Families Forward is an Irvine-based nonprofit organization that was founded in 1984 to help families in crisis regain financial stability and self-sufficiency. Beginning with five rented apartments in Irvine, Families Forward has grown in response to community need and now owns and operates thirty-one transitional and affordable housing homes in Irvine & Lake Forrest; owns and operates a 3,400 square foot food pantry and an extensive network of resources to help families in financial crisis. The mission of Families Forward is to help families in need achieve and maintain self-sufficiency through food, housing, counseling, education and other support services. Families Forward is committed to serving each family with the core values of dignity, empowerment, accountability, community spirit, and hope.