Family Focus Lawndale

12/25/2021

From our family to yours.

From our family to yours.

12/10/2021

Since 1976, Family Focus has served communities across Chicago and Northeast Illinois. If you believe in early childhood education, youth development and family support, then Family Focus is your trusted partner. The news is filled every day with the need for investments that support children and families – and you can invest today! Simply visit https://bit.ly/31rwdKe to learn how you can make your tax-deductible gift to Family Focus. Your gift is put to work immediately, right in the communities where it is most needed.

Sincerely,

Dara T. Munson
President & CEO

Since 1976, Family Focus has served communities across Chicago and Northeast Illinois. If you believe in early childhood education, youth development and family support, then Family Focus is your trusted partner. The news is filled every day with the need for investments that support children and families – and you can invest today! Simply visit https://bit.ly/31rwdKe to learn how you can make your tax-deductible gift to Family Focus. Your gift is put to work immediately, right in the communities where it is most needed.

Sincerely,

Dara T. Munson
President & CEO

12/09/2021

With the average cost of diapers for one baby at $75/month, keeping three babies in clean diapers is just one of their challenges - $2,700 in the first year! This is just one of the many ways that Family Focus has helped the Arevalo family of Highland Park.

“Family Focus has alleviated a financial burden and has given us a sense of peace within our home. We don’t have to worry about where we will get money for diapers or formula. Knowing that we can use that money on other bills has put us at ease and we can spend more family time together.”

Because of you and others extending a helping hand, the Arevalo’s and families like them have been able to survive and thrive by connecting to services at one of 11 Family Focus locations, including 3 former Chicago Child Care Society sites. The agency made over 21,000 home visits to 1,600 families last fiscal year and we’re on track to surpass that number this year. Visit https://bit.ly/31rwdKe to learn more!

With the average cost of diapers for one baby at $75/month, keeping three babies in clean diapers is just one of their challenges - $2,700 in the first year! This is just one of the many ways that Family Focus has helped the Arevalo family of Highland Park.

“Family Focus has alleviated a financial burden and has given us a sense of peace within our home. We don’t have to worry about where we will get money for diapers or formula. Knowing that we can use that money on other bills has put us at ease and we can spend more family time together.”

Because of you and others extending a helping hand, the Arevalo’s and families like them have been able to survive and thrive by connecting to services at one of 11 Family Focus locations, including 3 former Chicago Child Care Society sites. The agency made over 21,000 home visits to 1,600 families last fiscal year and we’re on track to surpass that number this year. Visit https://bit.ly/31rwdKe to learn more!

12/08/2021

After giving birth to three babies, the Arevalo’s needed help, which we were all too happy to provide. Family Focus Highland Park Parent Educator Vanessa Ocampo started home visits with the family, bringing diapers and formula but also instructional materials and activities that support child development and parent learning. These visits will continue until the toddlers are 3 years old, making sure they are reaching their milestones, getting all vaccinations and health screenings, and supporting the whole family. Vanessa says, “Since they started the program, mom and grandmother have been fully invested in the triplet’s development and needs. Every opportunity mom gets, she asks questions and wants to learn more about how to best guide and support all three girls.”

Mrs. Arevalo describes Family Focus as a lifeline for her family. “When we started the program, we were given items like cribs, mattresses, double strollers. Then when the pandemic started, the car parades (delivering supplies) helped a lot. We were given gift cards to grocery stores, food, activities for the kids, and during the holiday season, the kids received gifts.”

Your support makes this possible! Visit https://bit.ly/31rwdKe to learn more about the Arevalo’s story.

After giving birth to three babies, the Arevalo’s needed help, which we were all too happy to provide. Family Focus Highland Park Parent Educator Vanessa Ocampo started home visits with the family, bringing diapers and formula but also instructional materials and activities that support child development and parent learning. These visits will continue until the toddlers are 3 years old, making sure they are reaching their milestones, getting all vaccinations and health screenings, and supporting the whole family. Vanessa says, “Since they started the program, mom and grandmother have been fully invested in the triplet’s development and needs. Every opportunity mom gets, she asks questions and wants to learn more about how to best guide and support all three girls.”

Mrs. Arevalo describes Family Focus as a lifeline for her family. “When we started the program, we were given items like cribs, mattresses, double strollers. Then when the pandemic started, the car parades (delivering supplies) helped a lot. We were given gift cards to grocery stores, food, activities for the kids, and during the holiday season, the kids received gifts.”

Your support makes this possible! Visit https://bit.ly/31rwdKe to learn more about the Arevalo’s story.

