Stories of Hope: How Mentoring and Rental Assistance Changes Lives

Your generosity is helping FamilyForward create real, lasting change in the lives of families participating in our program. 

FamilyForward mentors Judy Hockenberry and Larry Sophian used their complementary skill sets to help a single mom conquer overwhelming debt and make a new start.

In the FamilyForward program, mentors support families, challenging and encouraging parents as they improve their circumstances and create stable households.

Giving Hope: Home for the Harvest was a festive celebration, raising crucial funds to help local families work toward financial stability. It was an impactful time to gather, give, and grow hope.

Rental-housing costs continue to be challenging for low-income families as they struggle to achieve affordable living. FamilyForward is here to help.

Mom and Dad J’s story is a heartfelt testimony about how finding the courage to ask for financial assistance changed their lives.

At FamilyForward, having a growth mindset is more than an idea — it’s a way forward. We are building stronger community connections to stay responsive to changing needs.

New board member Steve Young appreciates FamilyForward’s approach to supporting families by teaching them to “fish for themselves.”

With a wage level too high to qualify for state benefits but not enough to support her family, FamilyForward housing support and mentoring helped this single mom get back on track.

The financial guidance and personal support of volunteer mentors make a critical difference as parents in the FamilyForward program journey toward financial stability.

Read these observations from retiring Case Manager Pam Van De Walle, MSW, about how FamilyForward supports families on their journey 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.

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.

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.

Strong personal motivation, combined with the encouragement of FF staff and her mentors, made a big difference as “Grace” worked to gain financial stability.

Doug Hall believes that by “empowering those who have struggled financially, FamilyForward strengthens the broader community as a whole.”

Board Member Jennifer Strimling explains how FF works with NAHA to address the affordable-housing crisis in the northwest suburbs.

Thanks to her volunteer mentors, “Andrea” gained financial literacy, self-confidence and the ability to create a stable household.

Beverly Worthington, MA, ACNP, began serving as executive director of FamilyForward in October 2024. Learn more about her unique talents!

We are grateful to these local partner churches for helping to make the 2024 holidays special for the families in the FamilyForward program.