Northside Parents Network

By Christine Escobar

Northside Parents Network is a not-for-profit organization of neighborhood networks that began over 25 years ago and serves over 8,000 families in the city and nearby suburbs of Chicago. NPN is dedicated to offering families information, resources and community support and is completely volunteer run.

Benefits to Parents of Preschoolers

According to its website, 92% of NPN member families have children under age 5. The NPN newsletter, "Parent to Parent", is produced by members for members. The organization considers the newsletter one of the best ways of reaching its families with information, resources and community support.

The organization boasts over 22 social clubs, 20 support groups, 25 monthly social and support group events, 6 online directories and 6 school fairs. These programs include neighborhood groups localized by zip code, groups in nearby Evanston and Oak Park, groups for adoptive parents, parents of gifted children, over 40 parents, parents of multiples, parents under 30, same sex parents, stay at home dads, single moms, pregnant moms, working moms and new moms.

Resources for members also include: playgroups, childcare resources, periodic preschool, elementary and high school fairs, parent education classes, an online discussion board, clothing and gear swaps, and more.

Membership in Northside Parents Network

Annual membership is $40 and is tax-deductible. New members may join online with a credit card and gain access to the NPN website features such as the online school directory and discussion boards.