As we enter the 2025 school year, we find ourselves at a truly special moment in time. This year marks a significant milestone—the 40th anniversary of Holy Family Ministries. It's a moment to pause, reflect, and honor the remarkable journey that began four decades ago.

It's hard to believe that it all started with a single, heartfelt vision. Back in 1985, in the heart of Chicago's Cabrini Green, Reverend Charles Infelt and his fellow parishioners from Holy Family Lutheran Church saw a deep need. Instead of looking away, they chose to act, establishing a small school with a simple yet powerful goal: to give children a chance at a brighter future through quality education.

What started with just 40 students quickly blossomed into a beacon of hope. Holy Family saw a need that extended beyond the classroom, the need for a haven after school and during the summer months. They decided to create one of those safe spaces.

By 2000, all these vital programs came together under one unified roof as the nonprofit Holy Family Ministries (HFM). This new chapter was about more than just merging programs; it was a promise to the community. That promise was solidified with the incredible undertaking of building the Holy Family Ministries Center, a permanent home that opened its doors in 2008. This wasn't just a building; it was an expansion of our reach, allowing us to welcome even more children through new early childhood programs and a powerful merger with two other schools.

Today, Holy Family Ministries continues its powerful legacy, serving hundreds of children through four core programs:

• Little Learners Academy
• Holy Family School
• Adventures in Learning
• The Peace Exchange

From its humble beginnings, Holy Family Ministries has grown into a cornerstone of the community. It's a testament to the power of a single idea, a testament to the dedication of those who believed in a better way. This anniversary is not just a celebration of a number—it's a celebration of every life touched, every mind inspired, and every future made brighter. It's a quiet reminder that the ripples of hope created 40 years ago continue to change lives every single day.

Thank you for being on this journey with us, we look forward to what comes next.