Hendricks Family Foundation gives boost to transitional living project

BELOIT — The Next Steps Family Resilience Center is a step closer to meeting its fundraising goal thanks to a generous $250,000 donation from the Hendricks Family Foundation.

The donation is a major milestone in the campaign to raise a total of $3.6 million for the transitional living project for young children and parents who need a home. The project, spearheaded by Family Services of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, is now under construction at the former Royce Elementary School building at 825 Liberty Ave.

“The Hendricks Family Foundation is pleased to pledge our support to the Next Steps Family Resilience Center. Acknowledging the significant need for both childcare and affordable housing in Beloit, our gift is targeted for use in Phase II of the project, which includes the construction of the final eight housing units. Our hope is that this gift can catalyze contributions from others and support Family Services in moving the project across the finish line.” said Jen Tropp, program officer at the Hendricks Family Foundation.

Gilbank Construction is the lead contractor for the construction project. Some fascinating and unique features in the historic school have been maintained as the project progresses, including vibrant murals that add to the character and history of the building. The renovation of Royce Elementary School into a hub of support and resilience for families is both a meaningful and exciting journey.

“Throughout this process, the Next Steps Family Resilience Center has truly become a community initiative with the great level of support and excitement the community shares with us in pursuing these transformative services,” said Family Services President and CEO Kelsey Hood-Christenson in a news release. “We are so grateful for everyone who has contributed to this project, shared with us their family’s multi-generational connection to the history of Royce School, and validated the great level of positive impact these services will have on families in the future. We are still working to our goal, which will allow us to provide an even greater level of service at this facility, but we know the generosity and support of the community will get us there.”

To date, over $800,000 has been raised, and the agency is still actively pursuing additional grant funding and community support to reach the $3.6 million goal by the beginning of 2025. Completing phases 1 and 2 simultaneously is crucial to fully realizing the center’s potential, and your help is needed to ensure this vision is achieved.

Family Services launched its capital campaign for the Family Resilience Center in February. A ground-breaking ceremony to signal the beginning of construction was held in May.

Family Services hopes to open the doors of the center in the spring of 2025.

The facility will include 18 fully furnished apartments. There will be a child care facility offered in partnership with Community Action, with child care offered for up to 70 children. There also will be services offered to families including case management, financial counseling, mental health services, all with the goal of trying to break the cycle of generational poverty.
 

To contribute, visit http://www.familyservices1.org.