YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
Together, we are helping families build a foundation to thrive
Join a Committee
Serve on a FamilyForward committee. You can help plan and execute fundraising events, grow and maintain relationships with local faith organizations and other stakeholders; develop support from local businesses; help take care of administrative and housekeeping matters; or garner support through donations.
Be a Mentor
If you have experience in financial matters or a gift for teaching, becoming a mentor may be the right choice for you. Even if you do not have this type of background, if you have a passion to help families and can relate well with people, we will train you to work directly with our families.
Fundraising Help
Participate in fundraising events. We always need help with planning, setting up and running these activities. We have several major events every year. These events are extremely important to the life of our organization, and we are grateful to have your assistance in any capacity.
Board Member
Become a member of the FamilyForward board of directors. The board is at the forefront of every action we take, and comprises dedicated community leaders from various backgrounds. These advocates have many talents, but one thing in common: a passion for helping low-income families who live and work in the northwest suburbs.
Advisory Board Member
Join the advisory board for FamilyForward. Serve as an ambassador and raise the profile of the organization, expanding our reach into new networks and growing our foundation of supporters through community outreach, fundraising and increased awareness of our organization.
Mentors help, encourage, challenge and cheer families
Pairs of mentors work directly with parents to build skills and set goals as they make progress toward a better future. Parents meet with their mentors at least twice monthly throughout their time in the program.
Serving as a mentor for a family involved with FamilyForward can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It's a unique opportunity to help someone along their path to changing their family’s life for the better.
Volunteer mentors receive training in the skills required to work with a family for two years. Each family works with two mentors. An agreement for each family establishes guidelines and agreed-upon milestones that must be met during the period.
Once the foundation is laid for a successful outcome, mentors and staff get in the trenches with each family to push them beyond perceived limits. Our weekly mentoring program addresses each aspect of what it takes to become financially stable and independent. Through the guidance of their mentors, families learn to budget, build savings, and make informed, beneficial decisions.
Additionally, FamilyForward works with local educational facilities to provide financial assistance for higher learning. Our community partnerships and donors are also vital resources for providing proper work attire as well as offering guidance for career advancement, and much more.