Special Children’s Charities invests in the experiences that help children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities thrive. We fund trusted partners who deliver high-impact programs in athletics, arts, and community enrichment.
Through this partnership model, we complement public systems and direct resources to the opportunities that matter most, reaching individuals and families in every Chicago neighborhood.
With decades of experience and a commitment to empowerment, inspiration, inclusivity, community, and respect, we amplify programs that spark joy, connection, and lifelong growth for people with disabilities across the city.
Our Mission
Special Children’s Charities expands access to inclusive opportunities that support the growth, empowerment, and well-being of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Chicago.
Our Vision
A Chicago where every person with an intellectual or developmental disability can explore their interests, build meaningful connections, and fully participate in the life of their community.
Our Values
INCLUSIVITY
We champion inclusivity to celebrate the diversity among our participants and welcome everyone to compete, play and learn regardless of ability.
EMPOWERMENT
We ignite potential, fostering self-belief and action in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, guiding them toward their own paths of strength and fulfillment.
COMMUNITY
We stand as more than an organization; we are a place to call home. With deep roots in Chicago and the disability community, the programming we support fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie that resonates in the hearts and minds of all Chicagoans.
INSPIRATION
We serve as a source of inspiration, igniting hope and excitement for our participants and their families, and creating an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and possibility.
RESPECT
We foster a culture of respect, ensuring every individual feels encouraged and valued. We approach our work with empathy, kindness and understanding, recognizing the inherent value and humanity of every individual we serve.
What We Do
Special Children’s Charities partners with community organizations to fund inclusive athletic, educational, and life-enrichment programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By investing in trusted partners, we expand access to meaningful opportunities that help individuals thrive, support families, and strengthen communities across Chicago.
Our Approach
We believe the strongest impact comes from working together.
SCC uses a partnership-based funding model, investing in organizations that deliver high-quality programming rooted in community expertise and lived experience.
We focus on:
- Collaborative partnerships with trusted community organizations
- Citywide access to athletics, arts, education and enrichment
- Complementing public systems with flexible, responsive investment
- Programs that center choice, empowerment and inclusion
This approach ensures resources reach the experiences that matter most—directly and sustainably.
Our Partners
We proudly collaborate with the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, and cultural organizations to deliver opportunities in athletics, arts, and enrichment across all 77 neighborhoods.
Meet our partners
Our Team
Behind SCC’s impact is a passionate team of staff, board members, and volunteers dedicated to building a more inclusive Chicago.
Meet our board and staff.
Special Children’s Charities Staff
Josh Bucher
Senior Marketing Manager
Tapeca Carthan
Director of Finance
Katherine Hall
Development Manager
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Fran Hurley
President
Retired Illinois State
Representative of
35th District
Ray Baker
Vice President
Bridge – Dual Enrollment Program, Hinsdale District 86
Pam Munizzi
Secretary
Zachary Harbour
Treasurer
Executive Vice President
Harbour Contractors, Inc.
Board Members
Mike Andolina
Partner, White & Case LLP
Kam Buckner
Illinois State Representative
Carolyn Daley
Partner, Power Rogers Trial Lawyers
Tony DiPaolo
Senior Vice President,
LAZ Parking
Tom Gray
Seanache LLC
Marcie Harrison
The Harrison
Group, Inc.
Dan Koors
Retired
Jennifer Kramer
Sales Manager,
ACCESS Destination Services
Kevin Magnuson
Attorney/ NHLPA Licensed Agent, KO Sports, Inc.
Brenda McHugh
Terry Muldoon
Consultant, Capital Market Solutions
Sheila O’Callaghan
Retired, Chicago Public Schools
Matt O’Shea
Council Member, City of Chicago
Smita Shah
CEO, SPAAN Tech, Inc.
Jim “Skinny”
Sheahan
Chair, Development Committee
James M. Sweeney
President-Business Manager, Local 150
Mike Taylor
Head of Specialty Banking and the Chicago Market President, Old National Bank
Matt Urbaniak
Senior Operations Supervisor, Peoples Gas
Advisory Board Members
Sarah Burke
Director, Community Affairs, Northwestern Memorial Foundation
Colleen Doherty
Michael Sheahan, Jr.
East Lake Management & Development Co.
Associate Board
The Associate Board of Special Children's Charities is a dynamic group of young professionals dedicated to supporting the organization's mission by planning and participating in fundraising and volunteering events throughout the year.
Apply now
