Hello and welcome to MFS! Thanks for your interest in the work we are doing!

Our work at MFS spans across the entire lifespan - and our mission is to help more than 18,000 people every year move past the barriers of poverty, inequity, and social isolation. From early childhood through elder years, MFS is a resource in many vital ways.

70% of our participants identify as BIPOC and are seeking programs that break barriers of discrimination and non-inclusive systems. Our organization started in 1950 responding to families who were recovering from wartime. Today, we align our work with community members who have not had access to our systems and services that lead to youth success, economic empowerment, and health and wellness across the lifespan. 

The vast majority of the people who participate in our programs are running their households on an average of $30,000 each year, which is way below a living wage. This is why we offer inroads to economic opportunities that would not otherwise be accessible in our community.

For example, this past year, our skilled and certified tax volunteers helped 7,600 low wage earners complete their taxes. When I heard that the total combined returns were over $18 million, I realized that is larger than any economic incentive program that I have ever known. We also offer low interest loans for electric and hybrid cars, and are able to support some matching loans for education and business development as well.

In addition to the strong work of our early childhood team, MFS partners with 21 different schools in 6 school districts to deliver afterschool programming, intergenerational mentoring and food access. This past year, we have done some focus groups in our school based programs and heard from parents and caregivers who expressed that their children are engaging better in school, and benefitting very much from our efforts. 

Finally, one of the current needs we have as an organization is to find a way to increase support for older adults, who are often in situations where engagement in the community is key to their health and wellness, and also supportive to the community. 

I would truly love to have a chance to meet to connect personally with you and what draws you to learn more about MFS. Community leaders and supporters are core to our ability to do this work well and have the greatest impact possible. 

Best regards, and thanks again for your interest in MFS!