Bounce Children's Foundation

I love Bounce! I first heard of Bounce from a social worker when I was expressing my concerns and frustrations about wanting & needing more outings with my kids. Bounce makes it’s so easy to relax, have fun and connect with others similar to our family. Bounce staff & volunteers are always so friendly, welcoming & helpful. I love the countless events that are available there’s really something for everyone all year round. I couldn’t be more grateful, thank you Bounce sooooo much for creating amazing memories and letting my family be apart of the amazing community that Bounce has. The Facebook group was able to help me when I needed supplies for daughter & I’m so happy it exists.

Bounce gives us the chance to be a family, despite all the challenges.

Bounce provides services to medically compromised/ chronically ill children, helping them navigate life with a chronic illness. The Bounce Bashes are amazing events, and the Bounce resources (home kits, education resources, intranet for families, etc.) are without compare.

Bounce has for the last 10 years served kids and their families in our Chicagoland community to thrive. I’ve been lucky enough to attend countless events and see just how impactful the programming, the events, and the at home kits can be for families with critical and chronic illness.

I was a program summer intern at Bounce Children’s Foundation and it was the most influential learning experience I’ve got so far. I enhanced my skills with organization, planning, socialization, teamwork and communication. I loved working with a team and having people I could rely on for nonjudgmental advice and guidance. Going to the Bounce Events really opened my eyes. I grew up with a mental disability called ADHD which made my cognitive fuction and processing function slower than most kids. I had a hard time focusing and just processing information took 2x longer than most kids. I had to be in the easy classes because the regular classes went too fast for my brain. Growing up, I matured and learned to adapt to learning schedule to help my slower functioning brain process information faster and easier. It took YEARS though and the struggle and judgement from pears and adults did not help. Which is why Bounce Children’s Foundation really intrigued me. Their mission statement and their own companies values made me realize there is a non judgmental place for kids with disabilities. When I went to cypress cove I saw all the kids in wheelchairs, kids with other physical disabilities, and kids who had chronic illnesses, all playing together. It was really beautiful to see such a supportive community where everyone had a very similar experience. When I went to chi-town drive in movie, I was running around getting people water bottles, snacks, and Catherine, our Program Manager, was getting them their mad lib exercises. I was so out of breath since there were alot of families. I was talking to this one girl crystal and her sister while I was still breathing heavily and they were laughing and stuff since we were talking about Hello Kitty and Anime. They were so relaxed and calm while I was still breathing heavily from all the running around. This is when I had an epiphany that made me chuckle. We at Bounce are always exhausted, running around at events and even behind the scenes, so our families can be as relaxed and comfortable as possible at our events. That’s what Bounce is about. Making families feel safe, comfortable and relaxed. And if we have to be huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf then so be it. As long as these families have a sense of belonging, safety and comfortability it is all worth it. There were times when I was in the office at Bounce and I would just cry because of how happy I was to be apart of something so beautiful and special. It made me think back to the days when I was a kid I would’ve loved a company like this. It like healed my inner child which is why I got so emotional sometimes. I am so glad that this company exists and I’m glad they created a legacy that will last a very long time. I love you Bounce, and all the families that are apart of the Bounce family.

Love,
Adrianna Kandilakis, previous program intern

I was so incredibly greatly to be a first-time volunteer at the Best Bites fundraiser held in February. The amount of support and resources that went into making this event a success was Herculean - - matching the dedication of the Bounce staff, board member and many volunteers that devote their time to such a worthy cause. It was amazing to see so many people come together for one goal…to raise money to provide memory making experiences for families that might night otherwise have the opportunities! Kudos to Bounce!

Bounce has been a tremendous resource for me and my family! Bounce Academy has helped my mother and family be able to get through so many tough times and we truly cannot thank them enough.

I love what Bounce is doing for hundreds of children and their families out there!

Bounce has been very influential for my family and helps out children who are in need better than any other organization in the Chicago area. I recommend Bounce to any family who needs it!

Bounce is an amazing organization that has provided hundreds of families with opportunities and experiences that they never would have had otherwise!

This non profit understands resilience, which is something that our society needs more than anything these days. Bounce's goal is to help these families experience new things as well as creates a community of people able to support them. Bounce is the best!

