Multiple Program Grant for
Lutheran Child and Family Service of Illinois
River Forest, IL
MOMs Program
MOMs is a home-based program providing services to mothers and infants referred by the county health department’s WIC program. Many of the services are provided by trained volunteer mentors who are experienced mothers and grandmothers. Visits focus on maximizing parent/child bonding, increasing parenting skills and enhancing parents’ self-confidence and joy in parenting. Depending on need, referrals may be made for other services.
Father’s Center
This program involves five components: 1) Crisis counseling to address family issues, budgeting, relationship and life skills; 2) Employment counseling to help with unemployment and underemployment issues; 3) Adolescent fathers to assist them with issues regarding responsibilities toward their children and 4) Group meetings for fathers to discuss fathering techniques and issues.
Family Support
The goals of this program are to improve family functioning to keep the family together and prevent children from entering the child welfare system due to abuse or neglect. Issues addressed will include parenting, child behavior management, stress management, nutrition, home care and budgeting
Hispanic Outreach
The program focuses on those most vulnerable: children at risk, elderly who live alone, families in conflict and unemployed and newly employed immigrants. Services provided include emergency food, clothing, information and referral, employment counseling, job placement and retention, English tutoring and translation and parenting skills.
Congregational Information Campaign
The goal of this project is to develop stronger connections with local parishes in the four programs described in this block grant. As Christians we are called to serve others however, we are not always aware of the variety of opportunities that are available. In this campaign parishioners will be provided with concrete opportunities to participate in these ministries.