United impact: Riverbend Family Ministries
The power of partnership: United Way and RFM
Our mission and impact
Founded in 2007, Riverbend Family Ministries (RFM) exists to bring smaller nonprofits together under one roof to better serve children, youth, and families experiencing trauma from violence, addiction, poverty, and homelessness.
Today, in addition to our Client Service Department—focused on basic needs like showers, laundry, utility and rental assistance, and social service navigation—our building is also home to seven independent nonprofit partner agencies.
By working together in our shared space, we reduce overhead, foster collaboration, and deliver holistic care to each family.
Our in-house partners include:
- Refuge — provides counseling, caregiver support, and education to children and caregivers who have experienced abuse, neglect, or violence
- Amare — offers recovery support, education, and compassionate services for individuals and families affected by addiction
- CASA of Southwestern Illinois — recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to advocate for children in the foster care or judicial system
- Mountains to Molehills — assists with appliance or home repairs, auto repairs, and other supportive services for individuals and families in need
- Group Interventions — provides trauma-informed counseling and behavior change programs for individuals charged with or who have committed domestic violence
- Every Survivor Counts — empowers survivors of sexual violence through person-centered services and community engagement
- NAMI Southwestern Illinois — delivers mental health education, advocacy, and support groups for individuals and families impacted by mental illness
In 2024 alone, RFM and its partners collectively served 5,347 individuals across Madison County. This integrated model ensures that when families walk through our doors, they can access multiple services in one location—helping them move from crisis toward stability with dignity and support.
Why year-end giving matters all year long
For families facing crisis, the challenges don’t end in December. A mother fleeing domestic violence needs safe housing in March. A young person experiencing mental health challenges needs counseling in July. A family struggling with job loss and rising costs needs help keeping their lights on in September.
Every gift made through United Way’s campaign fuels year-round stability. What may feel like a single act of generosity continues to ripple outward—helping RFM staff and partners stand ready every day of the year with immediate assistance and long-term tools for healing. Year-end giving ensures that when the holidays pass, families in Madison County still have a trusted place to turn.
“The United Way partnership is more than funding—it’s collaboration. Their support strengthens our ability to respond quickly to families in crisis and helps ensure that no one in Madison County has to walk through hardship alone.” – RFM Director of Development Rachael Craddick
Sustainability through collaboration
Our model reduces overhead by pooling resources across agencies and promotes sustainability by leveraging community partnerships. Together, we eliminate duplication of services, strengthen our impact, and reach more families with fewer barriers. United Way’s investment allows us to focus on growth, innovation, and measurable outcomes—ensuring every dollar given goes further in building a resilient community.
A community that lifts each other up
Every day at Riverbend Family Ministries, families walk through our doors carrying the weight of uncertainty. Whether it’s finding safe housing, navigating a mental health challenge, or securing a steady job, our role is to meet them with dignity, compassion, and practical support.
Because our team and partners are under one roof, families don’t have to navigate a maze of services on their own. They can connect with multiple resources in one place, reducing barriers and creating a clear pathway toward stability. This approach not only strengthens individual families but also contributes to a healthier, more resilient Madison County.
United Way’s partnership makes this possible. Their investment ensures that our doors remain open and that families know—no matter the season—they have a place to turn for help and hope.
Closing note
At Riverbend Family Ministries, we measure success by the stability and strength families gain after crisis. Because of the United Way’s partnership, families are not only keeping their homes and accessing counseling, but also finding employment, building financial security, and creating safer futures for their children. Together, we are turning generosity into measurable change—transforming hardship into hope for thousands across Madison County.
Your donation to United Way helps local nonprofit agencies like Riverbend Family Ministries provide critical support to those who need it most.
Give today at helpingpeople.org/2025-Campaign.
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[Editor’s note: This is one of 20 United Way funded partner agencies being featured by the Illinois Business Journal through Thanksgiving as a part of its 2025 Giving Guide. The purpose of this third annual IBJ Spotlight is to encourage readers to consider supporting these agencies as a part of their holiday and year-end giving. The 2025 Giving Guide is sponsored by the Illinois Business Journal in partnership with United Way of Greater St. Louis.]
