssens\, Adoption Recruiter and Training Coordinator for the Adoption Listing Service of Illinois at Let It Be Us\, for an NTDC-based webinar focused on practical\, trauma-informed parenting strategies. \nThis 2-hour webinar will explore the importance of connected parenting and how positive interactions\, meaningful engagement\, and shared experiences can help build trust and strengthen relationships with children who have experienced trauma. Participants will also learn strategies for promoting healthy behaviors and taking a proactive rather than reactive approach to parenting. \n\nThis event is free and open to licensed foster parents\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 Daisy Taylor at daisytaylor@letitbeus.org\n\nThis content is from (or was adapted from) the National Training and Development Curriculum for Foster and Adoptive Parents\, which was funded through a Cooperative Agreement with the Children’s Bureau\, Administration on Children\, Youth and Families\, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The full curriculum can be found at www.ntdctraining.org. \n\n\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. \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/learn-about-trauma-informed-parenting-with-let-it-be-us/
LOCATION:ZOOM Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://letitbeus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Trauma-Informed-Parenting.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261021T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261021T130000
DTSTAMP:20260922T204717Z
CREATED:20260922T203501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T204717Z
UID:1008413-1792584000-1792587600@letitbeus.org
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn: Become a Foster Parent with Cathy Newbury\, Director of Foster Home Recruitment - Zoom Event
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever thought about becoming a foster parent?   \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\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\, October 21st 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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet It Be Us offers a series of virtual educational events on topics surrounding Foster Care and Adoption in the State of Illinois.
URL:https://letitbeus.org/event/lunch-and-learn-become-a-foster-parent-with-cathy-newbury-director-of-foster-home-recruitment-zoom-event-4/
LOCATION:ZOOM Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://letitbeus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Lunch-and-Learn_October-21_.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261103T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261103T193000
DTSTAMP:20260929T155524Z
CREATED:20260929T155503Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T155524Z
UID:1008435-1793728800-1793734200@letitbeus.org
SUMMARY:Become a Foster Parent with Lutheran Child & Family Services – Springfield\, Illinois
DESCRIPTION:Are you interested in learning more about the Illinois child welfare system\, what it means to be a foster parent\, and how to get started? Join Let It Be Us and Lutheran Child & Family Services for an informative and inspiring event. You’re invited to a special hybrid event designed to answer your questions and guide you through the first steps of making a difference in a child’s life. This is a relaxed\, supportive space to learn\, connect\, and discover how you can be part of something truly life-changing. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet It Be Us is proud to host this engaging and educational hybrid event in partnership with Lutheran Child & Family Services – the second-largest community-based child welfare agency in Illinois. Together\, we’re dedicated to protecting children\, strengthening families\, and supporting those who have experienced trauma.\n \n\nIf you are licensed or not yet licensed\, living in Chatham\, Sherman\, Springfield\, and surrounding areas\, you are encouraged to join us! Enjoy appetizers\, pizza\, and soda while learning how you can open your heart and home to a child in need.\n \nThe in-person option of this event is located at Monical’s Pizza – 2640 Prairie Crossing Dr\, Springfield\, IL 62711. Questions may be directed to Cathy Newbury at cathynewbury@letitbeus.org.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis event is free and open to the public\nAccess to this event is in-person with an online option available via Zoom webinar\nRegistration for this event is required\nDuring the event\, attendees will have the opportunity for question & answer\nPizza\, breadsticks\, salad\, and soda will be served for those joining in-person\n\nLutheran Child & Family Services is committed to being supportive and responsive in collaborating with foster parents in serving children’s needs.  They provide: \n\nA Lutheran Child & Family Services team to provide guidance and support.\nHealth insurance for children placed in your home.\nTherapy\, counseling\, academic counseling and special education services when needed. \nTraining programs\, support groups and newsletters geared to foster families.\nMonthly financial support for the foster children’s basic needs\, including food\, clothing and housing costs.\nFunding for daycare\, after-school care\, and extracurricular activities including sports and art programs for eligible children in foster care. \n\n\n\nLet 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.
