About Us and Our History

For nearly 40 years, Holy Family has stayed true to its mission of bringing Excellence in Education to children in

North Lawndale and the surrounding under-served Chicago communities.

Holy Family Ministries serves more than 600 children across four programs combined from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, including after-school and summer enrichment options and a teen leadership program. Our faith-based school gives children the tools to transform their lives and

create their future beyond the boundaries of their neighborhoods.

We encourage you to view our website to learn more about the difference Holy Family is making in the lives of our children

and join us so that we can continue our mission of bringing Excellence in Education to every child.

Thank you for your visionary leadership and care for our children.

	Eric Draut Board Chair David Fisher Vice Chair Jerry Hufton Treasurer LaShawn Stanton Secretary Cheryl Collins CEO Dan Badovinac Immediate Past Chair
Fanisha Davis		Jennie Kramer
Carl Fisher		James Neaylon III
Brian Frank		John Palmer
Rev. John Freidheim		Mark Pals
Marilyn Hawkins		Jordan Pringle
Matt Kerr		Frank Stanton
	Felicia Kohlenberger

Our history began as a courageous leap of faith made by the caring people of Holy Family Lutheran Church, located in Chicago’s Cabrini Green Public Housing. They desired foremost a better education for the children of their community enhanced by faith and love.

A small school was born in 1985, located in the neighborhood. It was quickly supported by those who bore witness to the resilience and resourcefulness of the students and parents. Holy Family had a single vision - to invest in children living in Chicago’s under-resourced communities who had limited access to education.

Each year, staff and student enrollment grew, as children excelled academically in a safe and nurturing place. For nearly two decades Holy Family School moved from one temporary space to another. Then, in 2008, with the overwhelming support of donors and volunteers, the Holy Family School and Program Center was built on the historic Homan Square campus in North Lawndale. This permanent home made it possible to expand our reach and serve families on Chicago’s west side.

In 2010, Holy Family welcomed Chicago’s St. Gregory Episcopal School, offering an exciting opportunity to demonstrate the call to common mission in a joint Lutheran-Episcopal commitment to serve the under-served.

Today, Holy Family Ministries is a faith-based organization that serves more than 600 children combined across four programs: Little Learners Academy, Holy Family School, Adventures in Learning after-school program and Summer Day Camp, and The Peace Exchange Leadership Program for high school teens and young adults.

As our children go on to high-performing high schools and colleges, they are preparing to become tomorrow's leaders. Now an independent, faith-based nonprofit, Holy Family Ministries is a community of children, teachers, and families... working together to achieve big dreams.

About Us and Our History

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