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Stories of Hope: How Mentoring and Rental Assistance Changes Lives
FamilyForward Blog: Finding Housing Stability for Families
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JOY STORIES: Early 2025 – Financial guidance and perseverance pay off
The financial guidance and personal support of volunteer mentors make a critical difference as parents in the FamilyForward program journey toward financial stability.
FamilyForward Staff
Jun 272 min read


Observations from the field: How FamilyForward supports families
Read these observations from retiring Case Manager Pam Van De Walle, MSW, about how FamilyForward supports families on their journey toward financial stability.
Sarah Harte
Jun 262 min read


Thank you, Pam Van De Walle, for empowering families to work toward financial stability
We are celebrating the countless contributions of Case Manager Pam Van De Walle, MSW, who retires on June 30 after serving FamilyForward families since 2014.
Sarah Harte
Jun 262 min read


COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Thank you, St. Theresa Catholic Church, Palatine
We are truly grateful for the ongoing support of St. Theresa Catholic Church for the many ways the compassionate generosity of its members helps sustain our work.
FamilyForward Staff
Apr 232 min read


‘Strategery’ during challenging times (aka: strategic planning)
We as a board of directors and staff, regardless of outside influences, will relentlessly pursue our mission to serve families in need of our support and guidance.
Tim Wayman
Apr 232 min read


Motivated mom finds financial stability
Strong personal motivation, combined with the encouragement of FF staff and her mentors, made a big difference as “Grace” worked to gain financial stability.
Sarah Harte
Apr 233 min read


BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Doug Hall brings analytical mindset to help families in need
Doug Hall believes that by “empowering those who have struggled financially, FamilyForward strengthens the broader community as a whole.”
Kris Mainellis
Apr 232 min read


What can we do about the affordable-housing crisis?
Board Member Jennifer Strimling explains how FF works with NAHA to address the affordable-housing crisis in the northwest suburbs.
Jennifer Strimling
Feb 284 min read


Mentoring boosts financial literacy and personal growth
Thanks to her volunteer mentors, “Andrea” gained financial literacy, self-confidence and the ability to create a stable household.
Sarah Harte
Feb 262 min read


Meet Beverly Worthington
Beverly Worthington, MA, ACNP, began serving as executive director of FamilyForward in October 2024. Learn more about her unique talents!
Kris A. Mainellis
Jan 283 min read


Special thanks to local partner churches for 2024 holiday support
We are grateful to these local partner churches for helping to make the 2024 holidays special for the families in the FamilyForward program.
FamilyForward Staff
Jan 282 min read


COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Thank you, St. John United Church of Christ, Arlington Heights
We would like to recognize and thank St. John United Church of Christ, Arlington Heights, for its long-term support of FamilyForward.
FamilyForward Staff
Jan 281 min read


Turning ‘thought bubbles’ into opportunities
Exec. Dir. Beverly Worthington is inspired by how FamilyForward turns "thought bubbles" into opportunities, building family support systems.
Beverly Worthington
Jan 282 min read


JOY STORIES: Late 2024 - Moving past paycheck to paycheck
Learn how parents moved past living paycheck to paycheck in these stories of hope from families in the FamilyForward program, late 2024.
Sarah Harte
Jan 222 min read


FamilyForward receives significant grant and legacy support from Congregational UCC of Arlington Heights
FamilyForward has been awarded a generous grant and ongoing legacy support from Congregational United Church of Christ of Arlington Heights.
Tim Wayman
Nov 11, 20242 min read


Welcome, Beverly Worthington!
We are very happy to announce that Beverly Worthington, MA, ACNP, has joined FamilyForward as our new executive director.
Kris Mainellis
Nov 11, 20242 min read


Giving Hope event raises $80,000 for families
On October 20, 2024, FamilyForward hosted it most successful Giving Hope event to date, raising over $80,000 to help low-income families.
Kris Mainellis
Nov 11, 20242 min read


Adapting and rebuilding after a devastating loss
Mom J's story is an inspirational testimony of how FamilyForward helped her adapt to changes and rebuild her life after a family tragedy.
Sarah Harte
Nov 11, 20242 min read


A Fond Farewell to Executive Director Erica Chianelli
Erica Chianelli helped raise the awareness and reputation of FamilyForward to new heights, laying the groundwork for our continued success.
Tim Wayman
Nov 6, 20242 min read


Reflections on time well-spent
As she prepares to move on from her role as executive director, Erica Chianelli reflects on her time at FF and the continuing mission.
Erica Chianelli
Nov 1, 20241 min read
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