When I visit the Family Promise Day Center and see some of our community’s homeless children studying, playing or napping, I am relieved that, at least for a brief time, their parents have found a safe refuge for them. The children spend the day in school or, if too young, at the center or in the community with their parents. Each evening these families are transported by center staff to one of our host churches where they spend the night.
Volunteers at the churches feed, encourage and pray for families while giving some special attention to each child. They know that parents have a few short months to find employment, secure a home and prepare to leave the program. So, it is important for volunteers, as well as the Family Promise staff, to support the families in their efforts to stabilize their lives and move from homelessness to independence.
National Family Promise Week is Oct. 18-24. It seems like an appropriate time to applaud some very special people. Along with my fellow Family Promise board members, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the wonderful volunteers from our host churches (you know who you are) who are working to combat homelessness in our community…one family at a time.
— Jackie Loescher, Lima
