The Baby Fold's E-News

Baby Fold Awarded Rare, Expedited Accreditation

Following a rigorous evaluation of our services, management, and administration against international best practice standards, the Council on Accreditation (COA) awarded expedited, national accreditation to The Baby Fold.

We received the highest COA rating on 84% of the 564 standards which were evaluated, with the remaining 16% rated at the second highest score.

This is considered an exceptional outcome, as Jody Levison-Johnson, COA President & CEO shares, "COA’s program of quality improvement is designed to identify providers that have met high performance standards and have made a commitment to their stakeholders to deliver the very best quality services."?She continues, "The Baby Fold was expedited through the Pre-Commission Review Report (PCR) process...Congratulations on this amazing achievement. COA is proud to recognize The Baby Fold?as one of these outstanding providers."

This COA accreditation underscores our commitment to excellence in child welfare services, ensuring well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, and outcomes-oriented care for children and families across Central Illinois.

Creating Healthy Beginnings for Kids

When The Baby Fold surrounds you with expert care, your child gets their best start in life! Our Early Childhood Services includes two programs: Healthy Start and Caregiver Connections. Between the two is an impressive menu of services to set infants, young children, and families on their healthiest developmental journey.

Healthy Start

Certified Lactation Counselors provide education, advice, and support on breastfeeding, addressing challenges like latching difficulties. They offer personalized care plans and emotional support to help mothers reach their breastfeeding goals.

• Many of our home visitors are trained in infant massage and teach families soothing techniques that promote bonding and alleviate common infant discomforts during a crucial developmental period.
• With one in five Illinois mothers facing postpartum depression, especially in low-income families, The Baby Fold's Healthy Start program now includes an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant certified in Perinatal Mental Health to support families through education, health strategies, screenings, and support groups.
• Doula Services offer trained, in-home Doulas to support expectant parents in McLean County, improving prenatal outcomes through education, birth plans, and advocacy. These free, voluntary services are available from the third trimester until the baby is 6-8 weeks old.

Caregiver Connections

This program brings The Baby Fold’s early childhood specialists to community day care centers, preschools, and home care settings across 19 counties in Central Illinois. They observe child behaviors, identify children who may have emotional and developmental needs, connect families to resources, and aid caregivers in understanding and guiding youth in their care.

When The Baby Fold creates strong foundations for the physical and emotional development of children, we not only impact their lifelong well-being, we build healthy, more vibrant communities for us all!

Local Kids Give Selflessly to The Baby Fold

Generosity knows no age, and the compassionate actions of two local children have recently shown how even the smallest gestures can make a big impact.

One local 7-year-old recently held a lemonade stand to raise funds for The Baby Fold to support other adopted children just like him.

In another touching display of kindness, a 5-year-old celebrated her birthday by asking for donations to The Baby Fold instead of receiving presents.

Their generous actions demonstrate that everyone, no matter how young, has the power to impact others and foster a spirit of giving!

Introducing The Baby Fold's Board of Directors

Since 1902, The Baby Fold's governing body has comprised of dedicated and passionate individuals who bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to The Baby Fold's mission and the children we serve.

Our fiscal year 2025 Board of Directors consists of 23 members, each bringing a wealth of diverse backgrounds, interests, and expertise. Together, their knowledge will be instrumental in helping The Baby Fold make lasting, positive impacts on the lives of children and families and enhance the health and wellness of the communities we serve.

To highlight the diverse talents driving our organization's success, we're featuring two Board members each month. First are Board Chair Rev. Dr. Kent-King Nobles, Co-Lead Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Normal and father of three, and Board Vice-Chair Tom Carroll, owner of TMC Leadership Consulting, Illinois State University professor, and certified yoga instructor.

"I have been aware of The Baby Fold's impact for decades, even before my wife and I moved to this area. The Baby Fold is renowned as one of the most effective and efficient service agencies in Illinois, with a proven track record of making a profound difference in the lives of children and families.

"By supporting The Baby Fold, you are investing in a brighter future for our community and ensuring that vulnerable children receive the care, education, and opportunities they deserve. Donations directly support a trusted organization that consistently delivers life-changing services to children and families in need. Being part of an organization with such a significant and positive influence is deeply fulfilling."?

"When I graduated from Illinois State University in 1984, my first employment was at The Baby Fold. The essence of our work was defined by a genuine love and dedication to children and families. There, I met my wife, and for 28 years, we have raised our family, drawing on the knowledge we gained as staff.

"From employee to manager, donor, and now Board Member, I see first-hand, the importance of The Baby Fold's life-changing work in the community, so I continue to engage with their mission.

"Whether you support The Baby Fold with your time, talents, or financial contributions, know that your generosity makes a real difference in a child's life. Every single contribution has an impact!"

From Classroom to Cosmos - One Student's Starry Success!

Her fear of balloons made her nervous to step into the inflatable module to see the digital simulation of the night sky and its celestial bodies. However, with the help of her teacher therapists and the excitement of her peers, the Hammitt School student cautiously decided to enter. Her face instantly lit up with excitement as she explored the beauty of the stars and planets before her.

That day, this sweet student - and many more - left with an unforgettable experience and a newfound sense of wonder about our universe.

Quality programming like Star Lab helps special education students at The Baby Fold's Hammitt School to keep learning and growing over the summer months.

Thank you University of Illinois Extension, for bringing Star Lab to Hammitt School and giving our students a five-star experience!

The Festival of Trees is Coming to Town!

Plans are well underway for The Baby Fold’s 31st?annual Festival of Trees! Mark your calendars because Central Illinois’ premier family-focused fundraiser is returning to The Interstate Center in Bloomington, November 21-23. The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees features enchanting holiday displays, dazzlingly decorated trees, and festive activities for the whole family, with 100% of the proceeds supporting The Baby Fold's life-changing programs.

Community partners are investing in local kids and families by sponsoring The Festival of Trees. Over 60 businesses and individuals have already signed up to help children served by The Baby Fold while receiving extensive marketing benefits before, during, and after the event.?Sylvester Family Dental,?Radio Bloomington,?CEFCU, and Wm. Masters, Inc.,?are just a few of the exemplary businesses invested in the health and wellbeing of our youngest citizens. To view the growing list of companies who care,?click here.?