MTF provides critical, immediate support to low-income children and their families in Lake County, helping ensure safe and stable living conditions, prevent homelessness, and provide access to educational and enrichment opportunities. We partner with a network of local service providers, schools, and townships across Lake County to assist with immediate needs and develop community programs to further our outreach in the community.
Service Request Process
Our service partners submit a request to MTF on behalf of children. Each Wednesday, our dedicated service committee members volunteer their time to review and carry out the approval process according to our service grant guidelines. Once approved, we will provide assistance to the children and families in need within 48 hours.
Complete Guidelines for Service Grant Requests
Case Workers: Email [email protected] for a service request form.
Families in Need: Contact your social worker or township office.
Eligibility: Low income, age 0-21, living in Lake County.
Contact Information: Phone: 847-482-9189 | Email: [email protected]
Become a Service Partner
Find out how your organization can collaborate with us to make a difference at [email protected].
Summer Camp
Housing Stability
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- Rent
- Security Deposit
- Utilities
- Essential Household Items
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Educational Fees
Extracurriculars & Enrichment
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- Athletics
- Fine Arts
- Developmental Enrichment
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Clothing & Shoes
Safe Baby Items
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- Pack n’ Plays
- Car Seats
- Strollers
- Child-proofing Items
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Medical Expenses
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- Eye Exams
- Glasses
- Counseling
- Transportation Expenses
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Community Programs
CLASSROOM ENRICHMENT GRANT PROGRAM AT WAUKEGAN HIGH SCHOOL
For additional information or to support the Classroom Enrichment Grants Program, contact Lisa Cervieri:
847-482-9189
The Mothers Trust Foundation (MTF) Classroom Enrichment Grants Program is a transformative initiative designed to provide teachers at Waukegan High School (WHS) with the resources they need to support, enrich, and expand their students’ educational experience.
Since its launch in January 2022, the program has awarded over $70,000 in educational resources, positively impacting nearly every student at the WHS Washington Campus (grades 11-12) and enhancing learning across a wide range of departments. A dedicated review process, coordinated by WHS administration and the MTF Classroom Grants Committee, identifies the most impactful projects to fund.
Each year, grants are presented on Grant Awards Day to teachers representing a variety of academic and elective areas, including Science, Fine Arts, Math, Physical Education, and more. These grants provide essential tools and materials that directly improve classroom learning and boost student engagement.
2025 Classroom Grants – Expanding to Brookside Campus!
We are excited to announce that for the 2025 grant cycle, the Classroom Enrichment Grants Program is expanding to include the WHS Brookside Campus (grades 9–10)!
Expanding this program has long been a goal of MTF—to ensure even more teachers have access to the resources needed to build student confidence, spark curiosity, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Now, teachers from both WHS campuses (grades 9–12) are invited to apply for funding that will enhance curriculum and improve educational outcomes. 2025 grants will be awarded in mid-October.
IMPACT IN THE CLASSROOM
Here are just a few examples of how these grants are making a difference:
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- Science Enrichment: Life-size anatomy models help students visualize and understand the human body in a hands-on, meaningful way.
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- Creative Expression: New easels allow Fine Arts students to create large-format paintings, fostering creativity and helping meet Illinois visual art standards.
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- Special Education Support: Treadmill desks and exercise bikes offer students with ADHD or Autism a healthy outlet for energy and a way to improve focus.
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- Career & Tech Opportunities: A large-format printer enables photography students to produce professional-quality work for school exhibits and community showcases.