Since sharing her story at the Onward Neighborhood House Gala this past June, Esra Tawalbeh has continued to grow in confidence, stability, and purpose. She often reflects on how far she has come and says, “Before, I was always surviving, not living. Now, I have learned more about who I am and become more independent.” … Continue reading Esra Tawalbeh: An Update on Her Journey
Finding Purpose in Community: Teresa’s Journey with Onward House
Shortly after the pandemic, Teresa started volunteering at Onward Neighborhood House’s food pantry after a community member mentioned that the organization distributes food and offers support to local families. At that time, she was still working, but she enjoyed helping and wanted to contribute to her neighborhood in a meaningful way. Earlier this year, Teresa … Continue reading Finding Purpose in Community: Teresa’s Journey with Onward House
A Renewed Sense of Possibility at Onward House: Celsa Hernández’s Story
Celsa Hernández first stepped into Onward Neighborhood House to see why so many of her neighbors were going in and out of this building. She was curious but didn’t yet know that this was the beginning of a journey that would reshape how she saw herself, her future, and what was possible for her family. … Continue reading A Renewed Sense of Possibility at Onward House: Celsa Hernández’s Story
A New Beginning at Onward House for Mariam
Mariam first learned about Onward Neighborhood House when a community member mentioned that the organization offers English and Computer Classes. Curious and eager to learn, she visited and quickly found a place where she felt welcome. “I spend so much time here, almost the entire day. It feels like a second home,” Mariam shared. After … Continue reading A New Beginning at Onward House for Mariam
A Hub For Helping: Onward Update Spring 2022
Onward House in Belmont Cragin supports immigrants by providing food, resources, English classes, childcare.
Damaris Shares Her Story
We had worked with Univision and Pequenos y Valiosos to be a featured location in Damaris’s story describing how the Covid-19 changed their lives in a matter of days. Damaris, who is a parent from Onward Neighborhood House, shares how difficult things were for her and her four daughters after losing Samuel her husband on … Continue reading Damaris Shares Her Story
COVID Update: JCK Boutique Moves to The Bounce
tella, an Onward House student, opened JCK Boutique 5 years ago, and has taken Onward House digital literacy classes, including e-commerce and one-one on one technical assistance. Most recently, she graduated from The Lab, Onward House’s entrepreneurship program. COVID-19 and the shelter in place order severely impacted her business. She reached out to Onward House, and as a graduate of The Lab, was able to move in to The Bounce, our affordable retail accelerator, and reduce her rent 78% until her business recovers.
A Thank You from David
Dear Supporter, Being a part of Onward House has been a great experience for my family and me. The staff is very nice and very helpful. Onward has plenty of information for low-income families to find the services we need to help our families. Growing up is very tough when you’re poor. I still remember … Continue reading A Thank You from David
One Pizza Delivery Inspires a Career in Computers
“My name is James. I am Colombian and I immigrated to the United States with zero knowledge in computer science. I worked at Pizza Hut as a delivery driver and made a delivery to Onward House at 600 N. Leavitt St. where I learned that this wonderful place would change my life forever.
Working Toward Home Ownership – Evelyn’s Family Story
Evelyn came to Onward House when she needed childcare for her oldest child who was three years old. Her previous home daycare was too expensive and was out of her way. Luckily, a cousin recommended that she enroll her children at Onward House’s Early Childhood Education and School Age programs.
Touring Quality Catering
Quality Catering provides breakfast, lunch, and snacks for Onward House Early Childhood Education and School Age programs. This August, our School Age students had the opportunity to meet the owner, along with the cooks, delivery drivers, and office personnel who provide our program with nutritious meals each day. During their tour, the children designed their … Continue reading Touring Quality Catering
Efrain Earns His Citizenship
The original spirit of Onward’s mission to provide immigrants with the tools and support they need to find a foothold in their new world continues on through our comprehensive adult education services. Through our weekly citizenship classes, immigrants seeking naturalization can find support provided by our citizenship instructor Mr. Tapia as they weave their way through what is often a long and costly process.
Rocio “Fixes Everything” with SEO Skills
When Rocio first started her business selling decorative wreaths, she set up an online shop without knowing much about eCommerce. She had heard it was so easy that everything took care of itself. While she was able to produce high-quality wreaths, her sales were far below what she expected. After a year of slow sales, … Continue reading Rocio “Fixes Everything” with SEO Skills
A School Age Success: Jesus & Jonathan
The School Age program provides additional support to address at-risk elementary students’ needs. After school and over summer and winter break, students receive individualized academic and social-emotional support and are exposed to new experiences through activities and field trips. They are also able to build strong bonds with their peers.
Ylianna’s Thriving Family
“We are a Venezuelan family, which like many families in my country, had to emigrate, leave everything and start from scratch. Onward Neighborhood House has been an organization that has greatly supported both my family and me personally.
Daniela Works Towards Her Diploma
“I like how our teacher gives us a push and enthusiasm to get us back in school. She is always giving us a boost. She says it’s okay if we fail, we can do it, and we’re almost there.” When Daniela saw Onward’s poster for GED classes, she knew it was time to take a … Continue reading Daniela Works Towards Her Diploma
Kaylee Gains Confidence & Improves Her Grades
“Before my daughter started attending Onward House School Age Program she used to get D’s & F’s”. “Now she’s getting A’s, B’s, & C’s”. – Keyshla, parent When Kaylee started in the School Age program at Onward Neighborhood House, she was having trouble in her 4th grade classes. She was evaluated for an IEP (Individualized … Continue reading Kaylee Gains Confidence & Improves Her Grades
Onward Partners with Rincon for Safety
At Onward House safety is one of our main focuses, both in the classroom and out. That’s why we partnered with another local organization, Rincon Family Services, to provide safety training to parents participating in our programs, who were in need of proper car safety equipment.