URL:https://letitbeus.org/event/become-a-foster-parent-with-lutheran-child-family-services-springfield-illinois-3/
LOCATION:Monical’s Pizza\, 2640 Praire Crossing Drive\, Springfield\, Illinois\, 62711\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://letitbeus.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/LCFS_Casual-Conversation.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261112T193000
DTSTAMP:20260917T151809Z
CREATED:20260917T151803Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T151809Z
UID:1008382-1794506400-1794511800@letitbeus.org
SUMMARY:Learn About Emergency Foster Care with Shelter Youth & Family Services
DESCRIPTION:Have 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. Emergency 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. Whether 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. \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 will be held at the Worth Park District – 11500 S Beloit Ave\, Worth\, IL 60482. If you live in Worth\, 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 available in-person\, NO online options available\nRegistration for this event is required\nDuring the event\, attendees will have the opportunity for question & answer\nSub sandwiches\, chips\, drinks\, and cookies will be provided\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. \nLet 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.
URL:https://letitbeus.org/event/learn-about-emergency-foster-care-with-shelter-youth-family-services-6/
LOCATION:Worth Park District\, 11500 S Beloit Ave\, Worth\, Illinois\, 60482
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://letitbeus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1112-event.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261201T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261201T193000
DTSTAMP:20261015T214741Z
CREATED:20261015T213517Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T214741Z
UID:1008499-1796148000-1796153400@letitbeus.org
SUMMARY:Become a Foster Parent with Lutheran Child and Family Services - O'Fallon\, Illinois
DESCRIPTION:Are you interested in learning more about the Illinois child welfare system\, what it means to be a foster parent\, and how to get started? If yes\, join us for this informative event offered in-person or online via Zoom webinar with Lutheran Child & Family Services\, the second-largest community-based child welfare agency in Illinois\, dedicated to improving the well-being of people across the state by protecting children\, strengthening families and building futures for those who have experienced trauma. What you’ll learn: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow LCFS supports foster parents every step of the way\nAccess to health insurance\, therapy\, and education support for children in your care\nOngoing training\, support groups\, and resources tailored for foster families\nMonthly financial support and funding for daycare\, after-school care\, and extracurriculars\n\n\n\nTake the first step toward changing a child’s story – register today and join us for this powerful and educational event. If you are licensed or not yet licensed\, live in O’Fallon\, Fairview Heights\, Belleville\, Collinsville\, or the surrounding areas\, you are encouraged to join us!\n \nThis event is offered in-person or online via Zoom webinar. The in-person location is at the Lutheran Child & Family Services O’Fallon Office – 711 Insight Avenue\, O’Fallon\, Illinois 62269.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis event is free and open to the public\nAccess to this event is in-person\, with a virtual option\nRegistration for this event is required\nDuring the event\, attendees will have the opportunity for questions & answer\, to meet caseworkers\, to hear from experienced foster parents. \nSnacks are provided for those attending in-person.\nQuestions may be directed to Cathy Newbury at cathynewbury@letitbeus.org.\n\nLutheran Child & Family Services is committed to being supportive and responsive in collaborating with foster parents in serving children’s needs.  They provide: \n\nA Lutheran Child & Family Services team to provide guidance and support.\nHealth insurance for children placed in your home.\nTherapy\, counseling\, academic counseling and special education services when needed. \nTraining programs\, support groups and newsletters geared to foster families.\nMonthly financial support for the foster children’s basic needs\, including food\, clothing and housing costs.\nFunding for daycare\, after-school care\, and extracurricular activities including sports and art programs for eligible children in foster care. \n\n\n \nLet 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.
