My first anniversary as director of Family Promise is just around the corner, and I can’t help but feel a measure of pride in all we have accomplished. This year we celebrated a milestone of 100 families who have passed through our network seeking shelter – 300 men, women and children needing and receiving a warm bed, meals and hope for a better future.
The demand is growing, and we are responding to that need by kicking off the campaign to build our second network here in Monmouth County. Soon, we will have both a southern and northern Monmouth rotation capable of handling more than 40 homeless families each and every year! The lives we change will be incalculable over time, and it will be thanks to the hard work of our volunteers who give so generously each year.
The Hope for Children Foundation continues to be a dedicated partner, fully engaged in making a real difference in the lives of children and families of Monmouth County. Their financial donation this year has enabled us to establish the “Hand Up” program (which pays security deposits, transportation, childcare and enrichment services for families graduating from the shelter), a computer and one free year of internet to every graduating family, the “Family Pride” stabilization program (which provides in-home support for up to one year for all graduating families), the “Step Up” program (single parents receive rent, utility and childcare assistance for up to two years after graduating if they are attending school or job training), and an amount for program support, development & implementation. The scope of what we are able to offer program graduates is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of this foundation, and we are so touched that they have become true partners in the successes of our families.
We are sorry to say that this year Keansburg United Methodist had to leave our network as host after several years of serving our families, but we are grateful for the work of their congregation and coordinator Martha. No worries, we haven’t lost them entirely, they will always find ways to support the network!
I hope all of you are as excited as we are about the new faces who will be joining us as we change and grow. Church on the Hill (Ocean Twp) became a host this year and did a fabulous job – and I am certain our new partners will also do as well as they join our network.
I would like to thank all the coordinators for making this first year such a pleasure. To all of our community partners, another grateful thank you. Our partnerships change lives – and there is plenty more to come! Blessings to you all -
