As we embrace the final weeks of 2024, I am filled with gratitude and hope for the future we are building together. This year has been a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion, and resilience. With your support, Onward House continues to be a pillar of strength for our community, and as we look ahead to the new year, I want to share some exciting updates and reflections. 

One of the most significant milestones in our history is on the horizon: the CARES Campaign Community Center. This groundbreaking project, made possible by our partnership with The Reva and David Logan Foundation, represents a bold step toward health access, equity, and opportunity for all. Together, we are creating a space where families can thrive, laying the foundation for brighter futures. 

We are also preparing for the changes and challenges that come with a new administration in Washington and are ready to meet the evolving needs of our community. By collaborating with elected officials, community leaders, and local advocacy groups we are committed to standing strong to ensure continued access to critical resources. 

The holiday season has been a joyful and impactful time for our organization. Since Thanksgiving, our staff has been distributing thousands of winter and holiday essentials - including gifts, jackets, winter gear, and holiday turkeys and hams - and we’ll continue these efforts all the way through Christmas Day. These items have reached families in need thanks to the incredible generosity of our partners, corporate supporters, and community groups. These efforts reflect the heart of Onward House—neighbors helping neighbors—and we are endlessly grateful to everyone who made it possible.

Finally, I invite you to consider making a gift to support Onward House families this holiday season. Your donations allow us to continue providing life-changing services and programs for thousands of families in Belmont Cragin and beyond. Whether it's $50 or $500, every contribution makes a difference and brings us closer to our vision of a thriving community for all.

As we close this year and prepare for 2025, I want to thank you for being part of the Onward House family. Your kindness and generosity inspire everything we do, and together, we will continue to create a legacy of hope, strength, and opportunity. 

Warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year, 

A trusted name in the field of mental health and family support, Cicero Family Service (CFS) focuses on providing counseling, therapy, and crisis intervention to individuals and families in need. By addressing mental health challenges, they empower people to build resilience and foster meaningful relationships.  

CFS collaborates with our Illinois Welcoming Center staff to provide Spanish-language wellness workshops, in addition to individual and group counseling sessions, lead by skilled bilingual therapists. We look forward to the expansion of mental health support the new center will bring, ensuring critical mental health services are accessible to the community. 

We are excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with IWS to bring vital pediatric care directly to Onward House children and families! 

For over a century, Infant Welfare Society (IWS) has been dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and families. IWS specializes in integrated services such as pediatric health care, dental care, mental health counseling, and early childhood development support. Their commitment to holistic care ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive, setting the foundation for lifelong health.