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We offer resources that foster housing and financial stability and personal success.

History

Workforce and Human Development Services was established in 2007 by Jack and Larry Fitzpatrick of Employment & Employer Services. The transformation to The Journey Forward began in 2020 when Executive Director, Annemarie Fitzpatrick, recognized that these underserved and vulnerable families needed more access to services and more hope.

Years of inequity and community disinvestment left many without access to resources and opportunities. As a result, long-term poverty, lack of employment, and access to financial services severely impacted their ability to thrive.

In response, The Journey Forward adopted the Family-Centered Coaching model and launched a comprehensive, holistic approach to services. As The Journey Forward, Annemarie assembled a talented team to assist and guide families in moving forward, working toward goals, and striving for their dreams.

Staff

Annemarie Fitzpatrick

Executive Director

Annemarie is an experienced social service professional with a Master’s degree in Human Services & Counseling. She is dedicated to advancing equitable services to ensure families are recognized as the leaders in their own lives and celebrated as what truly enriches a community and causes it to thrive. In her role, Annemarie has worked to develop a Board that is dedicated to the mission and committed to the growth of The Journey Forward. Annemarie builds community partnerships to enhance the service delivery system and raise awareness of services available through The Journey Forward. Annemarie is a proven leader in times of substantial agency growth and transition.

Courtney Madden

Financial and Housing Counseling

Courtney Madden is a HUD Certified Housing Counselor and a Certified Financial Counselor. Courtney has many years’ experience working in Will and DuPage County in social services, financial literacy and housing counseling.

Courtney assists our clients in pre-purchase, foreclosure prevention, rental issues homelessness prevention and post purchase education and financial counseling.

Karen Walsh

Development Director

Karen has worked in fundraising and development for nearly 20 years. She works to develop program and community partners, sharing the work of The Journey Forward and to develop partnerships that advance our mission and help our communities thrive.

Board of Directors

Annemarie Fitzpatrick

Executive Director,

The Journey Forward

Matt Newman

Treasurer

Sales and Service Support Manager,

Huntington Bank

Carmen Jimenez

Senior Accountant,

Manning Silverman & Company
Co-Founder, President Hispanic Business Network Chicago

Alan Castro

President

Sales Manager,

Homebridge Financial Services

Lesly Flores

Vice President,

Community Development Manager,
First Midwest Bank

Darinka Lora-Stepan

Founder & Principal,

Darinka Lora-Stepan & Associates Financial and Insurance Solutions

Our Community Partners

“We Are Stronger Together”

“We Are Stronger Together”

When Dana started services with The Journey Forward, her life seemed overwhelming. Recently released from incarceration, she wasn’t sure where or how to rebuild her life. Reentering society was challenging, and she had concerns about employment with her background. Her parole officer referred her to The Journey Forward at the Martin Luther King Community Service Center. When Dana arrived at the Journey Forward, her Family Coach, Juanita, listened carefully and compassionately to her needs and goals. Juanita connected Dana with a team of people committed to helping her. They kept her motivated, accountable, and hopeful.

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