I have worked in and around Family Empowerment Centers in various capacities since January of 2007. Last October my wife Susan and I moved into the Rogers Park community as I stepped into a staff role at Family Empowerment Centers.There are certainly some personal motives behind my runs in the 2010 and 2011 Chicago marathons (physical challenge, fitness, support raised to continue work at FEC). The larger motive remains doing everything that I can to further the work that God is doing here in Rogers Park through Family Empowerment Centers. There are exciting changes and steps forward taking place here, and if running for 5 hours (yes, I’m a little slow J ) will help this work to continue to move forward in holistically helping people, let’s go!

Hello, my name is John. I'm married and have 4 kids. I consider it a privilege and honor to run for the Family Empowerment Center this year. Some 25 years ago I was preparing to get married to my wonderful wife, Susan, when my brother ran the Chicago marathon and I thought he was crazy. Who would want to go out and do that? Now 25 years later I find myself preparing to run my first marathon in Chicago.

Over the past three years I have enjoyed a regular running routine. Now I have the opportunity to run for a great cause and a great organization. So here I am, running in a marathon, and helping to support the Family Empowerment Center. Please join my four kids and wife as they cheer me on this October as I run with a purpose.

Valerie has run for us in the Chicago Marathon in the past. This year, she will be paving the way for Team Family Empowerment in our first ever marathon outside of the Chicago marathon. Valerie will be running the Milwaukee marathon for us on Sunday October 7th, the same exact day as the Chicago Marathon. If you live in the Milwaukee area, consider going out and cheering on Val and Team Family Empowerment. Look for those red shirts!