2016 Annual Report

EXTRAORDINARY • TOGETHER • POWERFUL • RESILIENT • THRIVING

jessica-title-copy

TOGETHER

Jessica’s mother noticed she was struggling to discipline her children, 3-year-old DJ and 2-year-old Khloe. “Do you remember that class I took?” Jessica remembers her mom asking. “I think you need to take it too.” read more

Elizabeth

RESILIENT

Elizabeth’s husband abused her oldest daughter and then disappeared with their money­—leaving Elizabeth to rebuild her life, care for her family, and relive her own history of childhood abuse and trauma. read more

Maria and Saul de la Cruz children Alize, 11; William, 5; Sophia, 2; Saul, 1 Maria and Saul's second child, William, began attending Metropolitan's Head Start program in Addison at the same time the Addison Children's Center was being built on the other side of the parking lot. Their family support worker, Marcela, asked if they wanted to enroll their two youngest children, two-year-old Sophia and 1-year-old Saul, when it opened. They jumped at the chance. William had thrived in Head Start, and having quality child care for Sophia and Saul meant Maria was able to attend GED classes. "It's like they say, it's not a day care. It's Early Head Start. They are preparing the kids for what school will be like," Maria said. "It's a really big help and the kids are learning." Maria has seen both children's vocabulary improve dramatically, and both are able to eat by themselves. Sophia, 2, is now potty trained. Marcela has been able to help them in many ways, Maria said. From home visits to temporary rent assistance, "it has been a great experience," Maria said.

THRIVING

Maria and Saul’s second child, William, thrived in Metropolitan’s Head Start program. So when the Addison Children’s Center opened, the family jumped at the chance to enroll their youngest children.  read more

SHIFT helped Shatrece reunite with her fiance, find housing, and get counseling for past trauma.

FINANCIALS

Financial resources support our mission to provide and mobilize services needed to strengthen families and communities. We’re more focused than ever, investing in work that directly empowers individuals and families.

rally re budget crisis, specifically CCAP and child care

POWERFUL

When the Illinois state budget crisis jeopardized human services funding we took action. From participating in testimonies before state legislators to making our voices heard in Springfield, we shared stories about the life-saving difference human services make every day.

Event Photography by LeVern Danley

THANK YOU

Every year, hundreds of generous contributors provide resources that enable us to support families and transform communities. We thank every investor for being a part of our Metropolitan community. Together we mpower. Click here to view our donors.

CLICK HERE to download the 2016 Metropolitan Family Services Annual Report

cover photo by Roxanne Engstrom of Hawa Images