Families Forward
Families Forward is an Irvine, California based nonprofit organization founded in 1984 by a group of community members in collaboration with the City of Irvine and the Irvine Company, with the goal of helping homeless and at-risk families. The agency began with only five apartment units and one part-time counselor. Families Forward has grown and now has twenty-eight transitional housing units as well as services to prevent homelessness in South Orange County, California.
Families Forward cites their mission as "To help families in need achieve and maintain self-sufficiency through food, housing, counseling, education and other support services. Families Forward is committed to serving each family with the core values of dignity, empowerment, accountability, community spirit, and hope."
Programs
Transitional Housing
The Transitional Housing Program utilizes 28 homes located throughout the community and provides homeless families with housing. Clients work with masters-level case managers on individualized self-sufficiency plans.
Rapid Re-Housing
Through partnerships with local apartment communities, families are placed in affordable apartments where the rent is paid in gradually increasing increments. Other supportive services available to families in this program include counseling, food, and career coaching.
Seasonal Programs
- The Back-to-School Program provides at-risk children with new backpacks and required school supplies enabling them to be prepared for the first day of the school year.
- The Holiday Programs provide families with food baskets through the Thanksgiving Program and thoughtful, holiday gifts through the Adopt-a-Family Program.
Services
Career Coaching
Career coaching is offered at Families Forward to help individuals increase their financial stability through job acquisition or improving their earning potential. Career Coaches assist clients in gaining knowledge of practical and effective job skills.
Food Pantry
Families are provided with food and basic toiletries.
Life-skills counseling
At-risk families receive counseling and case management services for up to six months, working to increase life-skills in areas such as parenting, budgeting, communicating, stress management, debt reduction, and job retention.
Awards
In September, 2010 Families Forward was voted among the best places to volunteer in Orange County.
In November, 2010 Charity Navigator awarded Families Forward four stars for its fiscal responsibility.
External References
References
[1] Strier, Autumn. "Families Forward". Bask Cause, Bask Magazine. Spring, 2011: http://www.baskmagazine.com/
[2] Peng, Rilla. "Best of Orange County 2010 Winners: Best Place to Volunteer". Orange County Register: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/volunteers-262603-families-hospital.html