12/07/2021

“My cousin invited us to a party [where] I met a woman who asked how far along I was. We chatted and she asked how I was going to manage buying so many diapers. She told me she was part of a home visiting program that assisted with diapers in Elgin. She took my phone number down and said she’d pass it along. Right before I was going to give birth, someone from Family Focus Highland Park reached out. I knew this would be a huge help. My husband was going through the immigration process to obtain his residency status and was working landscaping jobs. But because there were days it rained or was too hot to work, he wasn’t bringing home a stable income.”

What would you do if you were about to give birth to three babies, had an unstable income, and didn’t know where you could go? Click https://bit.ly/31rwdKe to learn more about how Family Focus helped one family!

“My cousin invited us to a party [where] I met a woman who asked how far along I was. We chatted and she asked how I was going to manage buying so many diapers. She told me she was part of a home visiting program that assisted with diapers in Elgin. She took my phone number down and said she’d pass it along. Right before I was going to give birth, someone from Family Focus Highland Park reached out. I knew this would be a huge help. My husband was going through the immigration process to obtain his residency status and was working landscaping jobs. But because there were days it rained or was too hot to work, he wasn’t bringing home a stable income.”

What would you do if you were about to give birth to three babies, had an unstable income, and didn’t know where you could go? Click https://bit.ly/31rwdKe to learn more about how Family Focus helped one family!

12/06/2021

In April 2020–only a few short weeks after our state was quarantined–the Arevalo Family of Waukegan welcomed three healthy babies. What would you do if you had to take care of triplets, while navigating a once-in-a-century pandemic? Click https://bit.ly/31rwdKe to learn more!

In April 2020–only a few short weeks after our state was quarantined–the Arevalo Family of Waukegan welcomed three healthy babies. What would you do if you had to take care of triplets, while navigating a once-in-a-century pandemic? Click https://bit.ly/31rwdKe to learn more!

12/01/2021

THANK YOU to all our Friends who gave on Giving Tuesday. Thanks to your generous support, we raised more than $5,600! Your gifts are vital to helping Family Focus continue to be a leader in providing early childhood development, youth development, and family support services across Chicagoland. Thank you!

THANK YOU to all our Friends who gave on Giving Tuesday. Thanks to your generous support, we raised more than $5,600! Your gifts are vital to helping Family Focus continue to be a leader in providing early childhood development, youth development, and family support services across Chicagoland. Thank you!

11/27/2021

Family Focus is proud to integrate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) into its after school curriculum, by incorporating drones and virtual reality. This opens our students to new experiences, like flying above Lake Michigan; or exploring the lunar surface.

Family Focus is proud to integrate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) into its after school curriculum, by incorporating drones and virtual reality. This opens our students to new experiences, like flying above Lake Michigan; or exploring the lunar surface.

11/26/2021

While you’re counting Thanksgiving blessings and Black Friday shopping, don’t forget Giving Tuesday in 4 days!

While you’re counting Thanksgiving blessings and Black Friday shopping, don’t forget Giving Tuesday in 4 days!

11/25/2021

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

11/25/2021

Our new logo intentionally surrounds a child and caregiver with a community circle of support. YOU are that community – Family Focus is thankful for all who support our families throughout Chicago and Northeast Illinois!

Our new logo intentionally surrounds a child and caregiver with a community circle of support. YOU are that community – Family Focus is thankful for all who support our families throughout Chicago and Northeast Illinois!

11/25/2021

One component of our after school programs involves teaching kids about cooking and healthy eating. Through hands on teaching and experiments with real food, students learn about healthy eating and cooking, and then are encouraged to take their recipes home and cook with their families.

One component of our after school programs involves teaching kids about cooking and healthy eating. Through hands on teaching and experiments with real food, students learn about healthy eating and cooking, and then are encouraged to take their recipes home and cook with their families.

11/23/2021

Every day, Family Focus works with hundreds of children in after school programs throughout Chicagoland. They all share a common goal: engaging kids during the hours immediately after school, where participation in risky behaviors is higher due to lack of supervision.

These programs are more than just homework help — they also engage family and caregivers as participants in a child’s learning. Involving the whole family is a key goal for our Sustainable Schools, Community Schools, and Parent Mentoring programs. Visit https://bit.ly/3rj1biz to help Family Focus carry out this vital work!

Every day, Family Focus works with hundreds of children in after school programs throughout Chicagoland. They all share a common goal: engaging kids during the hours immediately after school, where participation in risky behaviors is higher due to lack of supervision.

These programs are more than just homework help — they also engage family and caregivers as participants in a child’s learning. Involving the whole family is a key goal for our Sustainable Schools, Community Schools, and Parent Mentoring programs. Visit https://bit.ly/3rj1biz to help Family Focus carry out this vital work!

11/23/2021

In 2021, Family Focus worked with more than 9,200 children and their caregivers in Chicagoland through our Early Childhood, Youth Development, and Family Support programs. Your continued support this #GivingTuesday makes this possible -- donate today!