I love Bounce's commitment to their mission of transforming the lives of chronically ill children, and their families. Events are always very heartfelt and is such a nice way to connect to other families experiencing the same things.

Bounce has been wonderful for our family. We get to go on adventures we might not do on our own. We get to connect with other families with children with chronic illnesses and diseases and the sense of community is vital to our family’s wellbeing.

Bounce has provided many opportunities for my family that we wouldn’t normally be able to do. We enjoy being apart of this organization. We receive amazing boxes with activities and treats as well! The Bounce organization is definitely a God sent.

Great people, great nonprofit, love the way they treat others. The events are immaculate. They receive you with huge smiles and are very caring and loving.

Bounce has been a great way for me to get involved in giving back to the Chicago community. I have been apart of this nonprofit for a little less than a semester and I am just so impressed by all the amazing people that work at Bounce to help those families go from surviving to thriving.

Bounce provides amazing support to families that need it!

Bounce is a breath of fresh air for families and volunteers. I encourage anyone who wants to help a good cause to get involved with Bounce!

Bounce is an incredible organization that provides kids and families with hope. Through fun events, educational forums and a handful of other programs, Bounce builds a community and support system for kids with chronic illness and their entire family. No other organization does what Bounce does!

Bounce helps chronically ill children have the experiences of a lifetime. Organizing different events that are inclusive to all conditions, Bounce allows these children to not only survive but thrive. Working with Bounce has allowed me to see firsthand the enthusiasm and passion with which the organization operates. Keeping all eyes on the mission, Bounce charges on making an impactful difference in the lives of children in need.

Amazing organization that helps supports families in their time of greatest need. Proud to volunteer and help support the families and the charity!

The Bounce Foundation is family. My son had health challenges and becoming apart of this foundation put a smile on his face. When my son passed the out pouring of love that was shown was truly appreciated. I am so thankful for them to let me still be apart of foundation.

Bounce is an amazing organization that help families who would not have the time to plan fun events that Bounce plans. Everything is always included in the event all families have to do is show up! As a dedicated volunteer to Bounce, it is amazing to see how they can reach so many families with such a small team.

I was introduced to Bounce when “Women Giving Back” (the charitable group, of which I am a proud member) chose this worthy organization to be the recipient of one of our donations. I was so impressed with their mission that I gladly offered to work on their New YEAR’S EVE activity project. I have been volunteering ever since. Under the leadership and creativity of Joan and the enthusiasm of Don, Bounce does so much to support and bring joy to the these special families. Seeing their responses is heartwarming and inspiring. It is such an honor to volunteer for such an amazing foundation.

Bounce has made my child feel special. He deals with a few autoimmune diseases and a couple mystery illnesses no one can figure out. This is very difficult for him and us. He doesn’t like looking different and gets embarrassed which is hard breaking. His face lights up when he gets the bounce package in the mail. Being able to attend baseball games or get tickets for other events makes him feel special. Thank you Bounce for everything you do!

We greatly appreciate Bounce for their engagement with my son as well as our entire family with "Bounce Kits" and events. It's a well-run, engaging organization that is very focused on full family needs.

Bounce is a wonderful organization that helps make our family feel less isolated and helps our kids feel special. It is comforting to have the bounce community where everyone understands what it is like to have a medically complex child.

An amazing group that brings cheer to our house during tough times.

Bounce is truly an incredible organization and I am so proud to be a part of this mission. Supporting both the kids and their families through a variety of year-round engagements makes a genuine difference in their every day lives. The compassion and support given to the families is inspirational and unforgettable.

I have been working for Bounce Children's Foundation for the past 4 months. Bounce provides unique support to families in really challenging situations and give them a chance to smile, have fun and enjoy life. Kits, parties and special events take the planning out of the work which makes a challenging event easier. Bounce touches the hearts of member families and creates lasting memories for Bounce kids, their siblings and their parents.

Bounce is truly one of a kind. The mission of the organization and how it touches not just the kids in need but their families also, inspires everyone who comes into contact with Bounce to want to continue helping out in any way they can. I've loved everything about my two years being involved with Bounce and am grateful for the opportunity to help make a difference!

