HYDE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD CLUB

5480 S Kenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60615

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Beth Parker 773-643-4062 x23 beth.parker@hpnclub.org

BABY PH.D. FOUNDER SARAH DIWAN JOINS HYDE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD CLUB STAFF
Club forges ahead with plans for early childhood program
Chicago, IL (October 21, 2010)…The Neighborhood Club’s Executive Director Jennifer M. Bosch
announced that Sarah Diwan, founder and director of the Baby Ph.D. Childcare Network, joins the staff
this week as Director of Early Childhood Programs. Diwan, who earned a Master’s and a Ph.D. from the
University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration, will collaborate with Abigail Hymen,
Director of Youth Programming, in developing a cohesive curriculum and delivering services for children
from infancy through high school.
“This is a dream come true for us,” says Bosch. “We’ve been hosting the Baby Ph.D. Resource Center
and daily activity workshops since July of 2009. About a year ago, we were able to offer our Tot Lot
parents the opportunity to take part in Baby Ph.D. activities on a drop-in basis. The response from our
parents has been incredibly positive. With Sarah in residence here on a full-time basis, we’ll be able to
expand our offerings for the youngest age group. Our expectation is that as these children move into
kindergarten, they will transition into our existing youth programs. With Sarah, we gain not only a whole
new clientele, but also an innovative thinker with deep roots in our community.”
A long time Hyde Parker and mother of two, Diwan founded the Baby Ph.D. Childcare Network and
Resource Center with significant support from the University of Chicago Childcare Initiative. The
Network provides professional consultation and support for in-home daycare providers, nannies, and
families of children ages 0-3. These activities are complemented by the Baby Ph.D. Resource Center
which provides childcare information and referral, a lending library, and activity workshops.
Previously, Diwan worked at the University of Chicago in mental health services research and as
coordinator of a maternal/child health training program at the School of Social Service
Administration. She also worked for several years as a clinical medical social worker in OB/GYN and
pediatrics. Her background also includes work in adolescent psychiatric services, another useful skill set
for the Club’s youth clientele.
“I hope that my work at the Neighborhood Club will increase the quality of support that we can provide
for parents and caregivers of young children. Providing fun and educational programming is key.” To
that end, the resource center currently hosts daily workshops including art, music, story time, sign
language, and play groups. Additions planned for the future include a “Dramatic Play Time” and a low-
stimulation “Just for Baby Time.”
Diwan’s joining the Neighborhood Club comes just after the Club’s receipt of a $200,000 capital grant.
Diwan says she is “excited to join conversations about the physical needs of the facility, especially with
reference to hosting young children.” “One of our first initiatives along these lines will be the addition
of a fenced outdoor play area for our littlest children,” said Bosch. “We’re also hoping to interest some
donors in helping us purchase developmentally appropriate equipment for our renovated indoor spaces.
Giving these kids a great start in life is couldn’t be more important.”
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ABOUT THE CLUB
Founded in 1909, the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club is dedicated to the support of youth ages 0-18 in a safe, nurturing
environment. We help neighborhood families and schools to develop healthy, well-rounded young people by providing
enriching activities, leadership models, a pride of place, and a sense of community. HPNC is a 501(c)(3) not for profit
organization. For more info, visit www.hpnclub.org, Facebook, or call 773-643-4062.