Stories of Hope: How Mentoring and Rental Assistance Changes Lives

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

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

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

Donna Myers and Vince Kelley are making a difference, one family at a time, by serving as FamilyForward mentors.

With help from her FamilyForward mentors, Mom T achieved several successes. But the greatest success of all was a sense of hope.

Read these Joy Stories as of early 2024: Brief stories of progress and hope from four families in the FamilyForward program.

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

With a household budget and other strategies, “Stephanie” felt more in control of her money and had a toolkit to survive—and thrive.

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

For “Ellie” — and for many FamilyForward participants — the benefits of our program were more than just financial.

Mom L's story is a deeply moving and inspirational testimony of how her volunteer mentors gave her renewed hope and forward momentum.

FamilyForward is a not a traditional social services organization. Here are four characteristics that set FamilyForward apart.

As FamilyForward's 20th anniversary celebration continues, our very first mentor, Anne Mura, shares advice for current and future mentors.

Finding a career path and developing stronger finances helped “Maddie” maintain confidence and family stability, especially in trying times.

“Valerie’s” mentors helped her create a realistic budget so she could see how much she could actually afford to spend.

Mom W’s experience reminds us that change happens slowly. Many of the fruits of the FamilyForward program are not reaped until years later.

Mom J was able to rise above serious challenges and make significant progress toward a better life.

FamilyForward's unique mentoring program is one of the critical keys to families’ success as they work to break the cycle of poverty.

It’s back-to-school time! This family’s story demonstrates the importance of stable housing for children to learn and thrive in school.

Read these brief stories of progress and hope from three families in the FamilyForward program in late 2021.