Family Focus

10/13/2026

💚 Empowering Growing Families In West Garfield Park

Join Family Focus for a FREE Fall Wellness Event in West Garfield Park! In partnership with the March of Dimes, we're bringing families together for an afternoon of wellness, valuable resources, community connections, and fun!

🗓️ Saturday, November 14, 2026
⏰ 1:00 – 4:00 PM
📍 West Garfield Park YMCA, inside Sankofa Village Wellness Center
4305 W. Madison St., Chicago

Here's what you can look forward to:

🥦 FREE Grocery Market – Fresh produce, healthy proteins, pantry essentials, and recipe ideas!
👶 Baby Essentials Giveaway – Free diapers, wipes, and other baby supplies while supplies last.
🤝 Community Resources – Connect with local organizations offering support for you and your family.
💙 Real Talk for Dads – An engaging conversation about fatherhood, parenting, and supporting one another.
🤰 From Bump to Bond – Discover how doulas support growing families before, during, and after birth.
🎶 Family Fun – Music from a live DJ and activities for the kids!

All are welcome! Whether you're expecting a baby, raising young children, or simply looking to connect with your community, we'd love to see you there!

💚 FREE to attend! Advance registration is required. Registration information will be available soon.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.family-focus.org/fy2027-garfield-park-wellness-event/

10/10/2026

💚 Today is World Mental Health Day.

Strong mental health and emotional well-being are essential to strong, stable families.

For parents, caregivers and children, experiences such as trauma and chronic stress can affect emotional well-being, relationships and a family’s overall sense of stability. Having access to support, trusted relationships and the right resources can make a meaningful difference.

At Family Focus, we work alongside families to strengthen their well-being, build resilience and help create the stability children and families need to thrive.

This World Mental Health Day, we’re reminded that supporting mental health means supporting the whole family.

💚 Strong mental health. Strong families. Strong communities.

To learn more about Family Focus programs and resources, please visit our website.

10/08/2026

🗳️ The 2026 Midterm Elections are coming up!

Illinois’ General Election is Tuesday, November 3, and now is a great time to make sure you’re registered and ready to vote.

📅 Important Illinois Voting Dates:
• October 18: Deadline for online voter registration (https://ova.elections.il.gov/)
• October 29: Deadline to request a Vote by Mail ballot
• November 2: Last day of Early Voting
• November 3: Election Day – polls are open from 6 AM to 7 PM

Miss the regular registration deadline? Illinois offers Grace Period Registration, which allows eligible residents to register and vote in person at designated locations through Election Day.

Need assistance registering to vote? Visit one of our local Family Focus Centers. Our team can help connect you with voter registration information and resources.

To find a Family Focus Center near you and learn more, visit our website.

Your voice matters. Make a plan and make your voice heard! 🗳️

10/02/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month - a time to raise awareness, support survivors, and remind families that no one should have to face violence or abuse alone. 💜

At Family Focus, we know that strong families begin with safety, stability, and support. Domestic violence can have a profound and lasting impact on parents, children, and entire families, affecting their physical and emotional well-being and their ability to thrive.

Throughout our communities, we work alongside families to help them navigate challenges, build stability, and connect with the support and resources they need.

This month, we stand with survivors, honor their strength, and recognize the organizations and advocates working every day to help individuals and families find safety and hope.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233), or by texting START to 88788.

10/01/2026

October is Head Start Awareness Month! 💙

For more than 60 years, Head Start has helped give children and families a strong foundation for the future.

Launched in 1965 during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration as part of the War on Poverty, Head Start was created to help children from families with limited incomes prepare for success in school and in life. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan officially proclaimed October as Head Start Awareness Month, recognizing the program’s important role in early childhood education and development.

Today, Head Start and Early Head Start continue to support the whole child - and the whole family - through early learning, health and nutrition services, family engagement, and connections to critical resources.

At Family Focus, we see the impact of this work every day. Head Start is about so much more than preparing a child for kindergarten. It is about partnering with parents, strengthening families, supporting healthy development, and helping children build the foundation they need to thrive.

This October, we are proud to celebrate our Head Start and Early Head Start children, families, teachers and team members - and the generations of families whose lives have been touched by this extraordinary program.

Because when we invest in children early, we strengthen families and communities for generations to come.

09/30/2026

Yes, we announced it in our Focus Forward newsletter last week, but it’s worth repeating. Our new strategic plan – Vision 2030 – is here!

This roadmap for the future reflects our commitment to strengthening children, families, and communities while expanding our impact for years to come.

We’re excited about what’s ahead — and grateful to everyone helping us build a brighter future together!

https://www.family-focus.org/strategic-plan-vision-2030/

09/28/2026

Historic Evanston property alert!

Family Focus is offering a unique opportunity to purchase the former Foster Elementary School at 2010 Dewey Avenue. This 3-story, 51,000 square foot landmark dates to the early 20th century, complete with modern additions and a City of Evanston Landmark designation.

To schedule a walkthrough or request more information, please contact Maria Arellano ([email protected]) with your name, organization, schedule availability, and any specific questions regarding the property or purchasing process. To learn about the property, including its landmark designation, conditions and more, visit: https://www.family-focus.org/fy2027-evanston-property/

09/28/2026

Head Start Matters because... Every child deserves a strong start!

“This is home - it’s where my daughter found her voice, where I discovered new ways to parent, and where our whole family is thriving. The love, resources, and learning we’ve experienced here go far beyond the classroom, it’s a community that lifts you up and makes sure no one is left behind.” – Family Focus Preschool Parent

Head Start isn’t just a program. It’s a foundation for lifelong success. Tap below to learn what's happening and help preserve Head Start!

https://takeaction.io/ilheadstart/tell-hhs-don-t-gut-head-start-standards/

09/25/2026

It’s here! The latest issue of Focus Forward has officially dropped!

Catch up on all the news, highlights, celebrations, and happenings from across Family Focus.

See what we’ve been up to and what’s coming next!

Email from Family Focus, Inc Greetings! At Family Focus, doing the right work starts with a clear mission, a strong sense of accountability, and a shared commitment to walking alongside families with

09/24/2026

Big recognition for Family Focus Belmont Cragin!

Our Belmont Cragin Center has been nominated by Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vásquez for special recognition honoring its commitment to Latino youth, families, and the Belmont Cragin community. ❤️

This honor celebrates a team that shows up, listens, and helps young people feel seen, supported, and valued.

We’re so proud! 🌟