Stories of Hope: How Mentoring and Rental Assistance Changes Lives

Join FamilyForward for Hope for Homes Day, July 16, and help raise critical, flexible funding to support our efforts to keep families housed in the NW suburbs of Chicago.

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s FamilyFOREward Golf Outing a success! Together we raised more than $20,000 to help strengthen low-income, working parents in the northwest suburbs.

Announcing FamilyForward Board of Directors leadership and member changes as of July 2026.

Thanks to the rental assistance and guidance from FamilyForward, ‘Becky’ developed the skills she needs to support her family independently.

When paired with mentoring and rental support, the debt-reduction matching program helps families create lasting change and move from crisis toward self-sufficiency.

At FamilyForward, it’s not all about the numbers: We look at the whole picture when evaluating family success stories.

As parents in the FamilyForward program find support, they grow in confidence and financial stability, building a better life for their children.

During National Social Work Month, and every month, we celebrate the heart, expertise and commitment of our social workers as they support FamilyForward families.

With the family support she received from her two volunteer mentors, “Monica’s” life soon began to change for the better.

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.