Dear Friends,
This note is to update you on the status of Family Promise of Greater Lafayette (FPGL) in 2012 and to thank you for your support of homeless families in the area.
Many of you know how Family Promise works, but here are the basics for those who are unfamiliar with the program. Homeless families contact our Executive Director, Laurie Mann, and are screened for drug and criminal history. Referrals come from individuals or other agencies. If the adults pass the screening, the families begin to spend their nights at host churches (each church providing shelter for 4 weeks of the year) and get help to find jobs and housing during the day at our day center (2203 N. 19th). School-age children continue to attend their regular school, younger children sometimes attend day care during the day. In this way, families in need receive emergency shelter during a time of crisis, and church members receive a chance to live out their faith through a local mission experience. There is a severe shortage of shelters for families in our county. FPGL helps families to stay together through a time of crisis, and provides resources that assist these families in getting back on their feet.
FPGL has been operating since January of 2009. We now have 11 host churches and 6 helper churches. During this time more than 60 families including approximately 70 adults and almost 120 children have been served by FPGL staff and volunteers. Almost 90% of the families who completed the program have found jobs and more permanent housing. The average stay is 37 days. AND, each week approximately 65 volunteers from local churches have an opportunity to live out their faith in a local mission experience.
So, a HUGE Thank You To everyone who has helped to make life better for families in need! Whether you have volunteered at the day center, driven the van, stayed overnight, cooked a meal, provided company in the evening, or did some of the “behind-the-scenes” work, your efforts are greatly appreciated. YOU all are the backbone of our organization and without your time, kindness and support, we would not exist.
Finally, if you haven’t been involved in FPGL, please consider becoming part of the effort in 2013. Volunteers are required to complete a 2 hour training session. Please call 765-838-3651 for more information. We have a special need for van drivers who can volunteer 1 – 2 hours in the morning or late afternoon for a single day each week. No special license is needed.
Very best wishes for the holidays and the New Year!
David Ertmer
FPGL Board President