Bounce has been wonderful for our family. We really enjoy the Bounce Boxes filled with treats and activities, especially during the pandemic. We look forwards to going to in-person events with Bounce in the future!

We love partnering with the families at Bounce Children's Foundation! Over the years, UMPS CARE Charities has provided these families with unique opportunities to go to ballparks and meet umpires, and during COVID, our umpires have had a blast playing bingo with the kids and answering baseball questions on Zoom. The staff at Bounce is super organized and makes our jobs easy (and fun)! We cannot wait until we can bring these families back to the ballpark again!!

Bounce has offered so many great events and experiences for so many families! Thank you Bounce!

This organization helps bring families a sense of normalcy, especially during these challenging times.

We LOVE Bounce!!! This organization helps us feel like we can do anything as a family. Having a child with special needs it very hard. Bounce has events that help us be a normal family and gives my child in his wheelchair a chance to do fun things and to feel normal. Bounce makes sure that events are accessible for everyone! The best organization out there!!

Bounce has brought go our family very valuable moments that in reality, we wouldn't be able to do without their help and every time it's memorable. They help in every way they can and our family appreciates all their hardwork. Thanks Bounce \u2764

it is an excellent program! For my son, the best! They treat us all like family, organized and responsible.

Bounce is a fantastic organization that is meeting the needs of children with chronic illness and their families. I love that Bounce serves the entire family by inviting siblings and parents to events, as well as programs such as Bounce Academy and Bounce Net that provides continued support, learnings and community for the parents. During the pandemic being able to provide families with Bounce Back Kits has been instrumental in keeping their spirits and hopes up during these unprecedented times. It's a joy being involved in such a worthwhile organization and I look forward to watching Bounce grow to serve more and more families nationwide.

I have been working with Bounce for a few months now and have loved every minute of it. This organization works tirelessly to support the families in their organization. Families dealing worth chronic illness are able to connect with one another at events such as mini golf or a sporting event. Bounce hosts information events, gives donated sports tickets, hosts fun events, and provides support to hundreds of families dealing with chronic illness. An overall great organization committed to helping those in need.

In my time at Bounce, I have had my eyes opened up to a whole new world! I initially joined the team because I wanted to give back to the community over the summer, and the work I have been introduced to has been very rewarding. Hearing the passion of those who serve Bounce's mission and hearing from the Bounce families always warms my heart. Being able to bring joy to others and give them lifelong memories is what makes Bounce such a special organization. I am so happy to have the chance of being apart of helping to make it happen.

Bounce has such an important mission of providing resources & fun experiences to chronically ill kids!!

CEO Joan Steltmann is wonderful and has been doing great things for others for a long time!!

GREAT org, GREAT team— the CLOZTALK team is honored to call Bounce our partner!!

CLOZTALK team
>> Jonny Imerman, co-founder

With a family with a medically complex 10 year old and a 15 year old sibling with special education needs, Bounce has been there for us during our difficult challenges. They have provided opportunities to spend time with other families with medical difficulties, events for our family to reconnect and for awhile to forget about our problems, packages generously provided & packaged by others to help us get keep smiling. Bounce events are one of the only places my son can let go and not worry about what other people think about having feeding tubes, medical problems, etc. Many events and packages have occurred around another surgery, most recently this month. It was something fun and positive to look forward to. We felt so alone before Bounce, and now we have a HUGE extended family of friends to talk with and share our struggles.

Bounce Children’s Foundation has been a welcoming beacon in our family’s life. Our son was born with Norrie, a rare genetic disease that left him blind since birth. Bounce has provided us with a support system of families that understand some of the challenges we face. And most importantly, they know that our kids are regular kids who just want to have fun too! Bounce has given us access to some pretty awesome opportunities and events, and we will always be grateful to them!

We are new to Bounce but love it already.
We received a welcome kit & both my kids enjoyed it 4yr & 15yr.
So thankful during these uncertain times.
Being home has been tough especially when our outings are doctor appointments.
Missing the outside world.

