Chicago Wolves Feature Center in Video

The Chicago Wolves, a community partner of the Center, created this video that documents the Center’s mission and visits to the Center by Wolves hockey player Jamie Hunt and former player Steve Martins.

Center Adopts New Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics Tree

The Code of Ethics Tree illustrates the values the Center has adopted. The idea for the drawing was suggested by the children. Drawing by Melina Kolb.

Respect, Education, Independence and Determination are the four core values the Center has adopted as part of its new Code of Ethics. The Code was developed by children and adults alike during group time over the past few months, where everyone was encouraged to contribute thoughts on how people should behave and think at the Center.

Among the Center’s values outlined in the Code are:

  • Using peaceful language and behavior, and de-escalating conflict
  • Being courteous in both my speech and behavior
  • Being eager both to learn and to teach
  • Never asking others to do for me what I can do myself
  • Developing a structured life
  • Setting realistic goals and achieving them
  • Always striving to make the world a better place

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Santa Visits the Center

Santa made his annual stop the Center on Dec. 17 to deliver long-awaited gifts. Thanks to Jackie Epstein, Jeff Gray and all of our Santa donors for making this event possible.


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Letters to Santa

As the Center’s holiday party on Dec. 17 draws closer, kids from the Center have worked hard on writing letters to Santa. Every year, the Center relies on generous people to be a Santa to one or more of our children. We would like to thank Jackie Epstein for helping us organize this effort. If you are interested in being a Santa, please contact Owen at info[at]sueduncanchildrenscenter.org.

Excerpt from Jasmine’s Santa letter:

Jasmine, 13, opens her gift at the 2009 party.

My name is Jasmine. I just turned 13 and I love it. I’m in the 8th grade and I’m having fun being in the 8th grade. I live with my great, great grandma. Being in the 8th grade is a lot of work, but I can handle it. Sometimes things can be difficult and hard to understand, but I still find a way to get through it. Have a very hard and strict teacher, but she is someone who cares and helps me get through things. My favorite subjects are reading and writing. I like these subjects because one day I want to become a writer and you need to know how to read and write in order to become a writer. Bet you didn’t know that I’m a fantastic writer. In my spare time I like to help around the community just to show my neighbors and my family I appreciate living there.

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Sue Duncan Makes Front Page of Chicago Tribune

Tribune photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo / October 4, 2010

The Chicago Tribune published a story about the lifelong work of Sue Duncan on the front page of Sunday’s edition of the paper.

Sue said in the story, “I wouldn’t be where I am now if I wanted to quit. No way. This is a critical part of my life. I have three wonderful kids and a house and a dog and a wonderful garden, but this is the raison d’etre, the reason for being.”

Read the article: Sue Duncan: A life of tutoring and uncommon kindness

Chicago Tribune Sue Duncan Photo Gallery