Family Focus

November is Adoption Awareness Month, and we’re honored to play a role in supporting families through every step of the adoption journey. This month, we want to share Noah’s story, a reminder of how our work can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and their families. When Noah came to us through a DCFS referral in 2021, he had already been in the care of his grandfather, Mr. Walker, since infancy due to his mother’s ongoing struggles with mental health. Over the past two years, our team at Family Focus has provided therapeutic services to Noah and Mr. Walker, helping to build a foundation of love, stability, and resilience. Through consistent support and counseling, we’ve witnessed transformative changes in their relationship. Mr. Walker’s dedication and Family Focus’ therapeutic services have created a positive environment where Noah can truly thrive. Now, they are on the verge of finalizing Noah’s adoption—marking the beginning of a secure and happy future together. In Illinois, there are currently 17,920 children in foster care, with 3,347 waiting to find their forever families. Many of these children may wait two or more years, and some may age out of the system without ever experiencing the joy of adoption. Family Focus is here to change that. Our adoption support services are designed to provide families like Noah and Mr. Walker with the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to overcome challenges and build strong, lasting bonds. How can you make a difference? 1. Share this post to spread awareness about the 3,347 children in Illinois waiting for adoptive families. 2. Consider supporting Family Focus to help us continue providing crucial therapeutic services for families in need. 3. Learn more about adoption and how you can be part of a child’s journey to a brighter future. Help us ensure every child finds the love, support, and stability they deserve.  #AdoptionAwarenessMonth #FamilyFocus #ForeverFamilies #SupportAdoption #TransformingLives

So Proud of Team Lawndale!!

Reflecting on the loss of an extraordinary servant leader and a true Family Focus treasure, Mrs. Delores Holmes, who served as Executive Director of Family Focus for 27 years. Her leadership, commitment, and passion for uplifting families and building stronger communities have left an everlasting legacy that we will continue to honor. Dara Munson shared that Mrs. Holmes’ passing is an "unfillable loss." Her influence in Evanston and throughout Illinois will remain with us as we continue to build upon the foundation she laid. Sharing one of the many beautiful tributes to Mrs. Holmes, as featured in Evanston RoundTable: https://lnkd.in/g-YuMJC6 Her spirit, dedication, and vision will never be forgotten. #LeadershipLegacy #CommunityChampion #FamilyFocusImpact #DeloresHolmes #EvanstonTribute #InMemory

Last night, sherneron Hilliard reminded us all of the power of freedom and perseverance, saying: "We will continue advocating for equitable resources, expanding our reach, and strengthening the partnerships that make our work possible- because we are focused on ensuring EVERY child has the support they need to thrive." We're still celebrating you Sherneron, and we are so proud to have you leading the way! Thank you Bright Promises Foundation for this special honor! #BrightPromises2024 #FamilyFocusImpact #EmpoweringFamilies #ChampionForChildren #LeadershipInAction #CommunityImpact #Inspiration #ChildAdvocacy #BuildingFutures

We are incredibly proud of our very own sherneron Hilliard, Senior VP of Programs and Impact for being honored last night as a 2024 Bright Promises Foundation "Champion for Children"! Last night, she was recognized for her leadership, advocacy, and dedicated efforts to create pathways to success for future generations. This honor is proof of the impact she makes everyday, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have her leading the way. Congratulations, Sherneron! This award is a well-deserved recognition of the change you’ve created in the lives of so many! #BrightPromises2024 #FamilyFocusImpact #EmpoweringFamilies #ChampionForChildren #LeadershipInAction #CommunityImpact #Inspiration #ChildAdvocacy #BuildingFutures

BIG Congratulations to our Family Focus Lawndale Team on being awarded the Parents as Teachers Blue Ribbon Affiliate endorsement! This outstanding achievement solidifies the hard work and commitment of our team, specifically within our Home Visiting Program, which continues to provide essential, high-quality services to children and families in the Lawndale community. Achieved through the rigorous Quality Endorsement and Improvement Process (QEIP), this endorsement affirms that our program meets the highest standards in early childhood learning and parent engagement. What this recognition means: * It assures funders, community partners, and families that our Home Visiting Program is a wise investment. * It raises visibility and strengthens our stature as a trusted resource in the community. * It offers national recognition for our dedication to delivering exemplary parent and early childhood support services. We look forward to continuing this important work together! #FamilyFocusImpact #HomeVisitingProgram #BlueRibbonAffiliate #ParentsAsTeachers #EarlyChildhoodEducation #CelebratingSuccess #CommunityEngagement  

Why Join our Team? Across all of our centers, we don't just work – we make a difference every single day. Our teams are united by a shared purpose: to equip families with resources and support to thrive and build bright futures. Together, we create a positive, inclusive culture where everyone can grow both personally and professionally. Are you or someone you know ready to be part of a team that’s dedicated to making a real impact? Join us and be a part of something bigger! #WorkCulture #FamilyFocusImpact #EmpoweringFamilies #JobOpening #Teamwork

We are honored to receive the 2024 Lula B. Sherman Isibani Award for our extensive impact on Evanston families in partnership with former Alderman Delores Holmes, our first executive director. This recognition highlights the incredible work of our founders, whose vision continues to inspire and guide us! We invite you to join us at the Isibani Awards for a night of joy and celebration. The event will feature a performance by the Fisk University Choir, with proceeds supporting scholarships for students at Fisk University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), as well as the Evanston Community Foundation. We are proud to be part of such a meaningful event and look forward to celebrating alongside everyone who has contributed to this journey! Presented by Evanston's  Lula B. Sherman UMC at 7pm on Friday, October 18 at 1st United Methodist Church, 516 Church St., Evanston. TICKETS: FISKTIX.com #gospelmusic #gospel #HBCU #scholarships #joy #FamilyFocusImpact #CommunitySupport #IsibaniAwards #FiskUniversity #EmpowermentThroughEducation #EvanstonProud

If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to contribute to an organization centered around empowering families, we invite you to explore our career opportunities. Our main objective is to create a workplace where every individual feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Click the link below and explore our opportunities today! https://lnkd.in/gcSZiiAF

Head Start is more than early childhood education- it’s about nurturing the whole child and creating healthy outcomes for their families from the very beginning. Across all of our centers, we see firsthand the life-changing impact this can have on our communities through our work including our Early Childhood Education programs. The work we do wouldn’t be possible without strong advocates like sherneron Hilliard who has been named a 2024 Bright Promises Foundation Champion for Children awardee! The Bright Promises Foundation 2024 Awards is an in-person event and will take place on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Wildman BT (3020 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60612). It promises to be a fun and lively evening to celebrate and honor outstanding individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the lives of children and youth in our community. Are you planning to attend? All tickets include access to an open bar, heavy passed hors d'oeuvres, two food stations, and reserved seating during the speaking program. Upgraded Patron tickets include access to a VIP pre-reception with all the honorees, premium seating during the speaking program, and underwrite one ticket for a community partner. For more information and to RSVP for the 2024 Awards, visit: https://lnkd.in/g2GNcU3j Event Details: Bright Promises 2024 Awards Wednesday, October 23, 6:00-9:00pm Wildman BT (3020 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60612) Reserve tickets - Tickets include open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, food stations, and reserved seating during the speaking program. Smart casual attire, with a touch of orange to show your support. Complimentary valet and street parking available. See you there! #HeadStartAwareness #EarlyChildhoodEducation #FamilyFocusImpact #SupportHeadStart #BrightPromises2024 #EmpoweringFamilies #StrongerTogether