2025 Annual Report Microsite Sneak Peek
Metropolitan Family Services Mpowers families to learn, to earn, to heal and to thrive.
Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857 Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that Mpowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities.
Like the enduring stitches of a quilt, Metropolitan Family Services weaves together people with programs and community, supporting our clients at every age and stage of life. Across Generations: Weaving a Stronger Future reflects how our holistic, wrap-around services and cross-generational programming strengthen families, Mpower communities, and create lasting impact for generations to come, passed down like a family quilt.
From our CEO and Board Chair
Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) completed Fiscal Year 2025 from a position of strength.
In fact, throughout the last decade our organization has continued to bolster its programs, services, infrastructure and balance sheet. We at MFS have experienced unprecedented growth in many aspects of our work, allowing us to impact 205,511 families and individuals throughout Cook and DuPage Counties and other regions of Illinois.
Highlights of the year include the Southeast Chicago Center, which expanded into three new suburban communities to provide services for seniors and those with disabilities that promote their independence and dignity. The Legal Aid Society successfully completed its two-year partnership with the City of Chicago where it provided legal services for arrivals to the city. LAS served in various roles over the past two years, spanning the management of fund distribution to organizations who represented clients seeking legal refuge, offered additional legal services, and provided case management.
In addition, the Southwest and DuPage Centers were credentialed to provide substance abuse services, a new and exciting first step for us. Also, the Metropolitan Peace Academy continued to grow its reach and depth, celebrating 124 graduates as well as its 20th Street Outreach Cohort and first Fellowship Cohort, the latter designed as a network to support leaders of Community Violence Intervention organizations. And so much more importantly, life-empowering work is happening across our 10 centers.
That said, there is evidence of challenging times ahead. Notably, the uncertainty of federal and other public funding, which weighs heavily on most human services. Roughly a quarter of Metropolitan’s funding is federally sourced, most of which is passed through the State of Illinois and local government agencies. MFS has taken steps to be prepared to react to the changing funding conditions, but the looming uncertainty and the anxiety it engenders are heavy. We are grateful that our supporters are leaning in, asking how they can help, and partnering with us to creatively respond during this time.
Our mission is our anchor, and our strength lies in our people. We at Metropolitan Family Services are confident that we can move forward maintaining positive momentum to do the work that is so critical to those we serve. Your support enables communities to learn, earn, heal and thrive.
As our history has shown these last 168 years, we are resilient and capable of persevering through tough times. Thank you for your continued partnership, support and trust in our stewardship that allows us to do the essential work of transforming lives.
Sincerely,
Ric Estrada,
MFS President and CEO
Erik Barefield,
MFS Governing Board Chair
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES:
A Lifeline for Safety and Support
Theresia’s Story
“The personal concern and willingness from Luz to be supportive and look out for what I needed and what I was going through — that support was really important to me,” Theresia recalls.
“There are times in a family domestic violence situation a person may feel like they have no recourse, no place to turn, and they are just stuck. But it’s important to know support is available. You don’t have to stay in the situation.”
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES AND CONFIDENCE:
YouthBuild Program Equips for an Mpowered Future
Aidan’s Story
“When Aidan first started, he was very shy, very quiet,” says Tiffiney Conaway, a Job Developer for YouthBuild and Aidan’s lead mentor. “And he was so brave. He told me, ‘I struggle in some areas when it comes down to understanding certain things. And I’m going to need some help.’ And I was like, ‘No problem, Aidan. We got you.’”
Aidan shares, “I don’t like talking at all. But they were telling us every day, introduce yourself, introduce yourself … So I was like, might as well go with the flow, you know? I stepped up.” He adds that YouthBuild “wants people to have their own voices in the crowd.”
MI FAMILIA, MI MOTOR:
From Motherhood to Leadership
Laura’s Story
“Looking back, I know that every challenge, every opportunity, and every step led me here,” Laura explains. “I’m so grateful—for my family, who continue to be my greatest motivation, and for the community that believed in me when I was just beginning to believe in myself.
“Now, just a few months into my new role, I know I still have so much to learn—but I’m ready,” Laura says. “I’m even considering going back to school for a degree in Social Work. It won’t be easy, but I’ve learned that when you truly want something and believe in yourself, anything is possible.”