For the past several years, Bounce has generously provided group activities and care packages for our daughter. With these activities we have had the opportunity to participate in outings we would not otherwise have the easy access to due to our daughter's needs. Participating in group outings and meeting other families is also a huge bonus. Having a child with medically complex needs can be very isolating, and this group helps bridge us together.

Bounce is AMAZING!!! And will always hold a special place on my families hearts. Bounce goes above and beyond for the kids, and families. As the mom of a medically complexed 8 year old little boy, we don’t get to do much as family between appointments, treatments, hospital stays and that all changed when we learned about Bounce Children’s Foundation. When we attend Bounce bashes, I’ve seen my son make friends, be himself, and just be a kid. I will always cherish the memories, both past and in the future, that Bounce made possible for us. Everyone at Bounce are wonderful.

Bounce is doing wonderful things for families of children with special needs. We have the opportunity to participate in great events (that we don’t have to plan!) that we know will work for our family. At these events we get a break from the stress of our daily lives and can have some fun! We also can interact with others with similar circumstances which builds a sense of community that we all need. Our family is so thankful for Bounce!

Hello! My name is Amy and I am an intern for Bounce. The CEO, Joan Steltmann, reassured that even with COVID-19 altering the world as we know it, Bounce Children's Foundation would still continue to serve Bounce Families even if it means shifting the way that programs and outreach is done. Through all of these uncertain times, working for Bounce has given a purpose to my days and affirmed why I applied to be an intern in the first place. Joan has so much love and support for everyone that she interacts with and I cannot wait to continue my summer work with Bounce.

Bounce is a unique organization that does something no other organization out there does. They truly make a lasting impression on the families they serve. Everyone involved in this organization is invested in the mission and it shows through their work. Whether it be a staff member, Board of Director or a volunteer, they all play a key role in the impact Bounce has on the children and families it serves.

I have had the amazing opportunity to work closely with Bounce families. It is a touching to see the joy Bounce brings to these families. Whether it be an everyday activity or a once in a lifetime opportunity, Bounce does it all. Providing families with a little normalcy in their everyday life helps them build the resilience they need to overcome yet another setback.

My name is Dominika and I've been blessed to be a part of this organization for the past few months. I'm an intern here but also I volunteer at their events. Words can describe how dedicated and carrying they are at Bounce. They take care of everyone in the family that is a part of their program. They go above and beyond to help those in need. I'm proud to say that I work every day on helping them on every day program operation and management. They do so much more than what their mission is. They connect families making life long friendships. I'm lucky to learn from every team member so many new things every day.

Hello! My name is Nicole and I've been volunteering for Bounce Children's Foundation. It has been such an honor to volunteer for such a moving and unique nonprofit. For years I have dedicated my life to children from being a Preschool Teacher, to dressing up as a princess at birthday parties but this foundation genuinely warms my heart. Not only does it succeed at assisting families whose children are chronically ill, but Joan (the CEO) and employees that I am surrounded with make every day THAT much better. Here, I am treated as family and although there are days that may be hectic and full of work to do, every day is satisfying and everything gets accomplished as a team. I could not speak more highly of such a dedicated team of people. I can't wait to continue volunteering and watch this company grow and help more families around the country.

Hello we are the Ollie family we have been members of bounce for about 4 years now. My son who is 15 now is in a wheelchair and has cerebral palsy. They have given us the most memorable times we could ever imagine. I never thought we could go out and do so much by him being in a wheelchair. This is one of the greatest organizations I have ever been apart of. I recommend all families that I think can benefit from becoming a bounce member. Thanks so much for all you do love the Ollie Family!

Bounce Children's Foundation has a unique mission to support sick or disabled children as well as their parents and siblings through enrichment, fun activities. We contribute financially, but more importantly volunteer at their many events.
The organization is run out of the amazing CEO's , (Joan Steltman) home to conserve resources. It is truly a unique mission

As a marketing/communications intern for Bounce, I have been able to experience the inner workings of this great organization. The small staff is dedicated and passionate about helping families impacted by chronic illness, pushing themselves in order to create the most impact with the time and resources they have. Joan, CEO of Bounce, has a strong forward-thinking focus that elevates the foundation. I have also had the opportunity of attending a Bounce Bash and the feelings of joy and relief from the families in attendance was almost tangible. Everyone was smiling and happy to be apart of such a relatable and safe community. Incredible events, incredible mission, incredible people.

