Families Helping Families Chicagoland

06/08/2026

The woman called us in tears. She had just received emergency custody of her four year old niece as a result of a protection order. The little girl came to her late in the evening with the clothes on her back and broken sandals on her feet. That was it. Nothing else. The woman was desperate. She herself was struggling financially and asked for our help to provide her niece the essentials she needed (socks, underwear, clothing, a pair of shoes, a toothbrush). Without hesitation, our founder, Amy Newman, arranged to meet the woman and her niece the next day at Walmart so Families Helping Families could purchase the items she needed. Thanks to the generosity of our community, money from our "Immediate Need" fund was used to provide for this little girl. At the end of the shopping trip, the aunt was in tears, but this time, they were tears of joy. We are grateful to all who support the work of Families Helping Families Chicagoland, so we can continue to support those in need...

We have put together an Amazon Wish List to further support this family and bring some joy to the little girl. Here is the link if you'd like to make a purchase: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2MHF31NW4XB8F?ref_=wl_share

06/02/2026

Making a difference, one child at a time!!

04/27/2026

Are you and your family looking for volunteer opportunities and a way to give back to the community? Families Helping Families Chicagoland has partnered with Deerfields Bakery & Cafe (Buffalo Grove location) to pick up unsold items on Saturdays and deliver them to various charitable outlets or local police and fire stations. If this interests you, click on the link below for more detailed information and sign up! We have available dates in May, June, July and August. Thank you! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D49ABA72DA7FC1-55790193-bakery?fbclid=IwY2xjawRcPapleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFvbmFBWjA3Yk1EcEZMa2lCc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmtS3D5_RFdZugHrzbFIjJ2CCgCOy23rqKUPVWMQZbDtgdDncgnJYU7neLFX_aem_Ii-WXnCl0YJ1yA9iIICGIA #/

04/18/2026

Grant a child's summer wish of a day at the pool!

School’s almost out, and summer should be a time for fun, laughter, and making memories. But for many families in our community, even something as simple as a trip to the pool isn’t possible. While some kids are heading off to camps and vacations, others are missing out on everyday summer experiences.

Families Helping Families Chicagoland is on a mission to change that. We’re raising funds to provide children in need with pool passes, sunscreen, goggles, and towels - everything they need for safe, carefree days in the sun.

Every child deserves a summer filled with smiles. Every donation - big or small - makes a difference. You can help by donating through our link or shopping our Amazon wish list. Thank you!

Donate Here: https://familieshelpingfamilieschicagoland.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/summer-swimming-fun

Wish List Here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/J5PD3WZLDJ23?ref_=wl_share

04/14/2026

FREE Boxing and Fitness Class for Kids! Sign Up Today!

Families Helping Families is proudly sponsoring a one time fitness class on Sunday, April 26th at Iron Fist Boxing And Fitness in Wheeling (1475 Wheeling Road).

This program is designed to support youth in our community—helping them grow physically, mentally, and emotionally!

The program will provide a safe, structured environment focused on: • Building confidence • Developing discipline & self-control • Staying active and healthy• Positive mentorship and support

This is more than a class - it’s a place where kids belong, grow, and build a better future!

The class will take place from 2:00–2:45 PM for 4-10 year olds and 3:15- 4:00 PM for 11-16 year olds on April 26th.

Since spots are limited. Register today! All equipment will be provided. Here's the link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D49ABA72DA7FC1-62554639-boxing

In the comment box please include your name, participant name and age and any information that will help make the day a success. Not every kid gets the same opportunities...but they should! Families Helping Families is proudly sponsoring a one time fitness class on April 26th at Iron Fist Boxing and...

03/24/2026

UPDATE: March 26, 2026
Thank you to everyone who has already purchased something from the wish list. FIFTEEN most needed items still remain. Can you help today?


Please read the letter below and consider purchasing something from the Target Wish. This mom and four daughters lost everything in a devastating fire. The link is at the bottom and in the comments. Thank you!

Hello Families Helping Families Chicagoland,

My name is Cecilia, and I am a mother of four daughters, ages 25, 17, 15, and 11. On March 8th, the apartment we had rented for many years in Chicago - our home -was completely destroyed by a fire. We lost everything. We are incredibly grateful that we all made it out safely, but our family is now temporarily split between two relatives while we search for stable housing.

