Family Focus Lawndale serves the Chicago neighborhoods of North and South Lawndale, East and West Garfield Park, and Austin.

Available Programs

After-School Programs

After school activities are offered Monday through Friday during the critical hours of 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.; the time when a lack of constructive activity and supervision can lead to risk-taking behavior. Most students attend 4-5 days per week through the regular school year. Programs focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), literacy, homework help, and arts activities.

Family Focus Lawndale is currently offering after-school programs at DePriest Elementary, Dvorak Elementary, Lewis Elementary, Marshall High School ,and Penn Elementary.

Doula

Doulas are experienced professionals who provide physical, emotional, and educational support for a birthing person before, during, and after childbirth. A doula does not replace medical personnel such as a doctor or midwife but supports the pregnant participant he mother or birthing person with pre- and postnatal care, connections to healthcare and supportive services, and labor coaching. Using a doula helps create a safe environment to give birth, assists with breastfeeding and lactation, and provides a support system for families to help with anything unexpected.

Home Visiting

The home visiting program is open to caregivers with children from newborn to 3 years old. Parents receive visits from their home visitor to ensure their child is meeting development milestones through parent-child activities and education. Activities guide parents and children in sharing and learning activities that improve gross motor, language, fine motor, social, and emotional skills. Parent curriculum includes good maternal or paternal and child health, home safety, food security, positive parenting, and school readiness. Most home visiting programs also invite the parents to engage with other parents in the program through community events or support groups.

Family Advocacy Center
Known as FACs, Family Advocacy Centers are a partnership between Family Focus and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). This program is open to parents who have been referred to DCFS for potential neglect or abuse. FACs provide parenting classes and one-on-one support, and can supervise visits with children who have been separated from their parents.
Fatherhood
Open to fathers, uncles, and grandfathers, the Power of Fathers program helps fathers learn positive parenting skills and build relationships with their children in a safe, welcoming setting. The group covers topics such as fathers’ rights, co-parenting, ex-offenders’ rights, job searching, child support information, parental self-esteem, domestic violence, child development, and more.
Summer Camp
Summer camps keep students engaged and safe during the long break from school. Some are offered in partnership with the local parks department while others are held at the centers. Curriculum changes year to year and can vary based on what resources are nearby. Past summer camp activities include recreation activities such as swimming and yoga, arts and media projects, activism work in their local community, learning about history, and more.

Contact us about program enrollment or other general inquiries

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