I'm an intern at Bounce and I've loved working here so far! They truly run the business with integrity, always putting the families first. They are very organized in going about projects and they really show their appreciation for us interns! I love being invited into the whole process, team meetings and all, and being given the space to share my ideas and propose new projects. My favorite part about working at Bounce is getting to meet the families at Bounce Bashes. When we work, we know that we're doing everything for them and it's so fulfilling knowing that we are creating a fun and stress free atmosphere for Bounce kids and their families! If you are looking to support or get involved with a great non-profit, I definitely recommend Bounce Children's Foundation.

As an intern at Bounce I have come to find that the team really does go above and beyond to improve these families lives. It can be extremely tough when one of your children is dealing with a chronic illness, as it greatly affects the whole family. However, through Bounce's many programs they are able to make dealing with this much easier, as well as change their situation from surviving to thriving. Being an intern at the organization I saw this first-hand. I also got to see all the hard-work, planning, and care that goes into each event, care package, and fundraiser that makes the organization work for the families. I could not be more proud to have spent my time helping an organization like this improve.

Bounce is an amazing foundation that is very well-run and inspirational!
I've loved interacting with its members and the people the foundation serves.

As an employee, my favorite part about Bounce is it takes into account what you are interested in learning, not just where your experience lies. They give you opportunities to broaden your horizons and introduce you to new skills. I have learned more from my one semester of interning than I could have sitting in class all year long. And looking at Bounce from a family's perspective; it is unique, it is considerate, and it is generous. I am constantly overwhelmed by the generosity of donors and sponsors who are so invested in this cause that they are willing to come back year after year with more donations. It is always a pleasure joining the families for events to see all those days of hard work pay off in smiles and new memories. Bounce is an incredible organization. I am proud to have been a member and I am eagerly looking forward to their expansion.

Bounce's incredible staff dedicates themselves to creating thoughtful fun, excitement, and adventure for the children and the whole family, and their specific needs. Everyone is so nice to work with, and genuinely care about what they do and what Bounce represents. Once you join Bounce, you're really joining a great community full of love and support.

This is an incredible opportunity for their interns. I am very thankful for what this organization has done for me. I have grown in my skills, knowledge, and experience in Non- Profits. The nonprofit has and will continue to do great things within the community.

After spending literally years inside the hospital with my daughter, who has been in treatment for pediatric cancer, it has been so wonderful to be able to spend time together as a family at awesome events that we would never have been able to go to on our own. We just went on a lunchtime cruise on the Spirit of Chicago at Navy Pier over Memorial Day weekend, and it was fabulous! Thank you so much to Bounce Children's Foundation for giving my daughter and my two sons the opportunity to be able to enjoy life to its fullest!

As a volunteer here at Bounce, I have seen the impact it has had not only on the children it serves but the families too. This foundation creates a safe space for the families to bond with one another, and for the children to be children again. No child should have to deal with any of the disorders, diseases, or complications that many of them experience. I love volunteering with them and consider it one of my favorite things I have ever done. To see the smiles on the children's faces alongside all of the giggles and laughs, this would brighten anyone's day.

Since joining Bounce, it has been life-changing for me to witness the importance of bringing some sense of normalcy into the lives of chronically ill children and their families. It hit me at my first Bounce Event this past weekend: I saw the smiles on the faces of the children and their families, and how happy they were to live life normally for a few hours. Their minds shifted away from their illness, and instead to the joy they had on that Sunday afternoon, running around and having fun like every child deserves.

The organization has been wonderful on our recent journey with a child with a terminal illness and her two shattered siblings. We have enjoyed the activity boxes they sent and 2 of us had a wonderful day in the City attending a Cubs game courtesy of them. We are looking forward to the camraderie of meeting other families in a similar struggle.

They are great and help out our family

They are doing great and are awesome people thank you for all you do for the families

Bounce has been awesome providing fun events for our kids and sending the bounce kits

They communicate so clearly. Their events are super fun and easy to be a part of. Their hearts are in the right place. My children and I would never have been able to do the things we\u2019ve done without Bounce.

