Family Focus

06/11/2026

We are deeply grateful to the The Service Club of Chicago for their generous $19,000 investment in our South Shore Center preschool program!

This support will fund a new mini-split air conditioning unit for our preschool kitchen, an important improvement that will help ensure a safer, more efficient, and more comfortable environment for our teams who prepare more than 100,000 meals each year for the children in our care. Nutritious meals help children stay focused, regulated, and ready to learn, making a safe and well-functioning kitchen essential to the success of each preschool day.

By supporting kitchen staff wellness, food safety, and daily operations, this investment will also help create a more stable and predictable preschool experience for our children and teachers alike!

Thank you, The Service Club of Chicago!

https://lnkd.in/gcPckgPP

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06/09/2026

Research continues to show what so many families already know. When fathers are supported, children and families are stronger because of it.

Our upcoming Fatherhood Symposium is a chance to come together, uplift the voices of fathers, and make space for honest conversation about leadership, love, and what it means to show up with purpose.

We believe fathers deserve support, connection, and recognition for the essential role they play in the life of a child and the strength of a family.

Join us as we continue the conversation around investing in fathers and building stronger families together.

05/28/2026

✅ Advocacy Alert ( English and Spanish)✅

The Illinois Spring Legislative Session is ending May 31st (this weekend!), and decisions being made right now will directly shape programs across our state. This is our last opportunity to make our voices heard and your time today can make the difference.

We have two final asks!

✅ 1. Afterschool Program Funding
We're so close to 500 messages urging increased investment in afterschool programs. Will you please take brief moment to be a part of the 500 advocates? Please enter your name, address, and email to connect with your elected officials, then click “Send Email.” Every message counts → 2026 OST for All Email Your Legislators - https://lnkd.in/g4sy5t-W

✅ 2. Human Services Professional Repayment Program
This beneficial program could make it into the budget but only if we continue applying pressure down to the final deciding moments. Back in February, we launched with a powerful press conference (featuring our own Hyde Park team at minutes 15:50 to 19:40 — worth a watch! - see it here:https://lnkd.in/gB6ibQQv ). Now we need to finish strong! Share your voice here to contact your legislators → Call or leave a message - https://lnkd.in/gxsXnBYg

Thank you for showing up for our communities in all the ways that you do!

EN ESPAÑOL

Hola Equipo Family Focus,

La Sesión Legislativa ya está por terminar el 31 de mayo (¡este fin de semana!) y las decisiones que están tomando acabo ahora directamente afectan los programas del estado. Esta es nuestra última oportunidad para hacer oír nuestra voz, y el tiempo que dedique hoy puede marcar la diferencia.

¡Tenemos dos peticiones finales!

✅ Recursos para After School
Estamos cerca de llegar a 500 mensajes enviados a legisladores para pedir su apoyo en la inversión en nuestros programas después de la escuela. ¿Puede tomar un momento breve para ser uno de los 500? Hay que ingresar su nombre, dirección, y correo electrónico para comunicarse rápidamente con sus representantes, luego haga clic “Send Email.” Cada mensaje cuenta → 2026 OST for All Email Your Legislators - https://lnkd.in/g4sy5t-W

✅ Programa de reembolso para profesionales
Este programa podría incluirse en el presupuesto, pero solo si seguimos ejerciendo presión hasta el último momento. En febrero lo lanzamos con una impactante rueda de prensa (en la que aparece nuestro propio equipo de Hyde Park en los minutos 15:50 a 19:40 —¡vale la pena verla! - https://lnkd.in/gB6ibQQv ). ¡Ahora tenemos que terminar con más fuerza! Haz oír tu voz aquí y ponte en contacto con tus legisladores → Llámale a tu legislador o deja un mensaje - https://lnkd.in/gxsXnBYg

¡Gracias por apoyar a nuestras comunidades de todas las formas en que lo hace!

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05/28/2026

We are counting down the hours to take action for afterschool and community schools, and we need your help.

