KidsMatter

Today is "Give Like Dolly Day," and KidsMatter is proud to help support Parton's Imagination Library in DuPage County. Today, we're celebrating and remembering Dolly Parton for her amazing contributions in music and entertainment, as well as her heart for giving, which has established the Imagination Library to promote literacy and inspire a love of reading among children of all ages. Dolly Parton's Imagination library mails free, high-quality books to registered children every month from birth to age five -- and children in participating DuPage County communities are now eligible to apply.

For details about the library or to donate in celebration of Give Like Dolly Day, visit https://kidsmatter2us.org/dolly-partons-imagination-library-dupage/.

New on Positively Naperville! ✨KidsMatter reflects on our organization’s history, our collaborative roots, and the partnerships that continue to empower youth to realize their purpose, know their value, and find their pathway.

Read it here: https://www.positivelynaperville.com/2026/09/03/kidsmatter-2-us-kidsmatter-celebrates-25-years/160830

For 25 years, KidsMatter has worked alongside schools, hospitals, mental-health professionals, public-safety agencies, government, businesses, faith communities, foundations, service organizations, families, and youth-serving organizations to help young people thrive. Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey together!

KidsMatter 2 Us – KidsMatter Celebrates 25 Years! Explore KidsMatter, a collaborative initiative supporting youth for over 25 years with effective prevention strategies and community efforts.

Thank you to Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. for their sponsorship of our 25th anniversary EMPOWER Gala! Your sponsorship of KidsMatter makes our mission possible! Learn how to become a sponsor today!

Gala details: https://kidsmatter2us.org/empower
# thankyou

✨ What an incredible night! ✨

KidsMatter was beyond proud to witness one of our very own, Director of Programs Sherilyn Hebel, take center stage at the Career & Networking Center’s Dancing with the Celebrities! 💃🌟

Sherilyn and her dance partner, Rees, delivered an incredible dance number! The energy, excitement, and support in the room were unforgettable! 👏❤️

The Career & Networking Center hosts the annual Dancing with the Celebrities fundraiser in Naperville to support local job seekers, helping individuals build connections, find opportunities, and take meaningful steps forward in their careers.

KidsMatter is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a special evening.

Sherilyn, you absolutely SHINED! 🌟
We are so proud of you and loved cheering you on every step of the way! 💃👏

Thank you to Good Shepherd Church - Naperville for their sponsorship of our 2026 KidsMatter EMPOWER Gala! This support — during our milestone 25th anniversary year — helps us to empower young lives with hope, purpose and endless possibilities!

Gala details: https://kidsmatter2us.org/empower
# thankyou

KidsMatter is always thrilled to work collaboratively with positive people and organizations in our community. Coming up this weekend, on Sunday, Sept. 20, our CEO & Executive Director Nina Menis will be the keynote speaker for Passion in Action, a forum hosted by the nonprofit organization Mission Shanti to inspire youth in our community to pursue meaningful projects and make an impact. Menis will share her experiences in leadership, civic engagement and community impact, while helping teens develop project ideas, learn to market their stories, find resources and plan events. Teens, want to join in this engaging experience?! RSVP for the event, to be hosted at the Alive Center for Teens, 500 W. 5th Ave., Naperville, at https://missionshanti.org/events.

Join GPS Parent Series in partnership with KidsMatter for our upcoming webinar, “When Kids Say ‘I Hate Myself’: How to Respond," presented by Blaise Aguirre, MD, with Ross Szabo.

We hope you join us! This FREE webinar is offered at both noon and 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 23rd, and does NOT require online registration; simply click on the link below and choose whichever time works best for you! We hope to see you there!

12:00 p.m. – https://glenbard.zoom.us/j/86011611606
7:00 p.m. – https://glenbard.zoom.us/j/87808045969
For additional parent resources, visit our website at https://kidsmatter2us.org/resources/.

When a child expresses severe self-criticism or despair, caregivers and educators can find themselves at a loss. In this presentation, Aguirre will help adults distinguish between typical adolescent angst and deeper psychological distress. Participants will learn how to offer radical validation and when to seek professional intervention. Aguirre will share evidence-based strategies for responding with compassion and clarity and fostering resilience when a child needs it most.