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.
Thanks to all of you who partner with us to “Mpower Families” and make our communities stronger!
Ric Estrada
President & CEO
Erik Barefield
Board Chair