Family Focus

Warmth shows up in many forms, and right now, even the smallest act of care can make a big difference. Today, we’re launching our Holiday Giving Drive to ensure our families have the essentials they need: cozy winter layers for little ones, gas cards that help parents get to work and school, and grocery support that keeps homes nourished through the cold months ahead. If you’re able, we invite you to drop off gift cards or new winter wear for children of all ages at our Family Focus Loop location: 📍 Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Your kindness reaches farther than you know. Thank you, in advance, for showing up for our families this season. #HolidayGivingDrive #FamilyFocus #SupportOurFamilies #CommunityCare #GiveWarmth #SeasonOfGiving

Every parent deserves a space where they feel prepared and cared for. Programs like our Fatherhood Program provides exactly that. “Coming to Family Focus is a big help for me. I don't know what to expect being a new father, and I’d like someone to be there to help me, to tell me what I need to know.” — Dontrae, new father and Family Focus participant Through mentorship, parent–child activities, and essential family resources, we’re helping fathers feel safe and supported. When parents and caregivers are prepared and children feel seen -everything shifts. Your support helps families access essential services, emergency resources, and vital programs they need to sustain and stabilize their lives. Watch their stories get inspired to make your year-end gift to continue the cycle of giving. https://lnkd.in/gQJ89fvS #FamilyFocus #FatherhoodMatters #StrengtheningFamilies #EarlyChildhood #CommunityImpact #NonprofitLeadership

This National Philanthropy Day, we’re celebrating the meaningful acts of generosity that change lives every day. At Family Focus, we see the transformative impact that compassion, connection, and community can have on our families. Read our latest article, “The Gift of Presence,” to see how your support helps families find hope, stability, and belonging when they need it most. #NationalPhilanthropyDay #FamilyFocus #GiftOfPresence #CommunitySupport #Philanthropy #TogetherWeThrive #NonprofitLeadership

Today, Family Focus joins the nation in observing Veterans Day 2025 under this year’s theme, “Service to Our Nation—Unified by Service.” We pause to honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of our veterans, individuals whose dedication to service reflects the very heart of our mission. Just as our veterans have answered the call to protect and strengthen our nation, Family Focus remains steadfast in serving the families, children, and communities who are working every day to build safer, healthier, and more equitable futures. Service takes many forms, whether on the front lines or in our neighborhoods—and we are reminded that unity, compassion, and purpose connect us all. To every veteran and active-duty service member in our Family Focus community and beyond: we thank you for your service, your leadership, and your example. Together, we are unified by service—committed to protecting and supporting those we serve. #VeteransDay #UnifiedByService #FamilyFocus #CommunityCare #ServiceToOurNation

Congratulations to our Belmont Cragin Center! We’re thrilled to share that our Belmont Cragin center has officially received the Blue Ribbon Affiliate Quality Endorsement from the national Parents as Teachers (PAT) office! This recognition affirms that our home visiting and parent education services meet the highest standards of quality, fidelity, and impact. It’s a powerful acknowledgment of the dedication, care, and consistency our team brings to families every day. Belmont Cragin now joins our Aurora, Evanston, Highland Park, and Lawndale centers as proud Blue Ribbon affiliates, and we are well on our way to seeing all of our centers receive this honor. Please join us in congratulating the incredible Belmont Cragin team and our amazing Quality Assurance team for their leadership and commitment to excellence! #FamilyFocus #ParentsAsTeachers #BlueRibbonAffiliate #EarlyChildhood #HomeVisiting #WhatSupportLooksLike #CommunityCare #EquityInAction #CelebratingExcellence

Across Chicago and Northeast Illinois, families are navigating rising childcare costs, food insecurity, and housing instability. At Family Focus, we’ve stood with families for 175 years—and we’re not stopping now. This season, your year-end gift helps: ✅ Nurture children in safe, supportive spaces ✅ Guide parents through crisis, healing, and opportunity ✅ Strengthen entire communities—one family at a time You’re not just giving. You’re showing families they’re not alone. Make your impact today: https://lnkd.in/grG2msks #FamilyFocus #WhatSupportLooksLike #YearEndGiving #CommunityCare #FamilyFirstAlways #SupportFamilies #WatchAndGive

We believe that every child deserves to feel safe, every family deserves to be seen, and every community deserves to be protected—regardless of immigration status. We proudly stand with the Latino Policy Forum in applauding the recent passage of state protections for immigrant families and students across Illinois. This critical legislation reinforces what we have always known to be true: that immigrant families are a vital part of our communities, our classrooms, and our future. This moment is more than a policy win, it’s a reaffirmation of dignity and inclusion in action. And it comes at a time when many of our families continue to face uncertainty and rising fears across Chicagoland communities. We are proud to walk in partnership with the Latino Policy Forum and all those who continue to champion justice and opportunity for every Illinois family. #FamilyFocus #ImmigrantJustice #LatinoPolicyForum #CommunityCare #EquityInAction #WhatSupportLooksLike

Every year, we look forward to this special celebration, and yesterday’s Fun-Filled Harvest Fest at our Hyde Park center was another great success! From creative fall crafts to festive games and classroom showcases, our little learners beamed with excitement as they shared their work and embraced the season. Even our CEO, Dara Cohen, couldn’t resist joining the fun, sharing: “It was so much fun! I miss being in that space with their energy on a daily basis.” Here, support includes moments of joy, connection, and community. Thank you to everyone who made the day so special! #FamilyFocus #HarvestFest #WhatSupportLooksLike #FallFun #EarlyLearning #CommunityCare #ChildhoodJoy

ALERT: WE NEED YOUR HELP BEFORE 3PM! The Illinois Senate is meeting today at 3:00 PM, and we need your support right now to help pass SB 2733 — a critical bill that strengthens support for children and families across our state. Please take ONE minute to complete a witness slip in support of this bill. Every submission counts — your voice can make a difference before the hearing begins! Here’s how to help: 1️⃣ Click this link: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gWXnPjCu 2️⃣ Fill it out completely. 3️⃣ Under “Position,” select SB 2733 as the Subject Matter and Proponent as the Position. 4️⃣ Check “Record of Appearance Only” at the bottom before submitting. Deadline: Today, before 3 PM! Please share this post and encourage others to act now — together, we can ensure this vital bill moves forward. #AdvocacyAlert #FamilyFocus #IllinoisFamilies #TakeAction #SB2733 #DayOfAction

DAY OF ACTION: Last Chance to Take a Stand for Illinois Families Tomorrow, October 30th, is our final opportunity to ensure critical support for children and families across Illinois. We’re calling on our partners, funders, and community allies to act now to protect and strengthen: 1️⃣ Head Start — ensure every child has access to high-quality early learning. 2️⃣ SNAP — safeguard food security for families facing hunger. 3️⃣ Out-of-School Time (OST) — give youth a permanent voice in shaping programs that keep them learning, safe, and inspired. This is our LAST CHANCE to pass HB3081, establishing the Illinois OST Advisory Council. This legislation will ensure afterschool, summer, and youth development programs have a lasting seat at the table. Stay tuned here for witness slips. We will share in real time Your voice matters. Even if you’ve already acted, please send the alert again—and encourage your networks to do the same. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gR8_CN-T Together with ACT Now Education, we can make sure Illinois continues to invest in what matters most: our children, our families, and our future. #AdvocacyAlert #DayOfAction #OST #HeadStart #SNAP #FamilyFocus #IllinoisFamilies #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityChange