Giving

We are privileged to work alongside steadfast leaders across two amazing communities and look forward to amplifying their good works in 2022.

North Lawndale

Since 1996, The Steans Family Foundation has supported programs and projects that promote economic advancement and enhance quality of life for individuals and families in the North Lawndale community.

North Chicago

Policy & Ecosystem

The Steans Family Foundation not only invests in community-focused programming and support, but also policy-level work that addresses the root causes of systemic economic, educational, and social injustice.

The Policy and Ecosystem work builds upon the Foundation’s community approach in North Lawndale and North Chicago, with a focus on local and statewide systemic issues that may impede or support the healthy development of individuals, families, and communities. The Foundation addresses this work by creating an environment for its partners and leaders to solve systemic problems across SFF’s program areas.

Education and Social-Emotional Access

Expand high-quality early childhood learning and development; enhance access to academic, social-emotional supports; increase college degree or other postsecondary attainment for underserved populations.

Employment and Economic Equity

Strengthen the pathway to thriving careers for underserved communities. This work includes building a workforce development system that prioritizes both racial equity and economic growth.

Justice and Rehabilitation

Sustain and expand effective violence prevention models while working to reform the criminal justice system to meet the rehabilitative needs of 18-26 year-old individuals.

Stronger Communities

Increase the wealth of families in underserved communities of color while supporting efforts and opportunities to organically increase resiliency, agency, and self-efficacy.

Letter From the Executive Director

If you are reading this report, count yourself fortunate as a survivor during one of the most historic moments of our lifetime. The stresses and uncertainties resulting from the devastating COVID 19 pandemic continue to have lasting impact across the globe. Not surprisingly, North Lawndale and North Chicago are disproportionately affected by this crisis. Inadequate health care, premature deaths, loss of employment, the challenges of remote-learning, navigating the safe return to school for students of all ages, and upticks in violence have laid bare long-standing inequities and some of our nation’s failures.

But in spite of the immense challenges, our community partners and residents continue to rise above the cacophony with a renewed commitment to dismantle the pandemics of inequality and oppression. They know the pandemic did not begin with the shutdown in March 2020 and have dedicated their lives and careers to not only humbly serve others, but also challenge long-held assumptions and beliefs about what is possible for all children and families regardless of zip code. Their work continues to inspire and encourage us to find new ways to help improve the health and success of the organizations and individuals in the communities we serve.

I invite you to explore the following snapshot of our collective work in 2021. You will learn about an exciting literacy campaign in North Lawndale aimed at increasing the academic preparedness of children from birth through third grade. You will better understand the strategy behind successful teacher recruitment and retention efforts led by District 187 in North Chicago. Finally, you will be informed about the support of a vital Medicaid Technical Assistance Center that increases families’ access to quality healthcare. We are privileged to work alongside steadfast leaders across two amazing communities and look forward to amplifying their good works in 2022!

With Gratitude,

Patricia Ford
Executive Director