Safe Families for Children Greater Chicago

Safe Families for Children Greater Chicago Safe Families for Children is a nonprofit, volunteer movement that gives hope and support. Safe Families is present internationally in Canada, the UK and Kenya.

Since 2003, Safe Families for Children has offered sanctuary to thousands of children, minimizing the risk for abuse or neglect and giving parents the time and tools they need to help their families thrive. The ultimate goal is to strengthen and support parents so they can become stable families for their own children. Often problems such as drug addiction, domestic abuse, incarceration, or illnes

s can be debilitating, making it impossible for parents to care for their children. With the changing economy many more families are experiencing financial crisis, unemployment, and homelessness. During such crises, children are especially at-risk for neglect or abuse as their parents struggle to cope with crushing circumstances and emotions. State welfare emergency hotlines throughout the nation reportedly receive over 5 million calls each year of suspected child abuse or neglect. Of those calls, about one million meet the criteria for state intervention. Safe Families focuses on the other 4 million cases reported a year by providing families in crisis the option of having volunteer families (host families) to take care of children for a temporary period. This allows parents to have the time and space to work out their problems without having to worry about losing parental custody. For those opening their home to a child, the process would include an application, three references, a home visit, ongoing training, and a background check. In total, you can expect the process to take about 2 months before you can be notified of your approval or denial to be a Host Family. Similarly, Safe Families partners with churches in each community they are involved with. The churches and ministries play a vital role in the community of caregivers, as it provides another source of community and sense of “extended family” to families going through the process. Safe Families also has various volunteers that help provide a well rounded support system to take care of children, such as Family Friends. Family Friends assist Host Families with anything from babysitting to providing transportation to visits with the parents. Safe Families continues to expand as more families hear about the program, providing safety nets to families locally, nationally and internationally.

We often get confused with foster care, but we are a prevention focused with the goal of keeping more families together!...
08/20/2026

We often get confused with foster care, but we are a prevention focused with the goal of keeping more families together!💚🩵

08/18/2026

Social isolation shouldn't mean separation!

Parents want the best for their children, but sometimes they lack the financial resources and physical support of a reliable community to help in a crisis, leaving children vulnerable and families isolated.

Safe Families for Children is a family-focused support movement committed to serving parents by providing a caring, compassionate community to walk alongside them when they need it most.

Every family needs a family to count on! For more information, visit our website at https://safe-families.org/ to get involved in helping keep children safe and families together!

As school bells ring in a new season, many families are stepping into a year filled with both excitement and uncertainty...
08/13/2026

As school bells ring in a new season, many families are stepping into a year filled with both excitement and uncertainty. While some children return with confidence and anticipation, others carry burdens that aren't visible in a backpack.

This month, we want to pause and honor the heart of our schools—our teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff. Every day, they pour into the lives of children with compassion, patience, wisdom, and encouragement. They faithfully invest in each student entrusted to their care, showing up day after day with consistency, intentionality, and a heart to help every child thrive.

They celebrate the little victories and the big milestones, notice silent struggles, create opportunities for positive childhood experiences (PCEs), and often become a steady source of hope and stability when it’s needed most. Their influence extends far beyond academics, helping shape character, build confidence, and reminding children that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication and the lasting impact they make in the lives of students and families each day.

As this new school year begins, would you join us in praying for every student, every family, and every educator? May they be strengthened for the work ahead, encouraged in moments of challenge, and reminded that they are not alone. Together, we are blessing our schools, strengthening families, and helping hope walk into every classroom—one relationship at a time.

School is starting up this month around the country, and it is important that parents feel supported so children can thr...
08/11/2026

School is starting up this month around the country, and it is important that parents feel supported so children can thrive!

In partnership with local schools, Safe Families for Children (SFFC) focuses on building a support network with a local community church that has vetted, trained volunteers willing to serve families. This partnership intends to surround families with support from their community, which will help to:

1) Stabilize, strengthen + support parents
2) Minimize or eliminate harmful disruptions for a child at school
3) Enhance a child’s learning, development + growth
4) Reduce family stressors + isolation

Thank you to our local Starbucks partners for nominating Safe Families and to The Starbucks Foundation for recognizing o...
08/07/2026

Thank you to our local Starbucks partners for nominating Safe Families and to The Starbucks Foundation for recognizing our work to strengthen children, families, and communities. We are honored to be selected for a Neighborhood Grant! 💚

08/06/2026

It is a privilege to partner with thousands of churches nationwide that share our passion for living out the gospel to love our neighbor.

The role of Safe Families for Children (SFFC) is to come alongside local churches as they live out the mission Christ has already entrusted to them.
We are not asking churches to advance our mission—we are asking how we can help you live out yours.

The Church is central to God’s work in communities. Our role is to come alongside churches as they live out the mission ...
08/04/2026

The Church is central to God’s work in communities. Our role is to come alongside churches as they live out the mission Christ has already entrusted to them.

We are not asking churches to advance our mission—we are asking how we can help you live out yours. Through Safe Families, churches have practical opportunities to:

🩵 Care for Families
🩵 Strengthen Discipleship
🩵 Build Community

To learn more about our partnership philosophy, visit our website at https://bit.ly/4yVytVd.

Feeling alone? Parenting shouldn’t be done in isolation; it takes a village. Let us be yours!💙Social support consists of...
07/30/2026

Feeling alone? Parenting shouldn’t be done in isolation; it takes a village. Let us be yours!💙

Social support consists of social relationships that provide material and interpersonal resources that are of value to a recipient. These social supports act as protective factors and stress buffers, alleviating isolation and lack of relationships to help parents get back on their feet.

The success of Safe Families depends on balancing compassion with accountability so that parents experience both unconditional support and opportunities for growth!

Calling all volunteers! ☀️ Interested in helping with our current needs this summer? Call or text 773-217-8242!🏡 Hosting...
07/29/2026

Calling all volunteers! ☀️ Interested in helping with our current needs this summer? Call or text 773-217-8242!

🏡 Hosting Opportunities

• Orland Hills: Host three siblings ages 7, 5, & 2 together for 1–2 months while their mom secures employment and stable housing.
• Englewood: Host a 2-year-old girl for 2 weeks while Mom focuses on her mental health and work. She loves to play and attend her daycare in Chicago Lawn.
• Irving Park: Host siblings ages 16 & 13 for 1–2 months while Mom secures suitable housing. Both are enrolled in a weekday counseling program and would need transportation.

🩵 Family Friend Opportunity

• Back of the Yards: A hardworking mom of four is looking for a caring Family Friend to offer encouragement through occasional childcare, fun outings, or weekly check-ins. Your friendship could provide the support this family needs to thrive!

Not an approved Safe Families volunteer yet? Start the process today: https://sfcms.net/apply/

If now isn't the right time, we'd love your help to spread the word!

Address

4300 W Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL
60641

Telephone

+17736532200

Website

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