Grief Support Is Critical to Youth Development — Here's How to Help Someone Who's Grieving For National Children’s Grief Awareness Month, Willow House program director Megan Andriano shares ways to support grieving children through empathy, structure, and community.

💙 It's National Children’s Grief Awareness Month—a time to remember that grief in childhood is more common, and more impactful, than many realize. Willow House helps grieving children and families find hope, healing, and connection—together. Learn more ⬇️

We’re proud to support the arts that inspire, connect & transform communities. 💫 As Presenting Sponsor of Joffrey Ballet’s JoffreyNext Luncheon, we joined 325 guests to celebrate creativity & announce a $25K challenge grant! Donate today: https://bit.ly/4quSTQH
 #SupportTheArts

12 Books to Help You Find Hope, Healing and Purpose in Uncertain Times In a divided and uncertain world, these 12 books—by authors like Anne Lamott, Brené Brown, and Robin Wall Kimmerer—offer insight, comfort, and connection.

Books offer wisdom, comfort, and courage when the world feels uncertain. ✨

Siena Retreat Center’s curated list of 12 titles explores grief, renewal, faith & friendship — helping us reconnect to what matters most. Learn more ⬇️

11 TV Series That Showcase the Best in Humanity: 2025 Discover 11 standout TV series recognized by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center for reflecting empathy, community, and the best of human nature — including Chef’s Table, The Great British Baking Show, Loot, The Residence, and Supacell.

Every year, @greatergoodmag.bsky.social shares stories that inspire kindness, empathy, and growth. This year’s “Greater Goodies” highlight TV shows—from The Great British Baking Show to Stick—that show the power of compassion and connection. Learn more ⬇️

Chicago International Film Festival 2025: 18 Must-See Films The 61st Chicago International Film Festival runs October 15–26, 2025, with a lineup of more than 100 features and 11 shorts from 70 countries. See which 18 films festival programmers say you can’t miss.

From dramas and comedies to documentaries from 70 countries, Chicago Film Fest celebrates stories that connect us all. Check out our 18 must-see picks for the 61st festival & comment which you can’t wait to watch! Support Cinema/Chicago to keep film inspiring.

Can Mentorship Close America’s Graduation Gap? Across the U.S., mentorship programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters are helping students overcome barriers to graduation — proving that one steady relationship can change the odds for life.

🎓 Nearly 15% of students nationwide are still being left behind. Big Brothers Big Sisters is closing that gap through mentorship — with 99% of youth in their programs graduating high school. Learn how BBBS Chicago is helping youth across the U.S. thrive ⬇️

Jenna Fischer’s Next Chapter: From 'Ashland Avenue' at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre to the Big Screen With Green Day Jenna Fischer joins Goodman Theatre’s centennial season in Ashland Avenue, shares her next chapter after breast cancer, and looks ahead to a film with Green Day.

But it’s the role she never auditioned for — survivor — that gives her the most important lines to share this #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth: don’t wait to schedule your mammogram. Read our full interview:

“An actor’s toolkit is the life they’ve lived, mixed with their imagination,” @jennafischer.bsky.social told us during Ashland Avenue rehearsals at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre. After beating breast cancer, her return is already resonating with audiences.

Jane Goodall Shares 3 Reasons She’s Optimistic About the Future of the Environment Jane Goodall visited the Chicago Theatre March 19 — read about her cautions and hopes for the future of our environment.

Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist and conservationist, has passed away at 91. She leaves behind a legacy of hope, reminding us that a better world is still possible if people fight for it. In that spirit, here are 3 reasons she remained optimistic about the environment. tinyurl.com/2n2w77hc

Pediatric Cancer Research Gets Less Than 4% of Federal Funding — Leaving Children With Decades-Old Treatments Childhood cancer research gets less than 4% of federal funding, leaving kids with outdated, toxic treatments. Families are fighting for safer, lifesaving options.

The Ty Louis Campbell Foundation & events like Muddy Puddles “Mess Fest” raise vital funds so children not only survive cancer, but thrive. Help make that vision a reality:

🎗️ Less than 4% of federal cancer research funding goes to kids. This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, honor Ty Louis Campbell & support pediatric cancer research. Kids deserve treatments made for them — not decades-old adult drugs.

Arts education is essential, not a luxury. Ingenuity’s Creative Schools Fund helps students access music, drama & art in under-resourced schools. Keep creativity alive—donate today! https://bit.ly/48ltS3V

#ArtsEducationMatters #KeepCreativityAlive

Volunteers Are Risking Their Lives to Deliver Critical Aid to Ukraine — Here’s How You Can Help As the war in Ukraine continues, volunteers from Ukraine Freedom Company are risking their lives to deliver critical aid to frontline regions. Learn how this grassroots effort is getting medical supplies, vehicles, and protective gear to those who need it most — and how you can help.

