Bright Promises Foundation

A Legacy of 157 Years, and Growing 🌟

For more than 150 years, Bright Promises has shown up—for children, families, and communities across Chicagoland. Our work has been rooted in a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves the support, resources, and opportunities to reach their full potential.

That belief has guided generations of leadership, partnership, and community investment. It has shaped how we listen, how we fund, and how we stand alongside organizations creating lasting change for children and youth.

On March 25, we celebrated 157 years of impact—and a future full of possibility. This milestone is not just a reflection of longevity, but of relevance. It represents decades of evolving alongside communities, responding to what children and families truly need, and fueling solutions that strengthen systems and expand access to opportunity.

Our legacy continues to grow because of community members like you. Your partnership helps ensure that children and youth are not only supported today, but empowered for tomorrow, and for generations to come. Thank you for being part of this journey and for investing in the bright potential of young people across our region.🧡💛

Learn more about our work and the future we’re building together: www.brightpromises.org

Bright Promises is proud to celebrate and honor Jay Rosenbloom as he retires from the Bright Promises Board of Directors after 13 incredible years of service.🌟

Throughout his tenure, Jay has been a steadfast advocate for our mission, bringing both vision and deep commitment to our work. As the founder of Prep to Succeed, Jay helped advance opportunities for young people by ensuring they have access to the tools, mentorship, and confidence needed to pursue higher education and thrive beyond the classroom.🎓✨

His impact endures in every young person whose future is brighter because of this work. 💙

Thank you, Jay, for your extraordinary commitment to children, youth, and families across Chicagoland. We are so grateful for your leadership, heart, and support!🙏

A big thank you to Cynthia Townsend for joining Bright Promises as an Expert in Residence! ✨

Cynthia’s work strengthens early childhood systems, centers family and educator voice, and supports equitable practices that help young children build strong foundations for lifelong learning and well-being. We’re grateful she shared her experience, leadership, and commitment to children, families, and communities with us.

Explore her resources and insights on the Bright Communities Hub, and stay tuned for more from our Experts in Residence: brightpromises.org/bright-communities

Understanding emotions—especially the tough ones—helps children build lifelong empathy and emotional resilience. 🌱💛

Our SEL Expert in Residence, Cynthia Townsend, created an accessible, easy-to-use resource that turns classic fairy-tale characters into conversation starters about negative emotions. Adaptable for older youth and usable with a variety of books, it’s a friendly way to open up meaningful SEL conversations at home or in the classroom.

Scroll to explore this tool and support the children in your life as they grow their emotional awareness and confidence. 📚✨

Discover more of Cynthia's specially curated tools on the Bright Communities hub: https://www.brightpromises.org/story/bright-promises-welcomes-cynthia-townsend-as-sel-expert-in-residence