SERVING THE CHICAGO AREA SINCE 1857

Since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services has empowered families to learn, to earn, to heal and to thrive. Founded as the Chicago Relief and Aid Society, our organization has helped families get through the devastating hardships of poverty, world wars, epidemics and natural disasters.

Throughout our long history we have reached out to help the young and old, unemployed and working poor, long-time citizens and new immigrants and those challenged by changing economics, troubled relationships, inadequate education and mental health issues. We’ve supported them with financial aid, counseling, education and legal services. But most of all, we have bolstered the strength that lies within each person, provided hope for a brighter future and helped individuals and families reclaim their dignity and purpose.

Today Metropolitan Family Services assists more than 180,000 families and individuals annually through ten community centers in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs and DuPage County. Those served are as diverse as the communities in which they live, with 81% being part of the working poor or lower-middle class.