Mergers and Partnerships Success Story:
Family Shelter Service and Metropolitan Family Services Merger
In 2019, Family Shelter Service (FSS) and Metropolitan Family Services of DuPage (MFS) completed a merger rooted in a shared vision: removing barriers for victims of domestic violence by offering seamless access to a comprehensive array of services. This merger was not born out of crisis but rather a mutual ambition to achieve what neither organization could accomplish alone.
The Opportunity
At the time, FSS was operating from a position of strength. They maintained over 90 days of cash reserves, generated $2.7 million in annual revenue, and were guided by an exceptionally strong board for an organization of their size. With a team of 65 staff members, FSS was the only provider of domestic violence victim services in DuPage County, serving 2,000 clients and responding to 10,000 hotline calls annually. Their programs provided critical support to survivors, but they faced persistent challenges, including the growing complexity of regulatory demands and the need for more robust administrative systems.
They also knew that no matter how hard they worked, they couldn’t meet all the needs of the individuals and families they served. The key to expanding their impact lay in finding a partner who could complement their expertise while aligning with their mission. Metropolitan Family Services was that partner.
MFS, a $64 million organization with eight community centers, was already a major provider of community services in DuPage County. Locally, MFS–DuPage had an $11 million budget, served thousands of clients annually through behavioral health and early childhood programs, and employed a team of 226 staff members. Importantly, MFS had experience providing domestic violence services in some of its other centers, but not at the level of expertise that FSS had developed. FSS’s specialized knowledge and well-established programming in domestic violence advocacy and support were what brought MFS to the table.
Together, they saw an opportunity to build something greater than either organization could achieve alone.
The Process
The process began with a feasibility study that yielded positive results. Both boards approved a letter of intent, and a memorandum of understanding was developed to outline the merger’s purpose, goals, and governance.
The goals for the first three years reflected the ambitious vision they shared:
Removing barriers for victims through a seamless, integrated service model.
Establishing DuPage County as a benchmark community where victims are supported, abusers are held accountable, and the next generation learns alternatives to power and control in relationships.
Enhancing the reduction of trauma symptoms through comprehensive, coordinated services.
Expanding capacity to serve more victims and address unmet needs.
Given FSS’s reliance on government funding, the merger was structured as an asset transfer to preserve FSS’s name, FEIN, and 501(c)(3) status. This approach ensured continuity in funding and operations while enabling FSS to leverage MFS’s resources and infrastructure.
The Results
For Staff:
The immediate benefits of the merger were substantial. FSS staff salaries and benefits were elevated to match those of MFS, and no jobs were lost since domestic violence services were new to MFS–DuPage’s portfolio. The merger also opened pathways for advancement.
For Clients:
Clients gained access to a broader, more integrated array of services that reduce barriers and provide holistic support. These services included not only emergency shelter, court advocacy, and counseling but also long-term behavioral health care, early childhood education, afterschool programs, and vital legal support.
Reflections
“Reflecting on the merger, I recognize that we achieved what we set out to do: create a more effective and comprehensive support system for victims of domestic violence. However, I’ve also learned valuable lessons as a leader. While MFS was a logical choice given our existing referral relationship, I could have spent more time exploring additional potential partners. My decision to move quickly stemmed from underestimating my own leadership abilities.
This experience highlighted the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Partnerships are about mutual growth and creating opportunities that neither organization could realize on its own. For such a relationship to thrive, leaders must take the time to thoughtfully evaluate their options, trust their instincts, and address their blind spots.”
Judie Caribeaux, Former Executive Director of Family Shelter Services
Conclusion
Ultimately, this merger stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when organizations come together with a shared purpose. By combining strengths, FSS and MFS transformed the landscape of domestic violence services in DuPage County, creating a model of collaboration that continues to inspire.
