Humble Beginnings
An Inspired Start!
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Founder Erica Hilgart never intended to start a nonprofit organization. New to Oak Park, she was struggling in her role as a mother to three children. Attending a Musikgarten class in Oak Park, she was struck with the stark dividing line of resources available for families between Oak Park and Austin.
With her experience as a former CPS teacher on the west side of Chicago, she had the idea to create a similar parent-child music class in the Austin neighborhood. In January 2016 that idea came to life. Boppin' Babies & Toddlers Music Class held its first class – made possible with the help of friends, family, and space provided by the By the Hand Club. Each week the class grew as families spread the word and invited friends to class. In the second semester of 2016, the class had grown to 14 committed families with 16 babies and toddlers. Each step led to the next — including the purchase of the house on the corner of Pine & Race in Austin — to be the future parent-child center for music classes, parent support groups and parenting courses, and private counseling. |
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Donate to help our future be as bright as our start.
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