Volunteers with Ukraine Freedom Company risk their lives delivering medical aid, clothing & generators directly into war-torn communities. 100% volunteer-run since 2022, UFC saves lives—but the need is urgent. 💙 Donate or learn more on our website.

A Major Barrier Keeps Human Trafficking Survivors From Stability — This Organization Helps Break It Salt & Light Coalition pairs trauma recovery with workforce training to provide human trafficking survivors the economic empowerment they need to rebuild their lives.

Be part of the solution: give or volunteer at https://tinyurl.com/ymkah7b3

Can’t give today? Share this post to raise awareness and help break the cycle of exploitation. Together, we can build a future of hope.

Escaping #humantrafficking is just the beginning. Without income, housing, or education, freedom is fragile. Organizations like Salt & Light Coalition provide trauma-informed support, workforce training, and job placement to help women thrive. 💜

11 Fascinating Photos Revealing the Geography of Clean Energy Photographer Jamey Stillings takes readers from Chile’s copper mines to Japan’s floating solar panels, using striking aerial images and personal reflections to reveal the landscapes — and human ingenuity — behind the world’s shift to renewable energy.

In conversation with Mark Edward Harris, Stillings reflects on art, environment & our evolving planet. 🌱 Proud to support his vision — join us in fueling change. Donate today. 👇🏽

For Jamey Stillings, photography is a catalyst for change — capturing solar fields, wind farms & mining sites that shape our energy future. On @sundayofaction.bsky.social, his work reminds us that building a carbon-constrained future is essential to life on Earth. 🌍✨

✨ The Make It Better Foundation is matching donations to the @alzassociation.bsky.social up to $15,000 through Sept. 21, World Alzheimer’s Day. This week, your gift can go twice as far — donate now: https://tinyurl.com/27zp77ej

Adults With Developmental Disabilities Face Uncertainty as Services Decline — Community Support Offers Hope With services dwindling for adults with developmental disabilities, nonprofits like Orchard Village are working to fill the gaps — offering housing, jobs, and hope for the future.

Organizations like Orchard Village provide housing, education, employment & care so individuals with IDD can thrive with dignity. Help create lasting impact — learn more or give today:

Across the U.S., 8.38M people live with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD), and 1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism by age 8. With lifelong support more important than ever, too many adults face a sharp decline in services.

For Courtney, pregnancy brought unexpected challenges. Once connected with Child First, she found the support she and her children needed. #Changent provides mental health, parenting, and essential resources. Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/2sz76mre

Looking for ways to get moving & make a difference? 🏃‍♀️🐾 Charity 5Ks & walks like @pawschicago.bsky.social and Walk to End Alzheimer’s (@alzassociation.bsky.social) raise vital funds & awareness. Find an event near you & be part of the change. Read more ⬇️ https://tinyurl.com/yw49xahh

24 years ago, 9/11 changed our nation. Organizations like Tunnel2 to Towers, Tuesday's Children & FDNY Foundation continue supporting those affected. 💛 Share your support for nonprofits in the post-9/11 space by submitting a You Said It today: https://tinyurl.com/54v6nyse

Every 40 seconds, someone dies by suicide. But it’s preventable.  Find support through orgs like @namicommunicate.bsky.social & @afspnational.bsky.social. Learn more on our websit. https://linktr.ee/themakeitbetterfoundation #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

#Familydinners are more than meals — they’re moments to connect. Research shows kids who eat with family have higher self-esteem & stronger bonds. Use tools from @projectzerohgse.bsky.social to spark conversation & make meals meaningful. Learn more: 🔗https://linktr.ee/themakeitbetterfoundation

Mental health support belongs in schools, and early intervention can save lives. September is #SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth. Donate, volunteer, or start the conversation in your school or community. Learn more on our website.

Community Youth Network embeds therapists directly into schools, removing barriers like transportation, stigma, or lack of insurance. Students get consistent support, build resilience, and learn restorative practices that truly change lives.

More Schools Are Embedding Mental Health Care on Campus — Here’s Why It Works From reducing stigma to improving access, on-campus therapists are helping students cope with depression, anxiety, and trauma — and stay connected to school.

Every day, students walk into classrooms carrying invisible burdens: depression, anxiety, trauma, or adult problems at home. Nearly 1 in 5 IL high schoolers seriously considered suicide last year. Youth mental health is an urgent crisis.

In 2025, U.S. nonprofit food programs lost $420M in funding while grocery stores discard 16B lbs of food. 🍎 @extrafood.bsky.social rescues surplus meals to provide dignity, connection & joy. Volunteer, donate, or advocate for hunger relief. Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/44dvm5u7 #FoodInsecurity

Grief can feel isolating, but you are not alone. On #NationalGriefAwarenessDay, connect, talk, and seek support. Organizations like @afspnational.bsky.social, @namicommunicate.bsky.social, and others offer resources for healing and community. Learn more: https://linktr.ee/themakeitbetterfoundation