Chicago Department of Family and Support Services

10/28/2026

Thank you for your partnership! We truly believe that afterschool programs aren't just extra hours in the day—they are vital launchpads for safety, connection, and opportunity across Chicago 💡✨

10/27/2026

Your voice helps shape the future of our city! 🏙️🗣️

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) invites you to join us for our Chicago Committee on Urban Opportunity (CCUO) 4th Quarter Board Meeting on Thursday, November 12. We are seeking public attendance and comments specifically regarding Head Start and CSBG (Community Services Block Grant) programs.

These grants are vital to supporting our children and families, and we want to hear from the community we serve.

How to participate:

📩 Public Comment: Send your questions or comments to [email protected].
🔗 Learn More: Click here (tinyurl.com/DFSS-CCUO-Board) to learn more about the CCUO Board.

See you there! 🫱🏽‍🫲🏽

10/27/2026

Experiencing homelessness at a young age should not determine the rest of your life. My administration will continue working to create pathways out of homelessness and into permanent housing for all Chicagoans, because our responsibility does not end when someone finds a shelter bed.

10/22/2026

💜💜💜

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge survivors, their families, and those all around us impacted by domestic violence.

On this episode of Healthy Chicago Podcast, Laura Ng (Project Manager at Chicago Department of Family and Support Services) speaks with Carla R. Gutierrez (Chair of the Mayor’s Office’s Gender-Based Violence Task Force) and survivor Kimberly L. McGee (Taskforce liaison for the Survivor Leader Working Group) on defining domestic violence, the importance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, providing available resources, and why it’s important to talk about dispelling myths and normalizations.

🎧 Listen at the podcasting platform of your choice: https://chi.gov/4dPvKDR
💻 Watch on YouTube: https://chi.gov/4z6feYP

If you need help, contact the 24/7 Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 877-863-6338. For more information on supportive services, please visit chi.gov/dvhelp.

City of Chicago – Government

10/22/2026

🏐💗 What a memorable evening at our Dig Pink Volleyball Tournament!

We had an amazing time bringing together young people for some friendly competition, teamwork, and a great cause! Congratulations to our winning team for taking home the grand prize! 🏆🎉

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, cheered on the teams, and helped make this event possible! Special shoutout to Belmont-Cragin Elementary School for hosting us, along with our staff, volunteers, and partners for their support.

It was a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together, have some fun, and raise awareness in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Thank you to everyone who showed up and made this event such a success! 💕🏐

10/21/2026

Honoring Courage, Unity, and Hope: DFSS Breast Cancer Awareness Lunch & Learn Event 🩷

The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) extends our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who joined us on October 13th for our "Breast Cancer Awareness Lunch & Learn" Event. Your presence brought strength, unity, and hope to this important occasion.

A sincere thank you to our guest speaker Rose Loftin‑Johnson and event facilitator & breast cancer survivor Melinda Hill (DFSS Administrative Services Officer II) for sharing their wisdom, compassion, and knowledge.

We extend our deep gratitude to Devin Jackson (DFSS Executive Administrative Assistant II) for his seamless event coordination, and to Angela Green (DFSS Commissioner) for her continued leadership and support.

Most importantly, to our courageous breast cancer survivors—Beatriz Gomez, Kathleen Johnson, Sandra Washington, and Muriel Buckner—thank you for opening your hearts and sharing your powerful stories. Your resilience inspires us all and serves as a vital reminder of why this work matters.

Remember: EARLY DETECTION CAN SAVE LIVES. Together, WE can make a difference. 🎗️

10/20/2026

Celebrate National Family Caregiver Month with the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS)!

