It's FORA Giving Day! Whether you're a volunteer, family member or friend of FORA, when you make your gift today on our first-ever giving day, you will help to provide life-changing educational programming for our newest neighbors. Gifts of all sizes will make a big difference to FORA now and into the future.

Our goal is to reach 100 donors on FORA Giving Day! Share this link with your own community. Spread the word of the important work that you help make happen. Leave a message with your donation acknowledging a member of our FORA community or to share the reason you give!

We hit 100 donors! Michael and Kathleen O’Connor, the co-founders of FORA, are here to close out our first-ever day of giving! Their deep commitment to our students and their families continues to inspire us, and we’re incredibly grateful for all they’ve done—and continue to do—for the FORA community. Now, they are excited to share some kind words with our FORA family!

We hit 75 donors! We are now joined by Carolyn and Michael Laughlin who have recently become part of our FORA community. Their overwhelming enthusiasm and commitment to our mission has been seen through their excitement to get involved in all things FORA. They constantly share FORA’s mission at every opportunity and are beloved members of our FORA family. Thank you, Carolyn and Michael, for your constant and unwavering support!

Sometimes a chance encounter leads to a lasting commitment. That was the case for Carolyn and Michael Laughlin, members of the Unitarian Church of Evanston (UCE), who first learned about FORA during a Sunday service. Co-founder Kathleen O’Connor spoke about the organization’s mission, sparking immediate interest. FORA’s focus on education as a pathway to economic self-sufficiency resonated deeply with them. “We were drawn initially to the mission of education and resulting economic self-sufficiency, which is our primary charitable investment target,” they later shared.

Although months passed, FORA’s message remained with them. When Carolyn came across FORA’s 2024 Impact Report, she was moved by the stories, measurable outcomes, and community-centered approach. Inspired once again, she and Michael decided to visit FORA to witness the work up close.

During their visit, they were struck by the depth and intentionality of every aspect of the organization. “We were impressed with all we learned,” they reflected. From the individualized support for each student to the structured, data-driven programs, it was clear that FORA was creating long-term, sustainable change for refugee families.

“Our enthusiasm for FORA is attributable to the systematic programming approach, focus on measuring outcomes, outstanding commitment and capability of leadership, and FORA’s striking success,” they said.

Since then, Carolyn and Michael have become strong advocates, sharing FORA’s mission with friends and encouraging others to get involved. They are currently collaborating with FORA 100 tutor Ann McCallister to host an event aimed at expanding the organization’s circle of support.

As they tell others: “If you’re looking to contribute to the academic development and long-term economic viability of young people living adjacent to Evanston, look no further than FORA.”

We hit 50 donors! We would like to introduce our second FORA community member feature, Dylan Russell! Dylan first started volunteering at FORA the summer of 2024 and has continued throughout the academic year amassing over 300 hours of service. His dedication to our FORA community is seen through the connections he creates with our students helping them gain confidence in and out of the classroom. Thank you for all that you do, Dylan!

We hit 25 donors! We are happy to introduce Lois Barr who has been a dedicated tutor with FORA since 2022. She is a retired Professor and is also a part of the FORA 100, a volunteer initiative where we have 100 community based tutors year round. In addition to tutoring, Lois has led poetry workshops for our older students, providing a creative outlet and space for self-expression. Thank you, Lois!

Follow along on social media to stay updated, hear inspiring stories, and celebrate our impact together!

FORA Giving Day

By FORA

FORA Giving Day

Join us in a full day of giving on May 13th to celebrate and support FORA's mission!