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![Special thanks to local partner churches for 2024 holiday support](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_64613334000d424ca57b7489697a78fa~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_64613334000d424ca57b7489697a78fa~mv2.webp)
FamilyForward Staff
Jan 282 min read
Special thanks to local partner churches for 2024 holiday support
We are grateful to these local partner churches for helping to make the 2024 holidays special for the families in the FamilyForward program.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_3839ee6b6b194d7c84f31198654adecc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_3839ee6b6b194d7c84f31198654adecc~mv2.webp)
![COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Thank you, St. John United Church of Christ, Arlington Heights](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_3839ee6b6b194d7c84f31198654adecc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_3839ee6b6b194d7c84f31198654adecc~mv2.webp)
FamilyForward Staff
Jan 281 min read
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Thank you, St. John United Church of Christ, Arlington Heights
We would like to recognize and thank St. John United Church of Christ, Arlington Heights, for its long-term support of FamilyForward.
![Turning ‘thought bubbles’ into opportunities](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_f62db59b14a3456f955b53f02da0783a~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/7f216c_f62db59b14a3456f955b53f02da0783a~mv2.webp)
Beverly Worthington
Jan 282 min read
Turning ‘thought bubbles’ into opportunities
Exec. Dir. Beverly Worthington is inspired by how FamilyForward turns "thought bubbles" into opportunities, building family support systems.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_49cb591fc84a4955ad031662528874a6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_49cb591fc84a4955ad031662528874a6~mv2.webp)
![Giving Hope event raises $80,000 for families](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_49cb591fc84a4955ad031662528874a6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_49cb591fc84a4955ad031662528874a6~mv2.webp)
Kris Mainellis
Nov 11, 20242 min read
Giving Hope event raises $80,000 for families
On October 20, 2024, FamilyForward hosted it most successful Giving Hope event to date, raising over $80,000 to help low-income families.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.webp)
![Reflections on time well-spent](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.webp)
Erica Chianelli
Nov 1, 20241 min read
Reflections on time well-spent
As she prepares to move on from her role as executive director, Erica Chianelli reflects on her time at FF and the continuing mission.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_c422ef58ef664c45908f0156791fef43~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_c422ef58ef664c45908f0156791fef43~mv2.webp)
![Significant donation from business owner Kelly Hutchison benefits local families](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_c422ef58ef664c45908f0156791fef43~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_c422ef58ef664c45908f0156791fef43~mv2.webp)
FamilyForward Staff
Aug 23, 20241 min read
Significant donation from business owner Kelly Hutchison benefits local families
We are sincerely grateful to Kelly Hutchison and Home Instead of Itasca for a significant donation of $30,000 to help FF families.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.webp)
![It’s all about relationships](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.webp)
Erica Chianelli
Aug 23, 20242 min read
It’s all about relationships
Relationships are central to everything we do. As we nurture important long-term relationships, we are constantly developing new ones.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_90ce50866ca84afda79ba338d10ee98b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_90ce50866ca84afda79ba338d10ee98b~mv2.webp)
![Thank you, Paul Cochran](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_90ce50866ca84afda79ba338d10ee98b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_90ce50866ca84afda79ba338d10ee98b~mv2.webp)
Tim Wayman
Apr 30, 20242 min read
Thank you, Paul Cochran
After nearly two decades of dedicated service to FamilyForward, Paul Cochran has retired from the board of directors, as of May 2024.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_9ab366ee5a6d4db38713e9106e15eea4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_9ab366ee5a6d4db38713e9106e15eea4~mv2.webp)
![Farewell to two wonderful leaders: Lou Walton and Paul Cochran](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_9ab366ee5a6d4db38713e9106e15eea4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_9ab366ee5a6d4db38713e9106e15eea4~mv2.webp)
Kris Mainellis
Apr 30, 20242 min read
Farewell to two wonderful leaders: Lou Walton and Paul Cochran
Thank you, Lou, and Paul, for your long-enduring enthusiasm and commitment to helping FamilyForward in its mission to strengthen families.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_b4277511ff2546bbb1bf1c1ce29846e3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_b4277511ff2546bbb1bf1c1ce29846e3~mv2.webp)
![FamilyForward debt-reduction matching program helps break cycle of debt](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_b4277511ff2546bbb1bf1c1ce29846e3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_b4277511ff2546bbb1bf1c1ce29846e3~mv2.webp)
Erica Chianelli
Apr 30, 20242 min read
FamilyForward debt-reduction matching program helps break cycle of debt
The FamilyForward debt-reduction matching program allows parents to pay down debt twice as fast, helping families break the cycle of debt.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.webp)
![The Power of Positive Momentum](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.webp)
Erica Chianelli
Jan 29, 20242 min read
The Power of Positive Momentum
As we enter 2024, FamilyForward is committed to finding new and inventive ways to address the mounting challenges our client families face.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_8e46a2b841a54d1f98a6d3746f6d4c3e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_8e46a2b841a54d1f98a6d3746f6d4c3e~mv2.webp)
![Giving Hope: Oktoberfest raises $70,000 to help low-income, working families](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_8e46a2b841a54d1f98a6d3746f6d4c3e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_8e46a2b841a54d1f98a6d3746f6d4c3e~mv2.webp)
Kris Mainellis
Oct 24, 20232 min read
Giving Hope: Oktoberfest raises $70,000 to help low-income, working families
On Sunday, October 15, 2023, FamilyForward hosted Giving Hope: Oktoberfest, its most successful fundraising event ever.
