Helping families achieve financial stability in today’s affordability crisis

The challenge is no longer simply about financial literacy or employment. It is about navigating an affordability crisis that has widened the gap between wages and the cost of everyday life. FamilyForward is rising to this challenge, equipping families to achieve lasting financial stability.

Doug Hall, Chair, FamilyForward Board of Directors

I am Doug Hall, and I am honored to step into the role of board chair for FamilyForward. 

First and foremost, I would like to thank Tim Wayman for the tremendous leadership he provided during his tenure as board chair, serving for three terms. His vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to FamilyForward have helped shape the organization into what it is today. As I take on this responsibility, I am honored to build on the strong foundation Tim and previous board chairs helped establish. I am excited to continue FamilyForward’s important work of expanding our impact through rental assistance, mentoring, and financial stability programs that empower families throughout our community.

Our mission is more important, and more challenging today than when we were founded in 2003. When we started, a family facing a housing crisis could often regain stability through a combination of temporary assistance, financial coaching, and a better-paying job. The path to self-sufficiency was difficult, but it was achievable for many of the families we served. 

Today, the economic reality facing working families has changed dramatically. Rent for a typical two-bedroom apartment has nearly doubled. Grocery costs for a family of four have more than doubled. Transportation costs have increased significantly, and childcare expenses have risen by more than 200%. As a result, the cost of the basic necessities required to work, raise a family, and maintain housing has increased far faster than many families’ incomes.

What we see every day is that families are doing everything right. They are securing better-paying jobs, improving their financial habits, reducing debt, and working hard to build a brighter future. Yet many still find themselves struggling to afford housing and remain one unexpected expense away from a crisis. The challenge is no longer simply about financial literacy or employment. It is about navigating an affordability crisis that has widened the gap between wages and the cost of everyday life.

I look forward to connecting with our supporters, partners, and neighbors in the months ahead, and I welcome your ideas, engagement, and commitment as we work together to ensure more families can achieve lasting financial stability.

Thank you for being part of the FamilyForward family. I am grateful for your support and excited for all that we will accomplish together.

I hope to see you at One Step Beyond, Friday, October 9, for an enlightening and uplifting evening of impact.