Family Focus

We’re thrilled to announce that Dara Munson has just completed her first full month as President of the Chicago chapter of the IWF Chicago International Women’s Forum (IWF)! 🎉 Dara’s visionary leadership and dedication to empowering families continue to inspire us all. In our latest article, we explore how her multidisciplinary approach is making a profound impact on our community. Discover how leaders like Dara are leveraging diverse expertise to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change. Click the link to read more and join us in celebrating Dara’s incredible achievement! 🌟 #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #CommunityImpact #FamilyFocus #IWFChicago #Empowerment #CelebrateSuccess

Happy Birthday to our fearless leader who embodies the heart and soul of Family Focus! Your dedication and passionate leadership has guided us through transformative times, making a profound impact on countless families and communities. Your commitment to our mission and your visionary approach to philanthropy and advocacy truly set the standard for our organization. We want to express our deepest gratitude for all you do and wish you a year filled with joy, success, and continued inspiration. Here’s to you, Dara Munson, and to many more years of making dreams come true! #HappyBirthday #Leadership #Inspiration #FamilyFocus

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Judith S. Block. For an incredible 56 years, Judy served on the Family Focus (formerly Chicago Child Care Society) board of directors as a pillar of strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication. But Judy was more than a board member; she was family, a visionary and an extraordinary advocate for the children and families we serve. Her impact resonates deeply within our organization and throughout our city. Judy’s fearless advocacy and tireless efforts were pivotal in expanding our services, ensuring every child had access to quality education and support. She challenged us to dream bigger, always pushing us to give our very best to our children and families. While words can't fully capture her importance to us, we are forever grateful for her presence, advocacy, loving spirit, and enduring impact on countless lives. Judy’s legacy of tenacity, compassion, and boundless love will live on in our hearts and in the lives she touched. Thank you, Judy, for your unwavering love for Chicago’s children. We will miss you deeply, but your legacy will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come. Judy seen here with Dara Munson #Inlovingmemory #JudyBlock

Thank you Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois for your partnership and lifting our Dara Munson message in this way! #TogetherWeCan #HealthyCommunities #StrongFamilies

Remembering the Highland Park Community on this 4th of July As we prepare to gather with family and friends to celebrate the 4th of July, our hearts and thoughts are with Highland Park and the Highland Park Community Association, especially our Family Focus community and team members who were profoundly affected by the tragic events of July 4th, 2022. Barbara (Bobbie) Hinden, Center Director at Family Focus Highland Park Center, beautifully expressed our sentiments: "As the celebration of the 4th of July is once again upon us, I can’t help but reflect on the tragedy that occurred two years ago in Highland Park. The senseless shooting of so many and loss of seven lives will always remain with those affected. I am proud to work with a compassionate, dedicated team of early childhood professionals who stepped up to support Family Focus families, even when they were also suffering. The staff and the families with whom we work have shown unprecedented strength and resilience. Though we will never erase that day from our memories, we move on as a cohesive group, knowing we are there for each other during difficult times." Today, we honor the memories of those lost and recognize the incredible strength and resilience of our Family Focus team members and the families we serve. Our community has shown unparalleled compassion and unity in the face of adversity, and we continue to support one another as we move forward together. From all of us at Family Focus, we extend our deepest gratitude to those who have stood by us and continue to support our mission. Together, we remain committed to fostering a nurturing and resilient community. #HighlandParkStrong #FamilyFocus #CommunityResilience #4thOfJuly #NeverForget

Driving access to resources and advancing our missions forward, that's what it's all about! Here's to an incredible kick off to the races! Thank you Chicago Street Race , The NASCAR Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Stephen Harris , Julie Giese, and 24th Ward - North Lawndale Alderwoman Monique Scott - supporting families and the communities we serve is possible because of partners like you!

July is off to the races! Dara Munson welcomed a host of attendees today at our Lawndale Center, where we were honored to receive a generous $30,000 donation from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) and NASCAR Chicago Street Race. This special check presentation highlighted our shared commitment to #DrivingAccess to better health and wellbeing services for the families and communities we serve. From our hearts to yours, Thank You to BCBSIL President Stephen Harris and NASCAR Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese for their incredible support as well as Alderwoman Monique L. Scott of the 24th Ward- North Lawndale community. And, the outdoor-silent disco-party coupled with BCBSIL's Blue Bear mascot brought an extra touch of excitement for the kids event that took place at the same time today! We are so grateful for this partnership and the impact it will have on the physical and behavioral health programs we provide. Together, we are making strides towards a healthier, more vibrant community. Thank you to everyone who joined us today! Thank you to ABC 7 Chicago for capturing today's presentation! https://lnkd.in/g5xTs4mE #DrivingAccess #CommunityHealth #FamilyFocus #BCBSIL #NASCAR

New Month, New Season, and Exciting News at Family Focus! We are thrilled to announce our newest slate of officers for FY25!  Presenting: Caragh De Luca: Chairperson Jamel Alikhan: Vice Chairperson Andrew Turitz: Treasurer Camille El-Amin: Secretary This milestone represents a significant step forward for us, reinforcing our commitment to strong governance and strategic leadership. Each member brings a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles, ensuring that Family Focus continues to thrive and make a meaningful impact in our community. According to Dara Munson, "Our board plays a crucial role in guiding our organization toward achieving our mission of supporting families across Illinois. I'm confident that with our newest officers at the helm, we will continue to elevate, evolve and serve with excellence." Caragh De Luca, newly appointed Chairperson, shares, "I am honored to serve alongside such an exceptional group of leaders. Together, we will uphold the mission and values of Family Focus as we work to empower the families and communities we serve." Join us in welcoming and congratulating Caragh, Jamel, Drew, and Camille on their new roles! Together, we look forward to an impactful year ahead! 

Happy Father's Day from Family Focus! June is a month of double the feels! We get to celebrate the amazing Dads and Father figures who make such a difference in our lives, AND it's Men's Health Month, a nudge for all the men out there to take care of yourselves! This Father's Day, we are celebrating the Dads in our lives AND encouraging them to prioritize their health. Our Power of Fathers Collaborative is here to support Dads on their parenting journey. Is there a Dad you know who could benefit? Tag him in the comments below and let him know there's a program out there for him! #FathersDay #MensHealthMonth #FamilyFocus #ThePowerofFathersCollaborative #DadsRock #HealthyFamilies #StrongCommunities

At Family Focus, we are deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all. We honor the richness of diversity and reaffirm our shared goal of supporting communities where everyone is valued and respected.   Being true to yourself is never wrong. This month and every day, we stand alongside our LGBTQ friends and family! Drop a 🏳️🌈💖 and Join Us in spreading love and acceptance. Together, we will create spaces and places where everyone feels seen.   Happy Pride!  #PrideMonth #LoveIsLove #Equity #FamilyFocusMission