CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
Lifting up our history, looking toward the future — with purpose and commitment.
From our beginnings back in 2003, and over the course of the last 20 years, FamilyForward has mobilized the community to provide help and hope for hundreds of families across the northwest suburbs. Throughout 2023, we are celebrating those who have made our accomplishments possible, from staff to community partners to dedicated supporters. At the same time, we are keeping our eyes on the future, and doing everything we can to make it bright for local low-income, working families. Join us!
Stories of Success From 20 Years at FamilyForward
We connected with several long-time leaders to collect their insights into the success of this organization. It was encouraging to hear their memories, stories and favorite highlights over the past two decades.
What emerged was a clear picture of the most significant objectives, strengths and achievements of FCH/FF.
20 Years of Transforming Lives, One Family at a Time
Read these stories related to our 20th anniversary!
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February 2023 MOVING FORWARD newsletter
Our History
Since 2003, FamilyForward (formerly known as Faith Community Homes) has been nurturing and building on the seeds planted by the churches of the Arlington Heights Ministerial Association.
It was a bold idea to come together to support, mentor, and subsidize housing for low-income families.
As our 501(c)(3) charitable organization has established roots and grown over the years, we continue to recognize and celebrate the vital partnerships of many faith organizations, individuals, organizations, businesses and government entities.
As the need only continues to increase, FamilyForward seeks to welcome more people and organizations to join our ongoing mission.
We enjoyed showcasing some of our history in the FamilyForward 20th anniversary display at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library throughout the month of March 2023.
20 YEARS OF ACTION
Together, we are inspiring hope and changing lives.
HISTORICAL TIMELINE
JANUARY 2002
Affordable Housing ideas planted with the Arlington Heights Ministerial Association by Interfaith Open Communities.
2003
First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights provides FCH with office space.
MARCH 2004
FCH receives its first grant, from Wheeling Township.
JANUARY 2010
FCH hires a part-time executive director, Charles Warner, who served in the role through 2021.
JUNE 2015
St. Viator High School, Arlington Heights, selects FCH as a site for student interns.
MAY 2018
Sarah Harte joins FCH as the new program manager.
NOVEMBER 2021
FF hires its next executive director, Erica Chianelli.
MARCH 2002
Arlington Heights Ministerial Association agrees to address local housing needs.
APRIL 2003
First mentors are trained.
JULY 2004
FCH gains 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service.
MAY 2012
Viatorian Community provides $7,500 grant to start a microloan program to assist FCH families with outstanding debt.
JANUARY 2016
FCH receives “Non-Profit Organization of the Year” award from the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.
DECEMBER 2018
FCH recognized as “Co-Community Organization of the Year” by the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce.
AUGUST 2022
FF Advisory Board established.
NOVEMBER 2002
Arlington Heights churches begin financial support of Faith Community Homes (FCH), now known as FamilyForward.
MAY 2003
FCH accepts its first family, an event recognized as the official launch of FCH.
2004
Sisters of the Living Word provides initial financial support for Sister Carrie Miller to become the first staff member of FCH. Sister Carrie served as program manager until June 2018.
NOVEMBER 2013
FCH begins working in Palatine at the invitation of several churches and the Township of Palatine.
MAY 2016
FCH opens a second office, in Palatine, with the donation of office space from a local business.
2019 - 2022
Beginning in 2019, FCH expands to serve families from Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg and Wheeling.
MORE TO COME!
Watch this space for more history in the making!
2003
Established Board of Directors and Executive Committee led by the Rev. David Russell and including Carrie Miller, SLW.
JULY 2003
FCH becomes incorporated in Illinois.
MAY 2005
First families graduate from the program.
AUGUST 2014
FCH hires two part-time case managers, Pam Van De Walle (still serving) and Tom Tucker (served through 2019), to assist a larger number of families.
2016 - 2019
FCH partners with First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights to involve FCH families in a weekly Family Night, with food, fellowship and educational opportunities.
JULY 2021
Faith Community Homes officially rebrands as FamilyForward (FF) to: (1) better convey its purpose and mission; (2) be more recognizable to those serving and being served; and (3) welcome more people and organizations to join the ongoing mission.