About Us
Our programs are designed to create opportunities in growing our economy, building equity, and enhancing the quality of life for the residents in our communities.
About Us
Our programs are designed to create opportunities in growing our economy, building equity, and enhancing the quality of life for the residents in our communities.
History
The Barbara W. Smith Family Life Center is the not-for-profit affiliate organization of Covenant United Church of Christ. The center was named in loving memory of Barbara Westbrooks Smith, the beloved spouse of Reverend Dr. Ozzie E. Smith, Jr., who served as Covenant’s organizing pastor and now holds the title of pastor emeritus. Mrs. Smith’s indelible mark on Covenant is evident through her unwavering commitment to excellence, which serves as an inspiration to all.
The organization not only pays tribute to Mrs. Smith but also embodies her passion for people and the betterment of the community. Throughout her tenure, Mrs. Smith served in various capacities within the church, but it was her profound dedication to serving others that led to the creation of numerous mission and outreach programs. The profound legacy of Barbara W. Smith is a testament to her unwavering dedication to empowering individuals and uplifting the community. This organization continues to carry forth its vision, bridging gaps and forging connections to ensure the well-being and growth of all those it serves.
Serving Our Neighbors
Our mission is to provide individuals and families with valuable programs and resources to support human flourishing and well-being. We do this by providing an ecosystem of services that connect the disconnected to pathways in education and social services that help people build the skills they need to excel and flourish beyond the challenges they face and enhance their quality of life.
Our Programs
Our programs are designed to create opportunities in growing our economy, building equity, and enhancing the quality of life for the residents in our communities.
S.T.E.A.M. Center
The BWS Family Life Center is dedicated to establishing a transformative pathway for educational programming in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.). By offering a wide range of innovative and engaging programs, we inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and cultivate a passion for learning. Through education and programming, we provide guidance, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, ensuring that students have the resources and support they need to explore and thrive in these disciplines.
Through the STEAM Center, we strive to break down barriers and create equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. By addressing the educational disparities that exist in the south suburbs of Cook County, we are actively working towards building a more inclusive and equitable community, where every student has the chance to unlock their full potential
Mentoring
The BWS Family Life Center mentoring programs support and encourage young people to achieve their maximum potential to become the person they aspire to be. We firmly believe that mentoring relationships play a crucial role in nurturing the “whole child,” encompassing their emotional, intellectual, and personal development. Such relationships exemplify the finest aspects of our culture and the values we hold dear as a family
Community
The BWS Family Life Center goes beyond mentoring programs and extends its services to our neighbors who face challenges related to food security, health and wellness, and housing education. We recognize the critical importance of addressing these pressing needs in our community and strive to provide the necessary resources and support.
To have the most significant impact, we actively collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including schools, hospitals, local businesses, and various organizations. By forging strong partnerships, we leverage collective expertise and resources to create a comprehensive network of support for individuals and families in need.
