Home Instead® franchise owner Kelly Hutchison supports the mission of FamilyForward because the Chicagoland nonprofit organization in the northwest suburbs helps low-income working families find hope and improves their lives by providing rent support and mentoring to help them break the cycle of poverty.
Hutchison has played a part in this mission as well. “Some of the adults who have been helped by FamilyForward have served as our Care Pros at Home Instead, where they are employed to help seniors overcome activity-of-daily-living challenges to remain in their homes. That is how I first heard of FamilyForward,” Kelly added.
Explaining why he strongly backs FamilyForward, Kelly said, “Losing a roof over their heads, what hope is there for that family and how many generations must that event echo? FamilyForward knows that if the parent has a job, we’ve got somebody who’s trying. I cannot sit idly by and think about this event happening in our communities when I know FamilyForward is so effective with its financial and volunteer resources,” said Kelly, who owns the award-winning Home Instead franchises in Itasca, Naperville and St. Charles.
FamilyForward provides assistance to the entire family. “I believe that youth must have a stable family environment for success in education, in our schools, for the ability to turn into responsible adults as they grow up and depart from their family units. So, when FamilyForward focuses on these family units that are most at risk of breakup, that was very, very appealing to me.”
FamilyForward, located in the northwest Chicago suburbs of Arlington Heights at 302 North Dunton Avenue, runs a two-year program that empowers families to reach for a better future. Formed in 2003 by the Arlington Heights Ministerial Association, FamilyForward (formerly known as Faith Community Homes) partners with churches, government entities, businesses and individuals to serve these families, including those who reside or work in Arlington Heights, Palatine and surrounding areas.
The two main pillars of FamilyForward’s program are rent subsidy and mentoring. In addition to providing financial assistance, trained mentors guide parents as they develop the skills, confidence and financial footing they need to build a brighter future. Additional support includes professional case management.
“FamilyForward sends volunteers regularly into these homes to support the working parent and has volunteers teach financial literacy, serve as a shoulder to cry on, look over financials and give job advice. FamilyForward is a right-size solution with effective support for a parent and child at maximum risk of a worst circumstance in life,” Kelly said.
“If we can keep a roof over their heads by helping provide jobs, there’s a chance for that child to stay in the same school. The families receive the housing assistance, combined with the volunteer support on life skills, and that is simply immeasurable. And this is why I believe FamilyForward – how can I say this nicely – punches well above its weight as a community nonprofit.”
To learn more about FamilyForward, visit www.family-forward.org/ or call (847) 342-0846.
Home Instead franchises are located in three Chicagoland areas:
Itasca: https://www.homeinstead.com/home-care/usa/il/elk-grove-village/205 (847) 512-8719;
St. Charles: https://www.homeinstead.com/home-care/usa/il/st-charles/458 (224) 414-3061;
Naperville: https://www.homeinstead.com/home-care/usa/il/naperville/402 (630) 637-3360.
At these award-winning Home Instead franchises, owned by Kelly Hutchison, all Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured.
