HIGHLIGHTS
We had many exciting opportunities to celebrate the achievements of our clients and communities throughout the year!
More than 500 supporters gathered for the 44TH ANNUAL MPOWER THE NIGHT, raising an incredible $2.3 million in support of Metropolitan Family Services programs and services. The evening demonstrated the power of community investment in helping children, families and communities across Chicagoland thrive. ComEd received MFS’ Legacy Award, accepted by President and CEO Gil C. Quiniones.
TYLER MACKLIN, CUBS SCHOLAR
Upward Bound participant Tyler Macklin was named a 2026 Cubs Scholar in recognition of academic achievement and dedication to future goals. A junior at Corliss High School, Tyler plans to pursue a degree in veterinary science or nursing. Metropolitan Calumet’s Upward Bound program has prepared first-generation college students for two decades, and many of its students have been honored as Cubs Scholars. The Cubs Scholars program, launched in 2013, offers Chicago inner-city high school students financial contributions and a team-sponsored mentorship program designed to promote academic achievement and post-secondary educational advancement.
JOYCE MPOWER HOUSE
Community leaders, partners and residents celebrated the opening of the Joyce Mpower House in West Englewood this summer. This state-of-the-art multimedia facility, the newest member of the Peace Campus, will provide young people with opportunities to explore creativity, develop technical skills and share their stories.
CREN HONORING MFS
Metropolitan Family Services was selected as the beneficiary of the 2026 Chicago Real Estate Network (CREN) Mardi Gras event. The partnership supports programs and services that help individuals and families build stability and achieve their goals.
BANK OF AMERICA YOUTH
Youth from Metropolitan Calumet participated in Intern Day with Bank of America professionals, learning about career development, networking and professional growth. The experience encouraged participants to explore new opportunities and envision a variety of paths to success.
UNITED AIRLINES KINNECT
Metropolitan Family Services joined Kinnect and United4Veterans at Willis Tower to connect with professionals interested in volunteering and community engagement. Attendees also heard from former MFS client and current Board Member Lavelle Schaffer about the impact of Metropolitan’s programs and services.
“IT ENDS WITH US” DONATION
Family Shelter Service of Metropolitan Family Services DuPage received a donation from the It Ends with Us Movement to support domestic violence survivors and their families. The contribution helps provide emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and other critical services for survivors.
ALTGELD GARDENS FOOD PANTRY
A $150,000 grant from the Chicago Community Impact Grants Program helped reopen the Altgeld Gardens Food Pantry, which is operated by participants in Metropolitan Calumet’s Altgeld Youth Leadership program. The pantry addresses food insecurity while providing youth with leadership and workforce development opportunities.
25th ANNUAL DUPAGE GALA
Community leaders, donors and supporters celebrated the 25th anniversary of the DuPage Gala A Night to Stand Up for Families, raising a record-breaking $504,000! The funds support Metropolitan DuPage programs and services, benefiting families and individuals throughout DuPage County.
HECC 3rd ANNUAL PROGRAM SHOWCASE
The Howard & Evanston Community Center (HECC) hosted its third annual Program Showcase, celebrating the impact of services benefiting families and individuals throughout the Greater Rogers Park and Evanston communities. The event also featured the announcement of an historic gift from the Steve Patton Family to support the new Patton Family Mpower House.
CONGRESSMAN SEAN CASTEN VISIT
Congressman Sean Casten visited Metropolitan Southwest Community Center to learn more about behavioral health and wraparound social services available to residents in Chicago’s southwest suburbs. The visit highlighted the importance of comprehensive support for individuals and families.
CHICAGO VIOLENCE INTERVENTION (CVI) CONVENING
Metropolitan Peace Initiatives convened community violence intervention leaders and partners to celebrate continued reductions in gun violence across Chicago. The event highlighted the impact of community-based violence prevention and intervention efforts and a shared commitment to creating safer neighborhoods.
IL WORKS BRIDGE TO CONSTRUCTION
Students in the Illinois Works Bridge to Construction North Center program gained valuable insight into careers in the union trades during a visit from a Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) leader. The presentation offered practical guidance on career pathways, financial literacy and professional success while helping participants explore opportunities in the skilled trades.
EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE AWARD LUNCHEON 2025
Supporters, advocates and community leaders gathered for the Equal Access to Justice Award Luncheon, raising more than $428,000 to support the Legal Aid Society. The event also recognized ADM and Regina Bynote Jones with the William H. Avery Award and Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. with the Steven R. Gilford Pro Bono Award for their commitment to expanding access to justice for low-income individuals and families.
ILLINOIS STATE SENATOR WILLIE PRESTON VISITS MIDWAY
Illinois State Senator Willie Preston visited Metropolitan Midway Community Center to learn how Metropolitan Family Services is expanding access to vital resources and wraparound support for families across the 16th District. The visit underscored the importance of community-based services, collaborative partnerships and advocacy in creating pathways to stability, opportunity and long-term well-being for residents throughout the communities we serve.
REIMAGINE SOUTHEAST CHICAGO
Youth participants at Metropolitan Family Services’ Southeast Chicago Center strengthened their leadership, civic engagement and problem-solving skills through the Reimagine Youth program. After identifying community challenges and exploring solutions, participants led a neighborhood cleanup project in South Chicago, putting their learning into action and demonstrating the power of youth leadership. Their efforts fostered community pride, strengthened neighborhood connections, and reflected the positive impact young people can have when empowered to lead change.
