From Deb Weis
Family Promise Board Member, Monroe
To the editor:
What makes one person "successful," and another person not? Most people will say it's hard work that makes all the difference, that people who haven't succeeded are lazy.
But if you've been successful, you've probably had more than just hard work in your life. You've probably had parents who set a good example for you, taught you a good work ethic, and supported you through your education. You've probably had mentors - people who believed in you, who were willing to give you a chance. What if you didn't have good parents and mentors in your life?
If you've been successful, you've probably had good health. But what if you'd had one illness or accident after another? Mishaps that made it hard or impossible for you to work? What if you didn't have the money to pay the doctor and hospital bills and no insurance coverage?
If you've been successful, you've probably had your share of good luck. Job opportunities, a spouse who works hard, children who are healthy.
But what if your life was plagued with bad luck? Job loss, car accidents, decisions gone awry? Would you still be successful?
If you've been successful, you've probably never faced the devastation of being homeless. Family Promise of Green County has been helping homeless families since 2011. We've provided temporary shelter, case management, job counseling, and parenting skills to 118 local families (including 152 children).
I stayed overnight with the families at Grace Lutheran recently (that week's host church). A family of five returned from touring a rental. It was perfect for them - roomy, a big yard for the kids, and a bay window for the Christmas tree. And a landlord who was willing to give them a chance. Their joy was infectious. They are now employed and housed. They are successful.
As a board member and supporter, I am committed to keeping this program going. But it takes a small army of volunteers - to provide meals and supervision, every single day of the year. Some of our loyal volunteers are burning out after five years. If you enjoy the benefits of living a successful life, please help someone else succeed. You can help by giving your time - just one evening or overnight periodically. You don't have to be affiliated with a host church, or any church at all. Call Rick at Family Promise at 608-328-2600 and he'll get you started.
Family Promise Board Member, Monroe
To the editor:
What makes one person "successful," and another person not? Most people will say it's hard work that makes all the difference, that people who haven't succeeded are lazy.
But if you've been successful, you've probably had more than just hard work in your life. You've probably had parents who set a good example for you, taught you a good work ethic, and supported you through your education. You've probably had mentors - people who believed in you, who were willing to give you a chance. What if you didn't have good parents and mentors in your life?
If you've been successful, you've probably had good health. But what if you'd had one illness or accident after another? Mishaps that made it hard or impossible for you to work? What if you didn't have the money to pay the doctor and hospital bills and no insurance coverage?
If you've been successful, you've probably had your share of good luck. Job opportunities, a spouse who works hard, children who are healthy.
But what if your life was plagued with bad luck? Job loss, car accidents, decisions gone awry? Would you still be successful?
If you've been successful, you've probably never faced the devastation of being homeless. Family Promise of Green County has been helping homeless families since 2011. We've provided temporary shelter, case management, job counseling, and parenting skills to 118 local families (including 152 children).
I stayed overnight with the families at Grace Lutheran recently (that week's host church). A family of five returned from touring a rental. It was perfect for them - roomy, a big yard for the kids, and a bay window for the Christmas tree. And a landlord who was willing to give them a chance. Their joy was infectious. They are now employed and housed. They are successful.
As a board member and supporter, I am committed to keeping this program going. But it takes a small army of volunteers - to provide meals and supervision, every single day of the year. Some of our loyal volunteers are burning out after five years. If you enjoy the benefits of living a successful life, please help someone else succeed. You can help by giving your time - just one evening or overnight periodically. You don't have to be affiliated with a host church, or any church at all. Call Rick at Family Promise at 608-328-2600 and he'll get you started.
