Families Forward Company Profile

Background

Overview

Founded in 1984, Families Forward is a nonprofit organization based in Irvine, California, dedicated to preventing and ending family homelessness. The organization provides comprehensive services, including housing assistance, food support, counseling, education, and other resources aimed at fostering long-term stability for families in need.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To prevent and end family homelessness by providing access to housing and resources that create lasting stability.

Vision: An Orange County where every family has a home and the opportunity to thrive.

Core Values

Dignity: Honor each individual through an atmosphere of respect, trust, and confidentiality.

Empowerment: Inspire self-sufficiency through the development of courage, confidence, and pride.

Accountability: Accept responsibility for commitments and accomplishing goals.

Community Spirit: Realize the vision through teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration.

Hope: Share a belief in new beginnings and allowing dreams of the future to emerge.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Affordable Housing: Invest in, advocate for, and develop critically needed affordable housing units with long-term supportive services to create economic mobility for housing-insecure families.

Revenue Diversification: Increase and diversify revenue streams to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.

Mission Expansion & Impact: Explore expansion of homeless prevention services to underserved populations such as Transitional Aged Youth and Adult Families.

Brand Awareness: Increase awareness of Families Forward as a leader in preventing and ending family homelessness through advocacy, outreach, and community engagement.

Primary Services

Housing Program: Provides a continuum of care, including motel stays, interim housing, affordable housing, and rapid re-housing options.

Community Services: Offers supportive services such as food assistance, counseling, career coaching, financial literacy education, and seasonal programs to help families maintain stability.

Financials and Funding

Financial Overview

Annual Revenue: Estimated at $9.2 million.

Total Assets: $26,874,328.

Total Liabilities: $3,383,602.

Net Assets: $23,490,726.

Funding History

Recent Funding: In October 2023, Families Forward was awarded $2.5 million to build up to eight affordable housing units in Tustin, California, for families with minor children.

Pipeline Development

Affordable Housing Initiatives

Valencia Garden: An affordable housing community in the city of Orange, consisting of 62 units for individuals and families. Families Forward has access to 28 of these units for client families in their Affordable Housing Program and provides onsite supportive services.

Tustin Project: With funding from CalOptima Health and the City of Tustin, Families Forward plans to build its first ground-up affordable housing community, aiming to house up to eight previously homeless families.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Madelynn Hirneise: Executive Director.

Michele Silva: Chief Administrative Officer.

Danielle Deberg: Controller.

Board of Directors

The organization is governed by a diverse 30-member Board of Directors, including individuals such as Robert Davis (Director, President), Ryan Warne-McGraw (Director, Secretary), and Martha Bayer (Director, Treasurer).

Leadership Changes

In January 2024, Families Forward welcomed Newport Beach resident Mark Abbasi to its Board of Directors.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Families Forward operates within the social services sector, focusing on family homelessness prevention and intervention in Orange County, California. The region faces significant challenges, with over 27,000 school-age children experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

Competitor Analysis

Similar organizations in the region include Casa Teresa, South County Outreach, Project Hope Alliance, OC United, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, and Orange County Rescue Mission. These organizations offer various services ranging from housing assistance to food distribution, each contributing to addressing homelessness and poverty in the community.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Key Partnerships

Irvine Company: A longstanding partnership that began with the donation of two houses in East Irvine, helping launch Families Forward. The collaboration continues to provide housing solutions for families in need.

Golden State Foods Foundation: Partnered with Families Forward to support the nonprofit's mission through volunteerism and donations.

Chelsea Investment Corporation: Collaborated to provide units to families at risk for or experiencing homelessness as part of the Salerno Community.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

Families Forward's commitment to a Housing First model emphasizes securing stable housing as a foundation for providing supportive services. This approach, combined with collaborations with various organizations, positions Families Forward as a leader in addressing family homelessness in Orange County.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Future Roadmap

Families Forward's 2023-2027 Strategic Plan focuses on expanding affordable housing, diversifying revenue streams, extending services to underserved populations, and enhancing brand awareness. The organization's proactive approach aims to address the growing number of families experiencing homelessness in Orange County.