✅Tomorrow is the deadline!✅

Behind every thriving young person is an adult who refused to give up on them. Our program staff, coaches, and mentors are not simply doing a job. They are helping shape futures. They are building trust, offering consistency, and showing young people what it means to be seen, supported, and believed in.

As we approach this critical deadline, we are urging lawmakers to protect and invest in afterschool and community school programs. These programs do not just serve young people. They strengthen families, support communities, and help create the conditions every child deserves.
Today, we also honor every mentor who has ever said, I see you. I believe in you.

We invite you to take action with us. Contact your legislators. Stand up for afterschool and community schools.

✅Now is the time. Click the link below to ACT!
https://lnkd.in/g4sy5t-W

05/27/2026

Did you know? Young people who participate in quality afterschool programs are more likely to graduate, less likely to engage in substance use, and more likely to develop the social and emotional skills they need for life.

We know that structure matters. Consistency matters. The time our young people spend with caring adults and trusted peers matters.

Quality afterschool programs do more than fill time. They create predictable routines that help youth regulate emotions, build resilience, and feel grounded. They foster consistent relationships that can reduce anxiety, improve school attendance, and strengthen a young person’s sense of belonging. And the impact is real. Data shows that youth in quality programs gain an average of more than three months of learning in math and reading.
That is why we are urging legislators to protect and prioritize afterschool funding in the FY27 state budget.

Now is the time to act.

Email your legislators and tell them that afterschool programs matter. Share a photo or story from your own program experience and let others know what structure has meant to you or to a young person you care about.

Click below and tell your legislators to fund afterschool programs in FY27.

https://lnkd.in/g4sy5t-W

05/26/2026

We believe young people need more than supervision. They need investment. They need coaches, mentors, guides, and consistent adults who show up every single day.

That is why we are speaking up for afterschool, summer, and community school programs that help young people stay safe, build confidence, strengthen academic success, and feel connected to caring adults who believe in their potential.

As the Illinois spring legislative session comes to a close, this is a critical moment. The decisions being made right now will directly impact the future of these programs across our state, and this is our last chance to make our voices heard.

We are urging legislators to support increased investment in afterschool and community school programs in the FY27 state budget.
Here is how you can help:
✅Email your State Senator and State Representative
https://lnkd.in/g4sy5t-W

✅Share why these programs matter in your community
✅Encourage parents, youth, partners, and community members to take action
✅Post on social media and tag your elected officials

Young people thrive when they are surrounded by trusted adults and meaningful opportunities. Now is the time to stand up for the programs that make that possible.

05/26/2026

| Meet Adriana Pashazadeh, Center Assistant Director at Family Focus Nuestra Familia Belmont Cragin.

For 38 years, Adriana has dedicated her career to Family Focus, bringing extraordinary care, leadership, and wisdom to children, families, and communities. Her work has spanned early childhood, home visiting, early intervention, doula programs, parenting groups, and community-based services, reflecting a deep and lasting commitment to meeting families with the support they need.

Over the years, Adriana has served in leadership roles across multiple Family Focus sites, helping build strong programs, guide staff, and strengthen community connections. Grounded in Family Focus values and Family Support Principles, she is known for aligning programs and resources to meet families and community needs with intention, compassion, and respect.

We are deeply grateful for Adriana and the heart, excellence, and dedication she continues to bring to Family Focus every day.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the enduring meaning of this day through remembrance, sacrifice, and gratitude.

We remember the brave service members who gave their lives in service to our country, and we hold space for the families, loved ones, and communities who carry their memory forward.

As we reflect today, we also invite our community to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time, joining others across the country in a shared one minute pause to honor the fallen.

May we never lose sight of the courage, service, and sacrifice that this day asks us to remember.

05/22/2026

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we are proud to help create more good days for children, parents, and families.

At Family Focus, we believe healing happens in community, and every family deserves to feel seen, supported, and cared for.

If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, we invite you to reach out and learn more.