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It’s hard to believe that 2011 is marching on, and our Family Promise network will soon complete six months of operation since our June 5th Opening. We have learned so much in these short months and, though we are just beginning, FP of SCV has touched the lives of countless kids and families! As this marks the beginning of Thanksgiving week, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of things we can count as blessings during this season of giving thanks:
• Thanks to the dedication of Gary Gilbride and his team, our Resource Center is now a welcoming and fully-equipped home base for our guests as they travel through a period of transition to a new and independent life
• Through the leadership of our Congregational Coordinators, our 25 host & support congregations have trained hundreds of willing and compassionate volunteers who are graciously serving our families with meals, transportation, and hospitality
• 3 families have graduated from our program and have gone on to secure stable jobs and safe housing; a few other families have transitioned out of our program, but gotten back in touch to say thank you for the care they received that led them to important next steps on their journeys
• Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, we have acquired a 15-passenger van that will be the foundation of our transportation program
• Chris has a new, passionate intern, Monica, who is assisting with administration and learning about case management at the Resource Center
• We have received countless donations of supplies, clothing, furniture, computers, and more to stock the Resource Center and help our graduating families get a start in their new homes
• Our 2nd Annual “Box City” event helped over 200 kids and families to become aware of the plight of the homeless, while raising over $30,000 to fund expenses for our 365 day, 24/7 operation.
Sure, we have encountered some bumps along the road, and there have been a few disappointments. Sometimes, extra grace is required to help those in need. But God is good, and we are incredibly blessed with caring people and congregations who genuinely want to make a difference!
It’s hard to believe that 2011 is marching on, and our Family Promise network will soon complete six months of operation since our June 5th Opening. We have learned so much in these short months and, though we are just beginning, FP of SCV has touched the lives of countless kids and families! As this marks the beginning of Thanksgiving week, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of things we can count as blessings during this season of giving thanks:
- Thanks to the dedication of Gary Gilbride and his team, our Resource Center is now a welcoming and fully-equipped home base for our guests as they travel through a period of transition to a new and independent life
- Through the leadership of our Congregational Coordinators, our 25 host & support congregations have trained hundreds of willing and compassionate volunteers who are graciously serving our families with meals, transportation, and hospitality
- 3 families have graduated from our program and have gone on to secure stable jobs and safe housing; a few other families have transitioned out of our program, but gotten back in touch to say thank you for the care they received that led them to important next steps on their journeys
- Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, we have acquired a 15-passenger van that will be the foundation of our transportation program
- Chris has a new, passionate intern, Monica, who is assisting with administration and learning about case management at the Resource Center
- We have received countless donations of supplies, clothing, furniture, computers, and more to stock the Resource Center and help our graduating families get a start in their new homes
- Our 2nd Annual “Box City” event helped over 200 kids and families to become aware of the plight of the homeless, while raising over $30,000 to fund expenses for our 365 day, 24/7 operation.
Sure, we have encountered some bumps along the road, and there have been a few disappointments. Sometimes, extra grace is required to help those in need. But God is good, and we are incredibly blessed with caring people and congregations who genuinely want to make a difference!
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