In 2021, Family Focus worked with more than 9,200 children and their caregivers in Chicagoland through our Early Childhood, Youth Development, and Family Support programs. Your continued support this #GivingTuesday makes this possible -- donate today!

11/22/2021

On November 30, the world celebrates #GivingTuesday – a global day of generosity. You can show your support in a variety of ways: by giving to a cause, helping the new mother in your neighborhood, or teaching a child a new skill. Everyone has something to give — and every act of generosity counts.

On November 30, the world celebrates #GivingTuesday – a global day of generosity. You can show your support in a variety of ways: by giving to a cause, helping the new mother in your neighborhood, or teaching a child a new skill. Everyone has something to give — and every act of generosity counts.

11/05/2021

Don't forget! Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday, November 7. Set your clocks backwards on Saturday night, and enjoy the extra hour of daylight!

Don't forget! Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday, November 7. Set your clocks backwards on Saturday night, and enjoy the extra hour of daylight!

11/04/2021

On October 28, Family Focus Englewood hosted a Fall Festival with our after-school students at Henderson Elementary School. Resource Coordinator Marilyn Levy organized a fun-filled event for students to practice their arts & crafts, decorate cupcakes, engage in conversation, and even make their own Halloween trick-or-treat bags!

10/22/2021

Illinois leading the way in child care and supporting families. https://bit.ly/3pHHtw7

Illinois leading the way in child care and supporting families. https://bit.ly/3pHHtw7

08/06/2021

08/05/2021

08/05/2021

North Lawndale Reads Back To School Lit Fest and Backpack Giveaway!

North Lawndale Reads Back To School Lit Fest and Backpack Giveaway!

Join us on Saturday August 28 for a Back To School Lit Fest! Free backpacks, books, food, live performances, and community resources!

04/29/2021

04/29/2021

04/14/2021

04/09/2021

Join the Family Focus Lawndale Teen Parenting and Doula Teams in Wearing Blue to bring awareness to Child Abuse and Neglect Today!! #WearBlueDay2021

Join the Family Focus Lawndale Teen Parenting and Doula Teams in Wearing Blue to bring awareness to Child Abuse and Neglect Today!! #WearBlueDay2021

03/16/2021

As a parent, are you looking to have a better relationship and easier communication with your child's teacher? Then join us on March 30th at 12 p.m. for a Parent-Teacher Get Together!

Register at https://uic.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkc-2sqD8vGNy376hYYynboGlE5-Au4x5C

See you then!

As a parent, are you looking to have a better relationship and easier communication with your child's teacher? Then join us on March 30th at 12 p.m. for a Parent-Teacher Get Together!

Register at https://uic.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkc-2sqD8vGNy376hYYynboGlE5-Au4x5C

See you then!

02/18/2021

Attention Parents: Join us every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month for virtual socializations with our Parenting Enrichment Program and Support Group! We have many programs available for parents seeking support and would love to hear more about you and explore options for enrollment.

Our next meeting is this Tuesday, February 23rd. Please call us at (773) 722-5057 or (773) 569-5818 for more information.

Attention Parents: Join us every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month for virtual socializations with our Parenting Enrichment Program and Support Group! We have many programs available for parents seeking support and would love to hear more about you and explore options for enrollment.

Our next meeting is this Tuesday, February 23rd. Please call us at (773) 722-5057 or (773) 569-5818 for more information.

01/28/2021

Exciting news about the future of Family Focus!

Family Focus and Chicago Child Care Society are pleased to announce that after a year of negotiations, the agencies have merged into one organization effective January 1, 2021, and will maintain the name Family Focus.

We are so excited to take this next step to bring more comprehensive services to children and families in Chicago and NE Illinois. We couldn't do this without the support from our donors and community leaders.

To read more about the merger and what this means for both organizations, visit our website at www.family-focus.org/merger

06/15/2020

Family Focus' Statement in Response to the Murder of George Floyd - Family Focus

In case you missed it, our Interim President and CEO, Caterina Varvaro, shared Family Focus' response to the murder of George Floyd, and the events that have happened in the aftermath:

"As we face tremendous grief in response to the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other black lives, many in our communities are experiencing deep despair and turmoil. We can’t even begin to express the shock and disbelief over the death of a fellow community member killed in broad daylight by the police officers who kneeled on his neck for almost nine minutes. Many of us don’t know what to say right now – or are afraid of saying the wrong thing when comfort and leadership is needed most. We are sending this message to convey Family Focus’ commitment to support our community members."

Please visit our website to read the entire statement.

To our participants, staff and the communities we serve, As we face tremendous grief in response to the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other black lives, many in our communities are experiencing deep despair and turmoil. We can’t even begin to express the shoc...