Metropolitan Family Services

Jataune is a client who has gained hope for a new beginning. “I have lived a life with plenty of challenges, made mistakes, and done some things that I am not proud of,” Jataune says. “For a long time, those experiences shaped how I saw myself. I never thought I could amount to much.” When Metropolitan began providing services at the apartment complex in 2024, Jataune was skeptical. She had seen other programs come and go without much benefit to residents. But once she became involved, she found a consistency that surprised her. She now says, "Today, I am the President of Dr. Mildred C. Harris Apartments and the LAC South Region Treasurer. Sometimes I have to stop and think about that myself. I speak in front of rooms filled with people. I attend meetings with people I once thought were superior to me. Now, I know I belong in those rooms too, and I can speak up not only for myself, but for other residents.” Jataune is an example of the lives we “Mpower” through Mpower the Night, MFS’ signature annual gala, which benefits programs and services MFS provides agency-wide. Learn more about Mpower the Night and support the event: https://bit.ly/3TsFrkI

Congratulations to our Life Trustee and former Board Chair Frank Clark on receiving the 2026 DuSable Chicago Legacy Award from World Business Chicago!

On October 22nd, Metropolitan Family Services Calumet hosted its 12th annual Purple Hat Brunch, bringing together survivors, advocates and community partners to honor the voices and experiences of those impacted by domestic violence. This year’s theme, With Survivors, Always, encouraged us to reflect on what it means to stand in partnership with survivors and to foster safety, support and solidarity. We were deeply moved by our speakers, including Sergeant Roderique McClain of the 5th District CPD, Rachel Green of the Legal Aid Society, Tracy Murray, Keanna Peppers and Mayra, a Domestic Violence Advocate, who shared their personal journeys. We are grateful to our clients, staff, community residents and partners who joined us in this powerful moment of reflection and commitment. Thank you to our partners: CPD Victim Services, ComEd, CHA Domestic Violence Team, Center for Better Aging and Safari. Shout out to Kirk the Photographer who captured the evening perfectly. A big Thank You for the decorations and desserts by That's It Creations by T. #PurpleHatBrunch #DVAM2026 #WithSurvivors #DVActionMonth #EndDomesticViolence

Throughout the month of October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re asking you to join us in making a meaningful impact by participating in our donation drive. Our Centers provide free crucial support services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Let’s raise awareness and support one another by making a small donation today to help those in need. Scan the QR code or click this link to make a donation today: https://bit.ly/4rDqYih

Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services is honored to be among the recipients of the IEJF Civil Legal Aid Grants!

Get excited for the Mpower the Night 45th annual silent auction! Here’s a sneak peek at some of the amazing prizes you could win! We’ll be highlighting exciting items up for auction, so start thinking about your favorites and get ready to place your bids. Stay tuned! The silent auction link will be available soon, giving you the chance to explore the items and plan your bids. You won’t want to miss out on these exciting prizes. Learn more about Mpower the Night and support the event: https://bit.ly/3TsFrkI

Our DuPage Center is honored to be featured along with other amazing local organizations in this video from Duly Health and Care, which highlights the impact of our shared work in the community. Take a look and see how, together, we're making a difference. Watch here: https://bit.ly/48lGB56

Nothing says community care like showing up and lending a helping hand! Thank you to Northern Trust, for dedicating a beautiful morning to sprucing up the grounds at our Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter in DuPage. Your efforts, from trimming shrubs to clearing the parking lot, make a meaningful difference. We appreciate you sharing your time and sunshine with us!

We’re honored to be featured, along with Changent, by Better Magazine in a story highlighting the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program as an example of high-impact philanthropy. NFP works to positively impact and transform the lives of expectant parents and families facing complex challenges through a proven home visiting model. Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) and Changent partner in providing NFP through MFS’ Southwest Center, and MFS' Kelly Tavormina was interviewed for the article. The full story is here: https://bit.ly/3Uyd7Od

When Sonia’s oldest son, then 11, suffered depression, anger and suicidal thoughts after being bullied at school, our DuPage Center quickly paired him with a caring therapist who provided counseling and support to him, his two brothers and Sonia. Today Sonia’s oldest son is 15, and he “is a different person,” Sonia says. She adds, “His therapy is down to once every other week because we don’t see the angry behavior anymore. He’s happier now and making plans for the future.” Sonia and her family are examples of the lives we “Mpower” through Mpower the Night, MFS’ signature annual gala, which benefits programs and services MFS provides agency-wide. Learn more about Mpower the Night and support the event: https://bit.ly/3TsFrkI