From Deb Weis
Monroe
To the editor:
It's the beginning of a new year, a perfect time for an update and a very big "thank you." Family Promise of Green County started operating in November of 2011, a little more than 14 months ago. Our group of 15 board members and two staff wouldn't have had the resources to provide for clients all year, but when the various churches and their members provide the food and shelter for just a week at a time, it makes it possible for this program to continue. We don't see a lot of miracles these days, but watching 30 congregations (literally hundreds of individuals) come together to provide for those less fortunate is miraculous in my book.
Being homeless is heart-breaking at any age, but imagine how devastating it must be for a child. Twenty-six Green County children would have been homeless in the last 14 months without Family Promise. Along with 16 adults, those 26 children were provided shelter by the host churches and support churches involved in Family Promise. Each individual who provided groceries, made a meal, or spent a few hours supervising made this very important work possible.
As a board member and a volunteer, I know that this work can be frustrating and exhausting. It often seems we take one step forward and two steps back. But statistics show that 64 percent of the families who joined our program completed it successfully. They were provided with case management and budget training to help them remain independent. Many are employed or become employed while in the program and being in Family Promise allows them to save up so they can afford the security deposit and rent on an apartment. After an average stay of 69 days with Family Promise, they are ready for a fresh start.
There are so many groups and individuals who support Family Promise that it's hard to mention any without missing others. But Monroe Clinic, Colony Brands, and Washington Reformation Church have stood out with financial support. And Green County Fall Nationals supports the group in many ways, including donating all the cots and bedding when the program started.
Family Promise has provided more than 4,500 "guest nights" - including nights in the program and in transitional housing - in the past 14 months. We couldn't have done it without you. For more information, see our website at familypromisegreencounty.com.
Monroe
To the editor:
It's the beginning of a new year, a perfect time for an update and a very big "thank you." Family Promise of Green County started operating in November of 2011, a little more than 14 months ago. Our group of 15 board members and two staff wouldn't have had the resources to provide for clients all year, but when the various churches and their members provide the food and shelter for just a week at a time, it makes it possible for this program to continue. We don't see a lot of miracles these days, but watching 30 congregations (literally hundreds of individuals) come together to provide for those less fortunate is miraculous in my book.
Being homeless is heart-breaking at any age, but imagine how devastating it must be for a child. Twenty-six Green County children would have been homeless in the last 14 months without Family Promise. Along with 16 adults, those 26 children were provided shelter by the host churches and support churches involved in Family Promise. Each individual who provided groceries, made a meal, or spent a few hours supervising made this very important work possible.
As a board member and a volunteer, I know that this work can be frustrating and exhausting. It often seems we take one step forward and two steps back. But statistics show that 64 percent of the families who joined our program completed it successfully. They were provided with case management and budget training to help them remain independent. Many are employed or become employed while in the program and being in Family Promise allows them to save up so they can afford the security deposit and rent on an apartment. After an average stay of 69 days with Family Promise, they are ready for a fresh start.
There are so many groups and individuals who support Family Promise that it's hard to mention any without missing others. But Monroe Clinic, Colony Brands, and Washington Reformation Church have stood out with financial support. And Green County Fall Nationals supports the group in many ways, including donating all the cots and bedding when the program started.
Family Promise has provided more than 4,500 "guest nights" - including nights in the program and in transitional housing - in the past 14 months. We couldn't have done it without you. For more information, see our website at familypromisegreencounty.com.
