Stories of Hope: How Mentoring and Rental Assistance Changes Lives

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.

Exec. Dir. Beverly Worthington is inspired by how FamilyForward turns "thought bubbles" into opportunities, building family support systems.

On October 20, 2024, FamilyForward hosted it most successful Giving Hope event to date, raising over $80,000 to help low-income families.

Mom J's story is an inspirational testimony of how FamilyForward helped her adapt to changes and rebuild her life after a family tragedy.

As she prepares to move on from her role as executive director, Erica Chianelli reflects on her time at FF and the continuing mission.

Donna Anderson, one of FamilyForward’s longest serving leaders, has left the board of directors as of July 2024.

Finding financial stability varies for low-income families. How-to checklists are often inadequate. That’s where FamilyForward comes in.

FamilyForward co-founder Lou Walton has retired from the board of directors, effective May 2024, leaving a legacy of service and growth.

Thank you, Lou, and Paul, for your long-enduring enthusiasm and commitment to helping FamilyForward in its mission to strengthen families.

All of us, as members of communities who care for our neighbors’ well-being, have a call to actively take steps toward potential solutions.

When people ask me, “How, exactly, does FamilyForward empower people?” I respond, “We show up for them.”

As we enter 2024, FamilyForward is committed to finding new and inventive ways to address the mounting challenges our client families face.

We touched base with Carrie Miller, SLW, FamilyForward co-founder and first program manager, to share memories and advice for the future.

Tim Wayman discusses the rental-housing market and how FamilyForward is finding creative and effective ways to assist low-income families.

As one of our founders, Lou Walton has played an important part in the development and growth of FCH/FF over the past 20+ years.

Erica Chianelli looks back with gratitude on her first year as executive director of FamilyForward.

During our 20th anniversary year, we are looking toward the future as together we continue to empower low-income, working families.