Stories of Hope: How Mentoring and Rental Assistance Changes Lives

Families in our communities — our neighbors — continue to face ever-rising housing costs without earning a living wage, making it challenging to remain housed.

Greg Ford has retired from the FamilyForward Board of Directors, leaving a legacy of affordable-housing advocacy and other important work to help families in need.

FamilyForward is rising to the challenge of today’s affordability crisis, working with supporters to ensure more families can achieve lasting financial stability.

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

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

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.

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.”

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 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.