Stories of Hope: How Mentoring and Rental Assistance Changes Lives

Board Member Jennifer Strimling explains how FF works with NAHA to address the affordable-housing crisis in the northwest suburbs.

Beverly Worthington, MA, ACNP, began serving as executive director of FamilyForward in October 2024. Learn more about her unique talents!

We would like to recognize and thank St. John United Church of Christ, Arlington Heights, for its long-term support of FamilyForward.

We are very happy to announce that Beverly Worthington, MA, ACNP, has joined FamilyForward as our new executive director.

Erica Chianelli helped raise the awareness and reputation of FamilyForward to new heights, laying the groundwork for our continued success.

As she prepares to move on from her role as executive director, Erica Chianelli reflects on her time at FF and the continuing mission.

Donna Myers and Vince Kelley are making a difference, one family at a time, by serving as FamilyForward mentors.

Donna Anderson, one of FamilyForward’s longest serving leaders, has left the board of directors as of July 2024.

FamilyForward co-founder Lou Walton has retired from the board of directors, effective May 2024, leaving a legacy of service and growth.

After nearly two decades of dedicated service to FamilyForward, Paul Cochran has retired from the board of directors, as of May 2024.

Thank you, Lou, and Paul, for your long-enduring enthusiasm and commitment to helping FamilyForward in its mission to strengthen families.

As FamilyForward's 20th anniversary celebration continues, our very first mentor, Anne Mura, shares advice for current and future mentors.

We touched base with Carrie Miller, SLW, FamilyForward co-founder and first program manager, to share memories and advice for the future.

The breakfast gathering for FamilyForward mentors was a wonderful opportunity to thank them for their dedicated service to our families.

Becoming mentors opened the door to the wonderful gift of an ongoing relationship between two families.

During our 20th anniversary year, we are looking toward the future as together we continue to empower low-income, working families.

In January 2023, John Sonderegger took on a new role as our very first Board Member Emeritus.

In her work at FamilyForward, Donna Anderson has been facilitating change in the community for 20+ years and "helping where help is needed."

Case Manager Pam Van De Walle offers her thoughts on what she has learned over the past 8+ years serving FamilyForward clients.

Courtney T. Podkowa has a heart for serving the local community and making a difference in the lives of struggling families.