Family Focus

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

We stop and acknowledge the land that we live on. This area is on the traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe, or the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations- as well as the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sauk and Meskwaki peoples. This land was and is stewarded by Indigenous people. Our presence here is a testament to the trauma, harm, and violence of colonialism supported by the ideology of white supremacy and the hierarchy of human value. We can’t gather insisting that the hierarchy of human value is false if we do not acknowledge our relationship to this land. In this land acknowledgment, let us reflect on our collective relationship to this land and our role in honoring this land by the way we live. Let us reflect on the struggles of Indian people and what we can collectively do to fight for justice and dignity. We invite you to self-reflect as we acknowledge this land. Indigenous Peoples' Day is a time to celebrate, honor, and recognize the rich traditions and cultures of Indigenous communities, not only in America but across the globe. Their wisdom and way of life offer us valuable lessons on living in harmony with the Earth and embracing sustainability in all we do. To learn more about How to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day click the link below. https://lnkd.in/gx3nfn3V

"Programs like Head Start, offered through Family Focus, ensure that every child has access to the support they need to grow, learn, and thrive. As a 2024 Bright Promises Foundation Champion for Children honoree, I am deeply honored to advocate for the critical importance of these programs, knowing the lasting impact they have on our youngest learners," explains Sherneron Hilliard. Join us in supporting this mission and celebrating sherneron Hilliard and everyone making a difference. Purchase your tickets today and be part of the change at the Bright Promises 2024 Awards on October 23rd! Find out more and register via the link below: https://lnkd.in/g2GNcU3j #BrightPromises2024Awards #HeadStart #EarlyChildhoodEducation #CommunityImpact #FamilyFocusPrograms #GiveBack #GetInvolved #Inspiration #ChicagoYouth #SavetheDate

Dujon, we couldn't be more excited to have you "back" at the Family Focus table. Thank you for leading...I'm looking forward to working with you as an esteemed Board member!

It's a full-cirlce moment as we welcome Dujon C. Smith back to Family Focus, this time as a new member of our Board of Directors! Dujon’s journey with us began years ago as a program participant, and today, he returns with over a decade of experience in innovation and venture capital. His story is a true testament to the power of our mission—to create opportunities for families to grow and thrive. As the leader of the Founders Development Program at Accenture , Dujon is dedicated to advancing underrepresented entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and access to venture capital they need to succeed. He’s a visionary leader and a bridge-builder, connecting Global 2000 companies with the startup ecosystem and paving the way for the next generation of innovation. Dujon is also the founder of My Block Skin, a company redefining sun care for the melanin-rich community. Through education, awareness, and high-quality products, he’s ensuring that sun safety is accessible for everyone. We’re beyond excited to see Dujon’s passion for connecting technology, culture, and education will help us strengthen our impact. His journey from participant to leader is truly inspiring, and we know he’ll be a tremendous asset as we continue to uplift families and communities together. Please join Caragh De Luca and our entire organization join in welcoming Dujon back to the Family Focus family! #WelcomeBack #FullCircleMoment #FamilyFocusImpact #Inclusion #CommunityGrowth

We are delighted to welcome Renae Conley as a new member of our Board of Directors! With a deep commitment to community impact and an impressive track record in leadership, Renae brings a wealth of experience that aligns beautifully with our mission to uplift families and children throughout Chicago and Northeast Illinois. Renae's extensive background in strategic communications, investor relations, and guiding organizations through pivotal transitions reflects her dedication to fostering growth and resilience. Her leadership roles, from serving as President of Cincinnati Gas and Electric to her impactful tenure on the boards of companies like Southwest Gas Holdings Inc and PNM Resources, demonstrate her ability to navigate complex challenges while keeping a clear focus on long-term success. At Family Focus, we believe in the power of strong, mission-driven leadership, and we’re confident that Renae’s vision and passion will amplify our work to create stronger communities. We look forward to continuing our journey of empowerment, service, and positive change for families. Please join Caragh De Luca and the entire Family Focus community in welcoming Renae to our organization! We are excited for the many ways her expertise will help us reach new heights. #FamilyFocusChicago #WelcomeRenae #LeadershipInAction #BoardAnnouncement #CommunityImpact #EmpoweringFamilies #FamilyFocusValues

Congratulations to the Family Focus Cicero Team! We are so proud to share that the Town of Cicero will be recognizing our Family Focus Nuestra Familia center at their Town Board Meeting on October 8th at 10:00 AM with a Certificate of Appreciation! This recognition is a proud moment for all of us at Family Focus, and we are grateful for the Town’s acknowledgment of the important work we do in supporting families and children. 💙 Help us celebrate this achievement by leaving your congratulations below! Together, we can continue making a difference in the lives of those we serve. #FamilyFocusCicero #CommunityRecognition #CiceroTeam #FamilyFocusImpact #SupportingFamilies #CommunityEngagement #BuildingStrongerCommunities #ThankYou #CelebratingSuccess

We know firsthand that Headstart programs lay the foundation for children’s success, and we're proud to align our mission with the National Head Start Association. This month, we're also celebrating sherneron Hilliard as the 2024 Bright Promises Foundation Champion for Children honoree for her longstanding dedication and standout service to early childhood education. Help us raise awareness about the importance of Head Start, because every child deserves a strong start in life. If you believe in the power of early education, share this post and help us spread the word! #HeadStart #FamilyFocusImpact #BrightPromises2024 #EarlyChildhoodEducation #SupportHeadStart #EveryChildMatters #RaisingAwareness