The Cradle

The Cradle's home visiting program offers personalized, in-home parenting support for families in Northeast Lake County. Each visit is based on what you’re interested in: your baby’s growth and development; ideas for bonding and playing; emotional support; ways to reduce stress; problem-solving; identifying and achieving goals; or anything else that nurtures your family.

Inquire about home visiting: https://bit.ly/4qNnFEt

"From very early on in our relationship, we have both always spoke about wanting children. Both of us knew that we could never date someone who did not want to have kids. We both have so much love to give."

Read more about Stephen and Kevin: https://bit.ly/3zl3OWW

Finding community as an adoptee can be both meaningful and challenging. Read The Cradle’s guide on how and why to connect with other adopted people: https://bit.ly/3RzId2Z

Join us this Sunday at the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade and Picnic! We’ll gather to cheer on the parade starting at 11 a.m., then head over to Mike Rylko Community Park immediately afterward for lunch together and to enjoy live performances, family-friendly entertainment, and a wonderful business and craft fair. Please bring your own lunch or grab something from the on-site food trucks. To make things a little sweeter, we will provide special treats for everyone to enjoy!

RSVP to celebrate Pride with The Cradle: https://bit.ly/4urlxDy

Emotional and identity development continue throughout life, and challenges you or your child are facing may emerge at different developmental stages. Even in loving, stable families, some experiences and feelings can be influenced by adoption, even when they do not seem directly connected. Because of this, adoption-competent counseling can make a difference.

Learn how Cradle therapists can help you and your family explore concerns with the thoughtful, informed support they deserve: https://bit.ly/4cXB6f3

Happy from everyone at The Cradle! We’re proud to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, including the many families who help make The Cradle a diverse and welcoming place. Since 2001, we’ve helped facilitate more than 200 placements with LGBTQ+ families. Join us in honoring and these families during Pride Month!

Last chance! Join Julie Beem, Executive Director of the Attachment & Trauma Network, Inc., as she explores the specific parenting tools that adoptive parents need to create relationship, teach regulation and build resilience in their children. In this webinar, you will learn:
- The importance of focusing on attachment-building
- Basic brain science around trauma and development
- Strategies to address behaviors and build resilience

Get tools for your family: https://bit.ly/3OOpuDa

One Cradle adoptive parent did not initially connect her daughter’s challenges to adoption. Read what she wishes she had known earlier and how understanding adoption led to more effective support in our newest blog: https://bit.ly/3PVonBQ

Eric and Felicia are ! Read their story and help us share it: https://bit.ly/4wPl1kM

What Eric Thinks about Felicia
"Felicia is quite simply a blessing from the Lord. Once I finally worked up the courage to ask her out, my life changed in so many ways. She will love you in ways that have never been felt before. I’m constantly blown away by her empathy, resilience, joy, patience and kindness. I have seen her go through situations that would cause many of us to give up, but she always comes out of it better for the experience. She is a nurturer by default. Her youthful demeanor hides a lot of hard-earned wisdom. I’m often surprised at the joy she can create. It is a privilege to have her in my life. I’m blessed to be her husband."

What Felicia Thinks about Eric
"Eric is a caring husband, an awesome partner and my best friend. I often say I feel God’s love for me through him. He cares deeply about others and has a has a good heart. If Eric sees someone in need, he does not hesitate to help even if it’s just offering them a kind word. He is a hard worker and great provider, but knows how to have fun. I look forward to spending quality time with him which usually ends with us having a good laugh together. It is a blessing to have him in my life. I have no doubt that he will make a great dad!"

We are thrilled to announce that The Cradle is attending and sponsoring the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate! There are two great ways you can join us to support this meaningful community event.

1. Dust off your running shoes and join our staff in one of the races.

2. Not a runner? No problem! Come join our cheering team to root for the children's races that kick off at 9 a.m. There is no fee to attend to cheer, so come on out and enjoy some coffee and donuts with The Cradle!

Register as a runner: https://bit.ly/4uHIti1
Cheer with The Cradle: https://bit.ly/48Qtj1h