We had a great time at the roller skating event! We were well serviced, the people were extremely kind and ready to offer their help. My sister (she has cerebral palsy) had a great time, the smile on her face is indescribable. Thank you Bounce!

From the perspective of a Bounce sibling, it’s been amazing to see my little brother attend such incredible events and make new friends through Bounce. The staff and volunteers have been extremely supportive and they make family time special for us! In fact, my positive interactions with Bounce led me to seek out a larger role and now I’m volunteering with the organization. My appreciation for Bounce continues to grow every day because I see how much joy it brings to chronically-ill children and their families! I am very grateful to be a part of the Bounce family and I’m excited to see Bounce continue to impact so many lives!

What i see is an organization that gets people together to show people do care

Our family loves BOUNCE!! Bounce helps our family go to events that we would never be able to go to. We have met some great families that we have become friends with. These events help us be able to enjoy family time with our boys and forget all our worries for a day. The staff is amazing and very supportive!!!

I'm a newer board member but I'm thrilled to be part of such a special organization. The impact that Bounce has for the children and their families is truly incredible.

Bounce is great!!! Bounce plans lots of fun activities.

Bounce is a wonderful organization!! It helps us to get together with other families that we can relate to and to meet up with friends that don't live nearby. Bounce also gives us the opportunity to expose our children to places and activities that we can not afford to visit on our own. It is a great learning and cultural experience for the children to be able to visit a museum or dance company. We are so appreciative of the opportunities provided by Bounce!

Bounce is an incredible resource for sick children and their families. We have been thanked profusely by parents we have referred to Bounce and were thrilled with the services they provide. We are so grateful to have them to partner with in meeting the many needs of chronically ill children.

Bounce brings our family together and we get to spend time other families.

Bounce is amazing because it focuses on what makes a child feel like a normal kid. For a few hours, a kid isn't just their illness. On top of that, it provides this feeling for the entire family. Such an important thing that is too often overlooked

I have had the opportunity to get to know some of the amazingly strong families that Bounce works with. Not only is Bounce unique in their service compared to any other organization, but Bounce truly makes a memorable and lasting impact on all parties involved.

It is truly an honor to serve Bounce Children's Foundation. There is nothing that can prepare one to be, to grow up alongside, or to raise, a chronically ill child. That's why Bounce exists - to help all who are impacted find a new normal, re-balance their lives, and connect with a group to feel that special sense of belonging.

Bounce builds community for chronically ill children and their families - until cures can be found. And it is unique, only Bounce offers this life-changing support and builds the resilience skills needed to move from simply surviving to truly thriving!

With 15%-18% of U.S. children battling chronic illness daily, we have much more work to do.
Each and every day we focus on growing Bounce while delivering the best quality programs possible. Thankfully we have dozens of talented and dedicated volunteers supporting our efforts and countless donors who make our work possible. Their contributions and Bounce’s impact is highlighted throughout our internet and social media presence at www.BounceChildrensFoundation.org and www.Facebook.com/BounceChildrensFoundation.

My experience with Bounce has been an incredible one. As a volunteer, I have been able to see the impact it has on the kids and the families. The programs it provides are truly invaluable.

I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about Bounce! As a volunteer there are endless opportunities to get involved with this organization. Depending on your interests, availability, and skill set there are a variety of tasks you may partake in to help serve Bounce kids and families. Regardless, each task and contribution is meaningful, appreciated, and respected. It's also fun! It is inspiring to see how every member of the team from the Board of Directors to Volunteers are equally invested to the mission. Within my first couple of days interacting with the Bounce Team, I realized that these individuals are so engaged and passionate about serving kids with chronic illnesses and their families that there is only talk proceeded by action (and a lot of it). It is nothing short of amazing. From a volunteer standpoint, I am in awe. From a volunteer's standpoint who struggled with a chronic illness growing up, I am grateful. When I was a kid there was no such thing as Bounce. I am so happy that Bounce is there to support kids and families. It's so deeply needed. I can't wait to see all the great things Bounce continues to do in the next few years!

Bounce is a wonderful organization which genuinely aims to aid children with chronic illnesses.