Relationships are central to everything we do. That’s why, in addition to nurturing our incredibly important long-term relationships, we are constantly seeking to develop new ones.
When people ask me what makes FamilyForward unique, I say, “Relationships.” What we do is relational, not transactional. Yes, we provide financial assistance through rent support, but the heart of what we do is about relationships. The relationships our mentors develop with the families in our program are critical to their growth toward financial and family stability. Other important relationships include those between our staff and the families (case management) and the staff and our mentors (support and guidance). Nothing about what we do is black and white — we adapt and meet families where they are, through relationships.
In addition to our programmatic relationships are those we forge as an organization with supporters and partners. As executive director, I am most focused on building awareness of FamilyForward and engaging more people to develop new partners, donors, volunteers and supporters. I continue to be amazed at the power of networking and how these connections develop into deep and enduring relationships. Even more exciting is how our relationships multiply as supporters reach out to their respective circles.
Harnessing the strengths of relationships
Several recent examples come to mind when I think about relationships. First, Becky Reel, recording secretary on our board of directors, hosted a Hawaiian-themed Fourth of July party, asking guests to donate to FamilyForward “in luau” of bringing a hostess gift. Becky’s relationship with FamilyForward has planted seeds in others that may sprout into new relationships with us in the future.
Another example comes from Dave LoSavio, a realtor at Mark Allen Realty in Arlington Heights. Dave recently became involved in FamilyForward’s advocacy work regarding local affordable-housing initiatives. Participating in the Schaumburg Business Association’s Lemonade Day event in June, Dave hosted a lemonade stand to teach business skills to local youth and donated the proceeds to FamilyForward and another worthy nonprofit, all the while posting on his large social media network. One relationship can multiply into many more connections.
After we met at a networking event at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Aldona Stefanczyk decided to host a special event to raise money and awareness for FamilyForward at her salon, Hair Addicts. She donated a percentage of profits from retail sales to FamilyForward. Our mission resonated with her work as a stylist to empower women. A new relationship developed, and she chose us as a partner to give back to the community.
Nurturing and building new relationships
These few examples help remind us that relationships are central to everything we do. That’s why, in addition to nurturing our incredibly important long-term relationships, we are constantly seeking to develop new ones. These relationships not only impact the families we currently serve, but also help to widen our spheres of support, ultimately empowering us to better assist those in need. It is exciting and energizing to see such relationships flourish.
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