As part of continued efforts to expand family services, the Center on Halsted hosted its annual family Halloween party Oct. 23. Roughly 55 guests gathered in the center's spacious youth lounge for an afternoon of games, costumes, candy, and arts and crafts.
"I think it's critically important for children of LGBT folks to see other families like themselves and not feel like 'I'm the only one with two moms or two dads or one mom or one dad,'" said Hope Barrett, senior director of public programs.
"The more we can have diverse representation of what family looks like," she continued, "hopefully we will be able to just provide a space where folks can feel comfortable and feel as if their families are represented and respected—like they're not some kind of oddball."
Children and their parents were invited to make Halloween masks, play with bubbles, and engage in organized activities such as language and board games. Most children were 6 or younger, a demographic Barrett said she hoped to target.
In the coming fiscal year, the Center on Halsted plans to roll out increased family activities and support networks, said Brian Richardson, director of public affairs. Barrett noted that families with older children can find resources through schools, while those with younger children often have a tougher time knowing which programming or pediatricians to seek out.
"Finding support and supportive spaces might be challenging… especially if you're new to the parenting world," Barrett said. "It can still be isolating for young families, [and] they might find it a little bit overwhelming."
The Center hopes to alleviate some of that isolation with upcoming events such as the annual holiday party and the newly minted family Pride event, to debut next June. The Center is currently hosting the 28th Annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival, which will run through Oct. 30.
Citing a recent and successful Spanish story hour that was organized by parents at the neighboring Inter-American Magnet School, Barrett encourages families to email culture@centeronhalsted.org with ideas or suggestions for new family programs.
As the Center on Halsted moves forward, Barrett said, one of its biggest concerns will be making sure families of all walks of life feel included and utilize the center's resources.
