Beverly Worthington has been executive director of FamilyForward for several months now — read on to get to know her better!
Beverly Worthington, MA, ACNP, began serving as executive director of FamilyForward in late October 2024. Over the past several months, she has been busy getting to know the board of directors, staff and volunteers, and digging into the perspectives and processes of how we serve families and make a difference in our local communities.
Beverly and her family (including her spouse, the Rev. Quincy Worthington, four children and several pets) moved from Indiana to Illinois three years ago and currently reside in a northern suburb of Chicago. Since moving to the area, she invested time in learning about the resources available in and around the northwest suburbs for people who are struggling to meet basic needs. It didn’t take long to discover FamilyForward.
When the position of executive director appeared on her radar, Beverly felt drawn to the role because of FamilyForward’s mission, which resonated strongly with her. Beverly grew up in a low-income, working family in Cleveland, Ohio. “I’ve experienced firsthand the effects of chronically living in survival mode. The choices I’ve made throughout my personal and professional journeys were informed by previous experience — and a deeply rooted belief that everyone deserves a fair chance in life.”
Beverly’s leadership experience encompasses many facets of nonprofit management, particularly in organizations focused on housing stability and food security. She was seeking an opportunity to leverage the breadth of this experience to lead an organization whose vision is to build stronger communities. Beverly found that FamilyForward’s mission-based approach not only aligned with her career objectives, but also with her values and beliefs. (Learn more about Beverly’s passion to build community.)
Putting strengths to work
Beverly brings a unique set of talents to her new role. One strength is the ability to analyze concepts and actions within the context of the whole process or vision. “I’ve often held the organizational role of ‘Devil’s Advocate.’ I bring in perspectives to engage our critical-thinking ability. I’m very interested in how the details fit into the bigger picture. If you can count on anything, it’s that I will thoroughly think through opportunities to uncover potential short- and long-term impacts.”
A lifelong learner, Beverly’s curiosity has ultimately shaped her leadership style and how she builds relationships. Throughout her adulthood, she has continuously engaged in learning endeavors that help her make meaning of the world around her. “What’s really come from that is a deeper connection with humanity and my own humanness. Whether I’m enhancing my knowledge and practice in poverty-related issues, social-emotional intelligence, or restorative practices, it serves not only to make me a better human being but to give me the tools to forge meaningful and effective partnerships in our communities.”
Impacting families and communities
Beverly feels inspired by the mission and work of FamilyForward. “Within the United States, there are thousands of families who make too much money to be eligible for supplemental assistance but not enough to comfortably live. One unexpected situation can create a crisis that likely will snowball without outside support. I’ve personally experienced this, and my perception is that this population is generally overlooked. Since its beginning in 2003, FamilyForward has not overlooked them. I applaud the minds that recognized this unmet need in our communities and devised a plan to do more than simply provide emergency assistance. Having been with organizations working with unhoused populations, the unique focus of FamilyForward has refined my own sense of purpose.”
As she learns and grows in her new role, Beverly is also developing and refining her own personal vision for how she will help power the mission and work of FamilyForward and its impact across the northwest suburbs. “I know we will continue to live into FamilyForward’s vision with the same strong dedication that has seen us through the last 21 years.”
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