URL:https://letitbeus.org/event/become-a-foster-parent-with-lutheran-child-and-family-services-ofallon-illinois-2/
LOCATION:LCFS O’Fallon Office\, 711 Insight Avenue\, O'Fallon\, 62269\, United States
CATEGORIES:For Unlicensed Foster Families
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://letitbeus.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/LCFS_Casual-Conversation.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261203T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261203T193000
DTSTAMP:20261015T181250Z
CREATED:20261002T144149Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T181250Z
UID:1008454-1796320800-1796326200@letitbeus.org
SUMMARY:Learn About Specialized Foster Care with Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley
DESCRIPTION:Curious About Foster Care? Come Learn With Us! \nHave you ever thought about becoming a foster parent but weren’t sure where to begin? Or wondered if your experience\, career\, or life skills could make a difference for a child? \nJoin Let It Be Us and Youth Service Bureau (YSB) for a relaxed\, welcoming hybrid event – in person in Ottawa\, Illinois\, or online via Zoom Webinar – where you can learn about traditional and specialized foster care\, ask questions\, and explore what becoming a foster parent might look like for you and your family. If you live in LaSalle\, Streator\, Utica\, Peru\, or surrounding areas\, you are encouraged to join us. \nNo pressure. No commitments. Just information\, conversation\, and the opportunity to learn. \nSpecialized foster parents provide care for children who may need additional support and understanding. Youth Service Bureau provides extensive wraparound support\, resources\, and guidance to help foster parents feel confident and supported throughout their fostering journey. Specialized foster parents also receive additional financial support. \nWe are especially interested in connecting with individuals who have experience in: \n\n\nEducation and teaching \n\n\nEducational support services \n\n\nMedical and healthcare \n\n\nMental health \n\n\nEmergency response \n\n\nParenting and caregiving \n\n\nWorking with children or individuals with special needs \n\n\nAlready licensed? Thinking about becoming a licensed foster parent? Or simply curious about what foster care looks like? You are welcome! Whether you’re just beginning to explore foster care or have been thinking about it for a while\, come learn\, ask questions\, and discover whether traditional or specialized foster care could be the right fit for you. \nJoin us in Ottawa! \nDecember 36:00–7:30 PM424 W. Madison St.\, Ottawa\, IL  \nRefreshments provided for those attending in-person! \nYou don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to learn more. \nEvery child deserves a safe place to call home and an adult who is willing to show up for them. Sometimes the first step toward making a difference is simply showing up and learning more. \nCome as you are\, bring your questions\, and let’s start the conversation! \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 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.
URL:https://letitbeus.org/event/learn-about-specialized-foster-care-with-youth-service-bureau-of-illinois-valley/
LOCATION:Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley Offices\, 424 W. Madison St.\, Ottawa\, Illinois\, 61350\, United States
CATEGORIES:For Unlicensed Foster Families
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://letitbeus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/YSB._eventpng.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261210T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261211T235959
DTSTAMP:20261014T161948Z
CREATED:20260709T201104Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T161948Z
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 12:00 – 6:00 pm and 11th from 12:00 pm – 6:00 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.\n \nHeart Gallery of Illinois Wish List:\nhttps://a.co/0bfa16Co \nFor children and teens in foster care:\nhttps://a.co/0gVwLUsJ \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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261216T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261216T200000
DTSTAMP:20260924T200214Z
CREATED:20260709T180940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260924T200214Z
UID:1007993-1797442200-1797451200@letitbeus.org
SUMMARY:Candy Cottage For a Cause: Gingerbread Holiday Fundraiser for Foster Care & Adoption
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the holiday season in the sweetest way! Join Let It Be Us for an adults-only evening of festive fun at Candy Cottage for a Cause. Guided by a professional pastry artist\, you’ll design and decorate your own gingerbread house – think of it as a holiday twist on the popular paint-and-sip parties. No experience required – just bring your holiday spirit and creativity! \nEnjoy a night out with friends while indulging in heavy hors d’oeuvres and sipping from our open bar featuring seasonal signature cocktails. Whether you’re a gingerbread beginner or a decorating pro\, this interactive evening promises laughter\, connection\, and holiday cheer. \nMost importantly\, your participation helps support children and teens in Illinois foster care through programming at Let It Be Us. \nSpace is limited. Reserve your tickets today and be part of a magical night that gives back! \n \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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://letitbeus.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Friday-December-13th-400-pm-Family-Sitting-730-pm-Adults-Only-Sitting-Barringtons-White-House-–-Barrington-Illinois.png
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