My 17-year-old daughter is a severe high-risk asthmatic who receives ongoing care at Lurie Children’s Hospital. She is deeply committed to her studies and is actively involved with the organization YMEN. She also volunteers and has served on the Lurie Children’s Kids Advisory Board for the past four years.

This has been an incredibly traumatic time for our family. Just days after the fire, my 17 year old daughter was involved in a car accident while on her way to take college placement tests. She was a passenger with her mentor and another student when their car was struck. She was taken by ambulance to the emergency room and, thankfully, is physically okay after treatment for an asthma exacerbation. However, the experience has added to the emotional strain she is already facing.

Our family is deeply grateful for any support as we begin to rebuild from nothing. I have created a Target wish list under the name “Cecilia’s Community Wishlist,” which includes essential items for daily living, school, and work.

Any assistance would mean so much and help us take the first steps toward stability again.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and support.
https://www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/family-support-after-fire

03/20/2026

Sensitive Request...

A teacher reached out to us on behalf of a local family regarding a 2nd grader who is still wetting the bed, causing her to smell like urine at school. Sadly the other children don't want to be near her. The family lives in a 2-bedroom mobile home with 6 people and are struggling financially. They are asking for a bed wetting alarm, a plastic sheet and a mattress cover to help their daughter - totaling approximately $250. We are hoping our community can help. Here is the direct link if you would like to contribute. Thank you! https://familieshelpingfamilieschicagoland.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/bedwetting-supplies

02/16/2026

UPDATE: We have only raised $400 for this mom (a survivor of domestic abuse) and her kiddos. Please consider a donation. Families Helping Families Chicagoland will match dollar for dollar up to $1000 to help this mom get back on her feet. Her letter and link to donate are below. Please, join us in showing this mom some love and compassion for all she is going through. Thank you!

Dear Families Helping Families Chicagoland,
Last year, I obtained an order of protection after ongoing abuse. My husband repeatedly violated it, which ultimately led to his arrest. I am now in the early stages of a divorce and representing myself.

I have used my 401(k) and savings to keep our home stable and currently have no income. I have filed for temporary child support and maintenance, but there are no guarantees. For the first year of separation, I asked my husband for nothing as I just wanted him to stay away, and supported our household on my own while working. After losing my job, I reached out to him for help, but he used that to further control, abuse and manipulate me.

I want to work again. I have 10 years of experience in cybersecurity risk and fraud prevention, a career I love. What I need right now is stability - reliable childcare, help keeping our home, and basic necessities - so I can return to work without fear of losing everything we’ve worked to rebuild....

Can you help us help this mom? Below is the link to donate.
Thank you!

https://familieshelpingfamilieschicagoland.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/domestic-violence-survivor-with-2-small-children

01/26/2026

A Highland Park mom is asking for help at one of the hardest moments of her life. Facing cancer and the risk of losing her home, she’s fighting to stay strong for her children. Any assistance you can provide will make an immediate and meaningful impact. Here is the link to donate. https://familieshelpingfamilieschicagoland.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/highland-park-mom-with-teenagers-

Below is her letter....

Dear Families Helping Families Chicagoland,

I’m reaching out because I’m facing an extremely difficult period in my life, and I am hoping your organization might be able to offer assistance or guidance.

I’ve been navigating a divorce and was also recently diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy in November with one more surgery next month. I am the mother of 16 year olds and have another child currently in college, and providing stability for them during this time is my highest priority.

Unfortunately, the financial challenges have become overwhelming. My ex husband lost his company during COVID and has struggled to maintain steady employment since, which has significantly reduced the support available for our household. Between medical expenses, reduced income, and the responsibility of caring for my children, I am now at risk of loosing my home.

As difficult as it to ask for help, I am doing so because I am determined to get through this period and keep my family secure. Any financial assistance you can provide would make a meaningful difference as I continue treatment and work toward regaining stability.

Thank you for taking the time to read my message and for the work you do to support families in crisis. I am deeply grateful for any help or direction you can offer.

*Photo of her sons used with permission.