Company Profile
FamilyForward
Company Overview
Our mission statement: Strengthening northwest suburban families to achieve financial stability and independence through mentoring, rental assistance and support services.
www.family-forward.org
Company History
Established in 2003, FamilyForward offers a two-year program for low-income, working families consisting of two primary components: financial assistance for housing and case management/mentoring.
Eligible families who demonstrate need must live in our service area, have at least one working adult in the household, and at least one child living in the home. Families enrolled in our program initially pay 30% of their income towards rent and FamilyForward subsidizes the remainder. Over the course of 2 years, the portion of rent the families pay incrementally increases until they can pay their monthly rent in full on their own.
To achieve this level of independence, families meet with mentors weekly. Mentorship provides for the setting of realistic goals, budgeting resources effectively, increasing income, reducing debt, building savings, and navigating other life challenges. The goal of our program is to partner with families in creating a solid foundation in their journey toward financial stability and wellness. Reducing stress related to financial scarcity allows families to tend to their physical and mental health and empowers them to make choices from a place of confidence rather than desperation.
The impact of our work is profound – families gain the confidence and skills to manage their finances, maintain stable housing, navigate
challenges, and achieve long-term independence. By offering individualized support, they overcome barriers such as debt, housing insecurity, underemployment, and limited access to essential resources.
Beyond immediate relief, our program creates generational change. When parents succeed financially, their children have greater opportunities and upward mobility. Stronger families lead to stronger communities, reducing economic disparities and fostering resilience.