What does a domestic violence victim look like? They look like your neighbor, your co-worker, or even a close family member. They look like Elena. Elena, a mother of two young children and an undocumented immigrant, is a domestic violence victim. She has lived with David, the father of her children, for nine years. After […]
On May 7, nearly 200 guests gathered at Galleria Marchetti in Chicago’s River West neighborhood for The Family Institute at Northwestern University‘s third annual Gratitude Gala. Hosted by the Board of Directors of the Family Institute, a Make It Better Foundation grant partner, the event raised nearly $260,000 to support the Bette D. Harris Family […]
Growing up in the Bay Area, I was extremely shy, but I found my voice behind the lens of a camera. I spent hours creating imaginary worlds and chasing stories that felt larger than life. By the time I was 18, my films about mental health, identity, and teen issues had premiered at top film […]
For many fathers, the coronavirus pandemic tightly wove work with family life. Because remote work and remote school were a fact of life for a lot of families, some fathers have spent much more time with their children this past year compared to previous years. What impact might that have on the children, down the […]
Inclusion isn’t just being invited to the party — it’s being asked to dance. The metaphor is simple, but the message runs deep: real inclusion means making sure everyone feels seen, valued, and involved — not just present. And teaching that kind of inclusion starts early. Experts in child development, education, and disability advocacy agree: […]
When I’m asked, “How are you?,” my knee-jerk reaction is to quickly just say, “Fine” or “Good.” But a couple of years ago, I remember being stopped in my tracks when an acquaintance paused after my automatic reply and asked me again, “How are you, really, dear?” She saw right through my hasty answer and […]
When Mia became a first-time mom at 21, she didn’t feel ready. But with the help of a dedicated nurse through the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program, she found the support she needed to face life’s challenges — and the strength to build a future for herself and her son. That support would prove life-changing. Years […]
The town of Highland Park, a tight-knit community north of Chicago, has been grappling with the fallout of the July 4, 2022, mass shooting that turned a holiday parade into a scene of horror. Seven people were killed and nearly 50 others injured when a rooftop gunman opened fire with an AR-style rifle. Nearly three […]
Loneliness isn’t just an emotion — it’s a growing public health crisis. A 2023 Gallup Poll found that one in four people around the world report significant loneliness, while another 27 percent say they feel at least a little lonely. And surprisingly, it’s not just older adults who are affected. The highest rates of loneliness […]
This post was submitted as part of our “You Said It” program.” Your voice, ideas, and engagement are important to help us accomplish our mission. We encourage you to share your ideas and efforts to make the world a better place by submitting a “You Said It.” The phone call came at 2:14 a.m. A mother’s […]
