Passionate about child success.
I am Sharon Thompson, M.Ed., and founder of Friend of Minds. This is my passion project, developed from community work as Education Chair of Alderman Sophia King's North-Kenwood/Oakland Advisory Council, former CPS Parent Advisory Committee Chair, Early Childhood Education business consultant and my former role as CEO of Chicago Municipal Employes Credit Union.
Research reveals clear evidence of the longterm impact early learning has on our lives. Everyone begins life as a child and the most brain development in our lifetime occurs between birth and five. So to thrive, children require supportive environments; safe spaces, well-equipped learning environments, and positive interaction at home, school and in community.
Friend of Minds’ mission is to support early childhood education by strengthening connections within the ecosystem and increasing access to high-quality early childhood programs.
I invite you to join us in this pursuit as we help build capacity for child success.
Volunteer
Community
Become a Community Friend. Join our Resource Library.
Requirements
A passion for building community
A website that displays resources for families and preschools
Partner with Friend of Minds to strengthen community connections
Development
Become a Development Friend. Sponsor or work on capacity-building projects.
Requirements
A passion for building community
Willing to ask others for/provide financial support OR
Willing to help with/host fundraising activities