KALEIDOSCOPE is a not-for-profit, charitable child welfare organization helping kids throughout Chicago recover from abuse and neglect. All kids at Kaleidoscope have some "special need" -- physical, emotional, medical, psychological -- often as a direct result of their abuse.

The people who volunteer for, work for and donate to Kaleidoscope connect vulnerable children with what they need and deserve: loving families caring unconditionally so all kids have a chance to lead healthy, productive, independent and happy lives.

HISTORY & PURPOSE

In 1973, a group of concerned and caring people created Kaleidoscope to begin serving the hundreds of children who had been sent out of Illinois for care. Through a state initiative, these children were returned to Illinois and Kaleidoscope began accepting the children with the most complex emotional and physical problems that resulted from their traumatic abuse and neglect.

Kaleidoscope has a history of pioneering care for children and families that has gained national acclaim and created models for other programs around the world.

AN INNOVATIVE RESPONSE

Kaleidoscope recruits and rigorously trains foster parents to know what to expect and how to deal with challenging behaviors. These committed foster parents receive continuous support from a team of Kaleidoscope staffers, helping the child find stability through unconditional care from a family in a community.

PROGRAMS

All of Kaleidoscope's programs are designed to be nimble, creating services that match available resources with the needs of each child. Kaleidoscope teams are tailored to provide individualized plans of care that are culturally sensitive and build on each child's strengths.

FINANCE & GOVERNANCE

Kaleidoscope's fiscal year 2010 budget is $8.7 million, of which 88% goes directly to programs. Major sources of funding include government contracts, foundation, corporate and individual donations and special events. Kaleidoscope, Inc. is governed by a volunteer board of directors with Bill Binder serving as chair. Kaleidoscope is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable child welfare organization.

AWARDS

Kaleidoscope has received acclaim in Chicago and across the nation, including awards from The Annie E. Casey Foundation, The Points of Light Foundation, The Chesapeake Institute of Washington, D.C. and the Chicago Community Trust.