As the year draws to a close, we at the Carole Robertson Center for Learning take a moment to celebrate a year of growth, resilience, and community. Thank you to everyone who helped carry out our mission by empowering lifelong learners through joyous experiences, and amplifying the voices of our staff, children, and families. As we look ahead to the new year, we wish you a joyous holiday season filled with warmth and continued possibility. The progress we’ve made is thanks to you.
Here are the highlights that shaped our journey and made 2025 truly impactful:
Click the grey boxes below to learn more!
January
Building Bright Futures
Carole Robertson Center is Awarded $1.15 Million Community Development Grant for Little Village Capital Improvements
The Carole Robertson Center for Learning was selected as one of 14 awardees out of 240 proposals to receive a Community Development Grant from Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD). This funding is supporting vital renovations to our Little Village flagship site, which are already underway and on track for completion in 2026.
February
Shining a Light on Impact
Center Parent and Leader Highlighted at Illinois Head Start Association’s Annual Conference in Springfield
Contessa Houston, a Carole Robertson Center parent, board member, and chair of the Center’s Parent Policy Council, was featured by the Illinois Head Start Association at its annual conference, where she shared her impact story on the importance of Head Start programming for her and her family. Her testimony was highlighted alongside other inspiring stories from Head Start parents and alumni. The Center’s President and CEO, Bela Moté, and Vice President of Community-Based Advocacy, Julissa Cruz, attended the conference, celebrating the voices and experiences of families elevated through the program.
March
Championing Learning
Center Staff Amplify the Importance of Investing in Early Learning and Youth Development
Carole Robertson Center staff members and fellow early childhood education leaders from across Illinois celebrated Early Childhood Education Day. Center staff had the opportunity to engage with elected officials and key decision-makers, including State Senator Ram Villivalam, Illinois Deputy Governor for Education Martin Torres, and Illinois Department of Early Childhood Secretary Dr. Teresa Ramos.
Kenny Riley, the Center’s Senior Director of Youth Development, also championed the need for continued investment in after-school programming and youth development initiatives to honor Youth Advocacy Day.
April
Empowering Young Minds
The Center Celebrates Week of the Young Child
The Center celebrated Week of the Young Child, an annual initiative led by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) that highlights the importance of early learning. Throughout the week, children, families, and teachers came together for hands-on, collaborative experiences that explored math, science, and literacy through the lens of creative play. From crafting tambourines out of buttons and paper plates to painting colorful murals with the guidance of our teachers, every activity showcased the power of early childhood education and the joy that comes from learning through exploration. Kenny Riley, the Center’s Senior Director of Youth Development, also championed the need for continued investment in after-school programming and youth development initiatives to honor Youth Advocacy Day.
May
Strengthening Communities
Highlights from our UnGala
We came together with a shared sense of purpose through our all-digital “UnGala: Building a Sustainable Future Together.” Held in the spring, the UnGala rallied our community around a common goal—to raise money in support of our early learning and youth development programs. Through virtual experiences such as our silent auction and community raffle, along with powerful stories highlighting the growth of our teachers through the TransformED apprenticeship and the leadership of youth creating positive change in their communities, the UnGala reminded us what’s possible when we work together to sustain this vital work.
June
Celebrating our Young Learners
The Center Uplifts Milestones in Learning at our Pre-K Graduations
Pre-K graduation is a significant milestone for our young learners as they prepare for kindergarten and beyond. Each year, we host joyful ceremonies across our sites to celebrate the achievements of our young learners and their families. We look forward to supporting our youngest learners as they continue their educational journey.
As we celebrated our newest alumni, the Carole Robertson Center also launched an alumni initiative designed to keep children and families connected to the Center even after they’ve completed our programs.
July
Supporting Students for a Strong Start
The Center’s Annual Pack-to-School Campaign Empowers Students
The Carole Robertson Center for Learning came together to support our community’s students through the Pack-to-School Challenge, our annual backpack and school supply drive. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we surpassed our goal, distributing 750 backpacks directly into the hands of children. Each backpack was filled with supplies so our students could start the school year strong.
Community Partner Elvin Explores Inspires Creativity
The Carole Robertson Center for Learning came together to support our community’s students through the Pack-to-School Challenge, our annual backpack and school supply drive. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we surpassed our goal, distributing 750 backpacks directly into the hands of children. Each backpack was filled with supplies so our students could start the school year strong.
August
Growing Together
The Center Uplifts Milestones in Learning at our Pre-K Graduations
Pre-K graduation is a significant milestone for our young learners as they prepare for kindergarten and beyond. Each year, we host joyful ceremonies across our sites to celebrate the achievements of our young learners and their families. This year, some of our Pre-K graduates began their transition into the next school year at Douglass Park. We look forward to supporting our youngest learners as they continue their educational journey.
As we celebrated our newest alumni, the Carole Robertson Center also launched an alumni initiative designed to keep children and families connected to the Center even after they’ve completed our programs.
Learn more and stay connected!
September
Honoring Our Legacy
The Center Reflects on the Legacies of Carole Robertson, Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair
Center youth and staff honored the lives of our namesake Carole Robertson, and her classmates Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair during our annual Legacy Week celebration in September. As part of the observance, we came together to peacefully march while chanting declarations of unity and resilience. Legacy Week reminds us to continually uplift our children and families by upholding a nurturing, safe place to learn and grow.
North Lawndale Flagship Receives National Association of Education for Young Children (NAEYC) Re-accreditation
The Center’s North Lawndale flagship received re-accreditation from the National Association of Education for Young Children (NAEYC). This is a national mark of excellence in early childhood education and reflects the Center’s continuous dedication to providing high-quality care for children and families. We celebrate this milestone with gratitude to our dedicated staff whose hard work and commitment made it possible.
October
Excellence in Action
Maria Rosaura Saavedra Receives Home Visiting Impact Award
Center, who received this year’s Chicago Region Home Visiting Impact Award. Maria was recognized at the Illinois Home Visiting Summit Celebration Dinner, part of the Annual Prevent Child Abuse Illinois Statewide Conference. This award honors Maria’s unwavering commitment to supporting mothers and families, especially those in vulnerable situations who need it most.
November
Advocating for Our Communities
Carole Robertson Center Leaders Amplify the Importance of Head Start Programs
Leaders from the Carole Robertson Center for Learning were featured on CBS News, addressing the importance of Head Start programs and the vital role they play in supporting children and working families across Chicago.
December
Spreading Holiday Joy
The Center Honors the Season of Giving Through Our Annual Holiday Gift- Giving Campaign
Across all flagship sites, we came together for holiday wrap parties and gift shops to help bring joy to the children and families we serve. Thanks to the support of our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners, every child in our programs received a special gift for the holidays! o keep children and families connected to the Center even after they’ve completed our programs.
Bonus: Hear from our staff and partners as they share their personal connection to the Center!
Coming Soon!
Celebrating 50 Years of Service
Celebrating 50 Years of Service
2026 marks the Center’s 50th anniversary. Five decades ago, community members on Chicago’s West Side came together to address a critical need. As families faced the loss of a beloved after-school program, they were determined to fill the gap. From their shared vision, the Carole Robertson Center for Learning was formed.
We are proud to continue honoring this legacy and the generations of families it has served. More details about our 50th anniversary celebration are coming soon, along with opportunities to engage, connect and mark this milestone with us.
