Phil’s Story
When Phil first stepped through the doors of Riverbend Family Ministries (RFM), he was simply searching for a place to take a shower. He couldn’t have imagined that fulfilling this basic need would be the first step in a journey that would transform his life.
At RFM, we believe that meeting people where they are is essential. For Phil, that meant a safe space and a warm welcome, along with access to practical resources like utility assistance and a compassionate conversation. These moments of support became the foundation for what would come next: a life-changing path to recovery.
Phil’s story is a powerful example of the work happening at RFM every day. With the support of our collaborative, community-focused approach, he moved from active addiction to celebrating one full year of sobriety. Today, Phil is not only thriving, but he is also building a brighter future for his family, especially for his grandson, who inspires him to keep moving forward.
Healing often starts small, but it can lead to profound, lasting change. Your support makes journeys like Phil’s possible. Scan the QR code to watch Phil’s story and see how RFM’s compassionate model is changing lives and creating hope for generations.
Community Collaboration
At Riverbend Family Ministries (RFM), collaboration is at the heart of our mission. We know that making a difference for those in need requires the entire community working together. As a hub of nine nonprofit organizations, we support children, youth, and families in crisis—those affected by violence, addiction, poverty, and homelessness.
Our commitment extends beyond our walls. We actively build relationships with governmental, healthcare, legislative, and other nonprofits and service providers to tackle the multifaceted challenges our clients face.
Why Does Collaboration Matter?
Earlier this year, one of our established community partners reached out to us about a foster family in urgent need. This foster parent, preparing to host a foster (bonus) son, needed heating and cooling repairs in her spare bedroom to comply with DCFS regulations.
Although outside the usual scope of services available within RFM’s Client Service Department, our team worked to coordinate our efforts. We collectively applied for a grant through The Giving Branch, an initiative by Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc., dedicated to supporting community members in need. Thanks to the generous funding from The Giving Branch, we were able to cover the labor costs for a mini-split unit, installed at a discounted rate by Johnson Heating and Cooling, with a unit donated by Supplied Energy.
The impact of these collaborative efforts goes beyond meeting regulatory requirements. It enables the foster parents to provide a safe and comfortable environment to welcome their new family member, fostering a sense of stability and belonging during a transitional time. By coming together as a community, we made a meaningful difference in the lives of this family that had nowhere else to turn.
Your Support Makes A Difference
Although RFM cannot promise financial assistance to everyone who walks through our doors, we can offer a listening ear, support to navigate additional community resources, and an atmosphere valuing safety, confidentiality, and prayer to offer hope on their journey ahead. We strive to continuously expand our outreach and collaborative efforts to help more families like this one.
When you donate to RFM, you support more than a nonprofit. You are enabling collaboration to thrive, bringing our entire community together, and better meeting the unique needs of each person who walks through our doors. Thank you for being a vital part of this effort. Your donation goes far beyond our walls—it enables us to intentionally address community needs by bringing people together to best meet the needs of every client we serve.
Scott’s Journey
Through the simple, yet profound act of providing a warm shower and friendly conversation, Scott embarked on his path to healing and recovery.
His journey at RFM began in our Client Service Department, where the team took the time to understand his specific needs. They connected him with Amare, a recovery community organization located in our building that provides services and support for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders. The ability to make a personalized referral and warm introduction under one roof ensured that Scott promptly received the resources he needed and had a dedicated team by his side to navigate his challenges with alcohol addiction.
RFM has become a safety net for Scott, offering solace on hard days and guidance when he doesn’t know where to turn. Through consistent case management and resource navigation, Scott recently moved from an encampment into stable housing. He often visits our building to check in with our team and offers his help in any way he can, including wrapping boxes for our holiday toy collection drive.
Scott’s bravery in sharing his journey with us not only sheds light on the breadth of services RFM offers but also serves as an inspiration to those who may be unsure where to turn. This remarkable story is a testament to the power of offering accessible resources and the life-changing impact of the collaborative efforts of our entire community. We are incredibly proud of Scott, and we are grateful to you for your unwavering support, which makes such transformations possible.
Watch the video to learn about RFM and Scott’s journey.
Riverbend Family Ministries 