Family success stories: A holistic approach

At FamilyForward, it’s not all about the numbers: We look at the whole picture in evaluating the success stories of the families in our program.

‘What’s your success rate?’ 

This is a question we are often asked at FamilyForward, usually with the expectation of a clear percentage or statistic. In truth, the answer depends on how you define “success.”

Defining success stories quantitatively

For the parents in our family program, some of their success stories are measurable — landing a higher-paying job, reducing debt, or building up savings. For example: In the most recent program cycle (2023-2025), 86% of families successfully completed the full two-year program, demonstrating sustained commitment to the hard work of change.

Furthermore, the 18 families completing the program within this cycle achieved an average 29% increase in earned income and an average 61% reduction in debt through strategic budgeting and debt-reduction support. Families also increased their savings by an average of $5,500, creating an essential cushion for future emergencies and reducing the risk of housing instability.

Looking at the whole story

But many success stories are qualitative and deeply personal. Every family has their own story, their own circumstances, and their own goals. That’s why each family has their own volunteer mentors — to help them identify a path that works for them. FamilyForward volunteer mentors understand that success is not a single milestone; it is the consistent effort families put into moving forward. It is seen in the small steps: chipping away at the to-do list, staying engaged, and refusing to remain stagnant. At FamilyForward, success is the steady accumulation of those small actions that lead people closer to their goals.

With the encouragement of their mentors, families work hard to reach small, but often significant goals. Cumulatively, these small success stories create a holistic story of remarkable growth and change. Here are some examples:

• Opening a savings account and arranging for 5% of each paycheck to be directly deposited into the savings account.

• Calling the financial-assistance department of a hospital to apply for a reduction in a hospital bill.

• Applying for a secure credit card, and getting approved. Making regular, monthly payments on that credit card to boost the credit score.

• Completing the FAFSA application as the first step in going back to school.

• Calling the collections agency to negotiate a pay-to-remove settlement for an old bill.

• Submitting paperwork to begin the process of seeking child-support payments from the child’s father.

• Saying “no” to a family member who asks to borrow money and has a track record of never paying it back.

• Making a will so the child will be protected, just in case.

• Calling around for quotes and eventually switching to a less-expensive car insurance carrier.

• Making morning coffee at home instead of relying on the drive-through.

• Reducing discretionary spending for three months in a row.

• Arranging for the child to be evaluated for possible developmental delays by early-intervention professionals.

These success stories do not translate into pie charts, graphs, or fancy statistics. But the reality is that these regular, gradual accomplishments are what bring confidence and hope to the family as they work, every day, to build a brighter future.