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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Metropolitan Family Services?
Founded in 1857 by Chicago's business community, it is the oldest and largest non-sectarian family service agency in metropolitan Chicago. Metropolitan Family Services provides a comprehensive range of programs and services to strengthen and support families and communities.
Why did you change the name of your organization from United Charities to Metropolitan Family Services?
There are several reasons. The word "charities" was never a suitable description of our services. Our new name more accurately reflects our mission -- to help families throughout metropolitan Chicago achieve their potential. Second, we think our new name will clear up the confusion we consistently experienced in the past with organizations such as United Way or Catholic Charities. In addition, we expect our new name will open the door to new and increased resources for programs and services because people will understand better that we are a direct service organization rather than a funding source.
What do you mean by "comprehensive family services"?
Families experiencing dysfunction often need more than one service. Metropolitan Family Services provides an array of services within its own network. For example: counseling for sexual abuse or domestic violence, school-based programs to support healthy child development, legal representation in adoption and custody proceedings, financial counseling, services which enable the mentally ill and elderly to live independently or Big Brothers/Big Sisters and other mentoring programs. These are a few examples -- the list goes on -- and changes with community needs.
What populations do you serve?
Metropolitan Family Services serves a broad range of populations with a focus on helping low and moderate income families and communities. Our services are neighborhood based and responsive to community needs. Metropolitan Family Services is proud of its outcomes and consistently evaluates programs to make certain that they produce positive, measurable results for its clients.
Why is it necessary to work with the whole family?
Metropolitan Family Services thinks the most effective resource for support and for change is the family. If one family member is at risk, the entire family is affected. When families are strong, stable and self-sufficient, all of us reap the benefits. Based on experience, we have strong convictions about the resilience and capacities of families if they can access needed supports and services.
How long have you been doing this?
Our experience dates back to 1857 and includes helping families during the chaos of the Civil War, the Great Chicago Fire, and the Great Depression. The problems are different today but the focus on families and their capacities to recover are the same.
Where does the money you receive go?
Our fiscal year 2003 budget of just over $31 million pays for programs and services, based out of neighborhood centers throughout the city and suburbs, which are administered by nearly 500 employees who help nearly 90,000 families each year. 86 cents out of every dollar we receive goes directly to client services.
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