Join the DFSS Chicago Senior Services Division for our “Caring for Caregivers” appreciation events designed to honor family and friends caring for older adults while connecting you with essential resources—from respite care and support groups to memory cafes, training, and gap-filling services. ✨

✅ Remaining Upcoming Events:

📌 Oct 22 (1:00 PM): Caregiver Support for Veteran Families (with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) | Central West Regional Senior Center (2102 W. Ogden Ave.)
📌 Nov 2 (9:30 AM): Caregiver Informational Session (with Center for Better Aging & CDPAP Premier Home Health Care Services, Inc) | Southwest Regional Senior Center (6117 S. Kedzie Ave.)
📌 Nov 6 (1:00 PM): Caregiver Informational Session (with Chinese American Service League) | Northwest Regional Senior Center (3160 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
📌 Nov 12 (1:00 PM): Caregiver Informational Session (with Center for Better Aging) | Southeast (ATLas) Regional Senior Center (1767 E. 79th St.)
📌 Nov 17 (10:00 AM): Caregiver Informational Session (with Chinese American Service League) | Northeast (Levy) Regional Senior Center (2019 W. Lawrence Ave.)
📌 Nov 19 (11:00 AM): “Mama Joe” Film Screening & Panel (with Alzheimer's Association, Center for Better Aging & Premier Home Health Care Services, Inc) | Renaissance Court Senior Center (78 E. Washington St.) | Register: bit.ly/DFSSMamaJoeFilm
📌 Nov 20 (10:00 AM): Caring for Caregivers Virtual Conference (with Chinese American Service League, Center for Better Aging, Premier Home Health Care Services, Inc & The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division) | Register: bit.ly/DFSScaregiver26

10/19/2026

📢 YOUTH OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME (OST) PROGRAMS RFP OPPORTUNITY 📢

The City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) is pleased to announce the release of the Youth Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs RFP.

DFSS is seeking proposals from experienced City of Chicago youth-serving organizations to implement high-quality out-of-school time (OST) programs for young people ages 6 to 21. Through the Year-Round and Project-Based Learning program models, this investment is intended to foster safety, strengthen belonging, build youth skills, and cultivate positive relationships with peers and caring adults through evidence-informed positive youth development practices.

DFSS envisions a Chicago where every young person, regardless of neighborhood, race, income, or circumstance, has access to high-quality out-of-school opportunities that inspire them to explore their interests, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover their strengths in welcoming environments that prepare them for lifelong success.

💻 View the Oct 1 pre-proposal webinar here: tinyurl.com/y3hhe8ye

For more information, please refer to the application posted on the City of Chicago – Government’s eProcurement page under current bids:

www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurement
Solicitation #67226
Deadline: October 30, 2026
Learn more: tinyurl.com/3kv6xhtw

10/19/2026

Medicare Open Enrollment is happening now through Dec 7! Chicago DFSS Senior Services (Chicago Senior Services) is here to help you navigate your options. 🏥✨

What We Offer:

✅ Free SHIP Counseling: One-on-one help enrolling in Medicare or drug plans.
✅ Cost Assistance: Guidance on Extra Help (LIS) & Medicare Savings Programs (MSP).
✅ Wellness Benefits: Free/low-cost annual checkups, screenings, & vaccines.
✅ Free language interpretation services available.

Upcoming Events (Oct 15 – Oct 30):

✅ Join us at local senior centers, Chicago Public Library locations, or virtual events for enrollment help and presentations! (Note: Some events require an appointment).

📞 Call 312-744-4016 or email [email protected] to book a SHIP Counselor!

09/25/2026

Chicago teens, this one’s for YOU! 🎉

Join us TOMORROW for the LUV Teen Takeover—a youth-inspired experience created by The LUV Institute to give Chicago teens a space to create, connect, celebrate, and be seen! Designed with young people, for young people, this event brings together art, music, food, basketball, Double Dutch, entertainment, and community experiences shaped by teen voices.

📍 Where: Mandrake Park (3858 S. Cottage Grove Ave)
🗓️ When: Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
🎧 Special Guests: Music by DJ Will the Thrill (Power 92) & special guest D-LOW (creator of the DLow Shuffle)
🎨 Features: Live art with Damon Lamar Reed, food trucks, giveaways, content stations, and more
🍔 BONUS: FREE FOOD for the first 300 teens!

All teens are welcome! Scan the QR code on the flyer or stop by Mandrake Park tomorrow to take over the afternoon with us.

Co-sponsored in partnership with DFSS, Chicago Youth Works, Mayor’s Office of Community Safety, AmeriCorps, 9/11 Day, and the Chicago Park District.