“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles,” once stated Christopher Reeve.
“This was the compelling statement that birthed the concept,” commented Executive Director Shawn E. Jeffers.
“We remain inspired because we have the opportunity to witness first-hand, each and every day, how the children and adults at Little City find the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles; to me, they’re heroes.”
Little City’s Hero Campaign focuses on seven individuals, highlighting a unique, heroic attribute. The campaign tells the story of an award-winning athlete, an artist, an advocate and more.
One of Little City’s featured heroes, Jim Stelmach, is an award-winning Special Olympian
Little City’s communication and marketing team utilized print, social media, direct mail and outdoor advertising opportunities (including posters and car cards on the Metra and CTA) to spur interest of these special stories. The campaign also aims to humanize and empower individuals with disabilities.
“One of our key goals is to raise $10,000 per individual per year to maintain the quality-of-life standards we’ve established for those we serve,” commented Director of Individual Giving Dana Rice. “And we know that our donors like supporting success stories—this campaign was inevitable because Little City has countless inspiring success stories.”
”I am my own Hero” follows Little City’s award-winning “I am the One” awareness and acquisition campaign, which earned the non-profit organization six awards, including the Publicity Club of Chicago (PCC) Golden Trumpet for Community Relations, the PCC Quality-of-Life Award (one of four top honors), the Chicago Association of Direct Marketing Past-Presidents’ Award (Best in Show) and the PRSA Chicago Award of Excellence, among others.
Ciara Craig serves as the newly appointed advisor for the self-run Little City Advocacy Group—a group of individuals at Little City committed to fighting for their own disabilities rights
“In all our marketing and communications, we aim to enlighten, educate and advocate,” added Director of Communications & Marketing Lisa Hoffmann. “There are numerous organizations that use the word, ‘hero,’ to describe donors they wish to solicit; I appreciate how our team sought to communicate that some of our society’s most inspiring heroes are individuals with disabilities.”
For over 50 years,
Little City has provided innovative programs and services for children and adults with disabilities, equipping them with the necessary tools to become their own hero and live dignified and meaningful lives.
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About Little City Foundation
For more than 50 years,
Little City Foundation has developed innovative and personalized programs to fully assist and empower children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. With a commitment to attaining a greater quality of life for Illinois’ most vulnerable citizens, Little City actively promotes choice, person-centered planning and a holistic approach to health and wellness. Little City’s ChildBridge services include in-home personal and family supports, clinical and behavior intervention, 24/7 residential services and special needs foster care and adoption. Little City’s LifePath Adult Services offers a variety of residential options, employment opportunities, home-based services, case management, day supports, Special Olympics, an award-winning Center for the Arts and more. The organization has a 56-acre campus in Palatine and offices in Chicago. Visit
www.littlecity.org.