![Sharing stories of success from 20 years at FamilyForward](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_e5f410973fe94367903a7efda482c936~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/7f216c_e5f410973fe94367903a7efda482c936~mv2.webp)
Kris Mainellis
Oct 19, 20236 min read
Sharing stories of success from 20 years at FamilyForward
Long-time leaders share favorite memories and insights about the important work and accomplishments over the past 20 years of...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_e7941052c9af4aefb1fd61e7fd87e664~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_e7941052c9af4aefb1fd61e7fd87e664~mv2.webp)
![Serving families from a place of love](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_e7941052c9af4aefb1fd61e7fd87e664~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_e7941052c9af4aefb1fd61e7fd87e664~mv2.webp)
Kris Mainellis
Aug 23, 20233 min read
Serving families from a place of love
We touched base with Carrie Miller, SLW, FamilyForward co-founder and first program manager, to share memories and advice for the future.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_66d6f7ba00a84d6eb58590168c6d48d5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_66d6f7ba00a84d6eb58590168c6d48d5~mv2.webp)
![FamilyFOREward Golf Outing 2023 was a success!](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_66d6f7ba00a84d6eb58590168c6d48d5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_66d6f7ba00a84d6eb58590168c6d48d5~mv2.webp)
Kris Mainellis
Aug 23, 20231 min read
FamilyFOREward Golf Outing 2023 was a success!
On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, FamilyForward leaders and supporters had a fun time out on the green, all to support our program families!
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_d14c1badf8f248f1ba1d8dbd2e0750d6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_d14c1badf8f248f1ba1d8dbd2e0750d6~mv2.webp)
![Meeting low-income family challenges head-on](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_d14c1badf8f248f1ba1d8dbd2e0750d6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_d14c1badf8f248f1ba1d8dbd2e0750d6~mv2.webp)
Tim Wayman
Aug 23, 20232 min read
Meeting low-income family challenges head-on
Tim Wayman discusses the rental-housing market and how FamilyForward is finding creative and effective ways to assist low-income families.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_e5baf08886f24b70828f68552cc4ac41~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_e5baf08886f24b70828f68552cc4ac41~mv2.webp)
![BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Lou Walton](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_e5baf08886f24b70828f68552cc4ac41~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_e5baf08886f24b70828f68552cc4ac41~mv2.webp)
Kris Mainellis
Jun 19, 20233 min read
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Lou Walton
As one of our founders, Lou Walton has played an important part in the development and growth of FCH/FF over the past 20+ years.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_dc126ab504c84695bcf4463c7e08fb1b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_dc126ab504c84695bcf4463c7e08fb1b~mv2.webp)
![BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Chet Tambe](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_dc126ab504c84695bcf4463c7e08fb1b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_dc126ab504c84695bcf4463c7e08fb1b~mv2.webp)
Kris Mainellis
Jun 15, 20233 min read
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Chet Tambe
Chet Tambe learned of FamilyForward’s mission at an opportune time — just as he was looking for ways to make a difference in the community.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.webp)
![Reenergized and ready to spring forward](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_3488794986fb4441b48029d8d243257a~mv2.webp)
Erica Chianelli
Apr 20, 20232 min read
Reenergized and ready to spring forward
This year, springtime feels extra energizing at FamilyForward, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_9fce2c58856047f985d217b63b347179~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/7f216c_9fce2c58856047f985d217b63b347179~mv2.webp)
![FamilyForward: A firm foundation](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f216c_9fce2c58856047f985d217b63b347179~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7f216c_9fce2c58856047f985d217b63b347179~mv2.webp)
Tim Wayman
Apr 20, 20233 min read
FamilyForward: A firm foundation
In this interview, the Rev. David Russell, our very first board chair, shares unique insights on the founding and work of FamilyForward.
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