Schaumburg P.E.O.s help Family Forward prepare for fundraiser

Eight Schaumburg Chapter P-LK P.E.O. members recently lent a helping hand to stuff envelopes for an upcoming fundraiser for Family Forward, a community organization that aids Northwest suburban families in achieving financial stability and independence.

Family Forward, a nonprofit headquartered in Arlington Heights, helps low-income families with rent support, coaching and mentoring services to boost their personal and financial confidence and strength.

According to Erica Chianelli, executive director of Family Forward, 85% of families served to date have been able to meet their expenses, pay bills, reduce debt or increase their income by the time they complete the program, which lasts two years. Volunteer mentors work with qualifying families to mentor, empower and thrive.

As one of their service projects, Schaumburg P.E.O.s helped prepare a mailing for Family Forward’s upcoming annual fundraiser, a brunch on Oct. 20, at Cotillion Banquets, 360 S. Creekside Drive, Palatine. The event begins at 11:30 a.m., and will feature a gourmet brunch buffet with vegetarian options, a silent auction and raffles, cash bar, a family success story and a Family Forward gift. Cost is $85 per person. This event is one of two annual fundraisers for the organization.

Chianelli was grateful for the help P.E.O. members provided in helping to get the envelopes stuffed and stamped. She said volunteers are always welcome and can serve in a variety of ways. She also encourages individuals and organizations to donate paper goods, such as paper towels, toilet paper and napkins to the organization. Paper items, she said, are not covered by supplemental nutrition assistance program funds, which many program recipients receive. Mentors give paper items to program participants when they meet in regular coaching sessions. Schaumburg P.E.O.s will be asked to bring paper goods to donate at their September meeting.

For information on Family Forward, go to family-forward.org or call (847) 342-0846.

P.E.O. is a philanthropic educational organization founded in 1869. It has helped more than 122,000 women pursue educational goals by providing more than $415 million in grants, scholarships, awards, and loans. More information on P.E.O. can be found at www.peointernational.org.