Family Focus Englewood

01/17/2022

“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”

― Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”

― Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

01/14/2022

All Family Focus offices will be closed on Monday, January 17 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. Normal office hours will resume on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

All Family Focus offices will be closed on Monday, January 17 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. Normal office hours will resume on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

01/14/2022

As we prepare to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy, please consider participating in Circles for Healing and Transformation on January 18th, sponsored by Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation /TRHT Greater Chicago. This free event coincides with National Day of Racial Healing: a "cross sector, community-driven process to plan for and bring about transformational and sustainable change and to address the historic and contemporary effects of racism". Learn more by visiting https://bit.ly/3tmvztg and register today at https://bit.ly/3Fr3d3x

As we prepare to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy, please consider participating in Circles for Healing and Transformation on January 18th, sponsored by Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation /TRHT Greater Chicago. This free event coincides with National Day of Racial Healing: a "cross sector, community-driven process to plan for and bring about transformational and sustainable change and to address the historic and contemporary effects of racism". Learn more by visiting https://bit.ly/3tmvztg and register today at https://bit.ly/3Fr3d3x

01/11/2022

THANK YOU to Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. for the generous donation of more than 500 bags of Garrett Popcorn Shops popcorn to Family Focus Englewood! We will distribute the popcorn at our school programs, with other program participants and in the community. Yum!

THANK YOU to Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. for the generous donation of more than 500 bags of Garrett Popcorn Shops popcorn to Family Focus Englewood! We will distribute the popcorn at our school programs, with other program participants and in the community. Yum!

01/03/2022

All Family Focus sites have resumed their normal business hours. Let's get to work!

01/01/2022

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

01/01/2022

Soon.

Soon.

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

10/21/2021

On October 16, Family Focus Englewood hosted a Fall Festival for Early Childhood Learners.

Carrie Brown, Englewood Center & Program Director, said that "The Fall Festival is an opportunity for our children to learn and experience something new. This lets us expand their horizons by providing engaging activities, family bonding time and a safe environment to enjoy the Autumn weather outdoors. By providing these opportunities, we are strengthening the family unit within their community." #ChicagoKids #LearningThroughPlay #Englewood #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment