Help us welcome Family Promise of Hendricks County, Indiana. They open as our fifth Affiliate in the Hoosier State.
Efforts began when a group that had been grappling with the issue of family homelessness in the county, which is due west of Indianapolis, considered possible solutions. Families had no recourse for shelter except travel into Indianapolis, which despite the relative closeness was a far cry from the small-town nature of the county. The first community meeting was held at Avon Christian Church with Jeanna Beck and Claas Ehlers presiding.
The Affiliate developed over time, benefitting from the wonderful efforts of Jill “Johnny Familypromiseseed” Hostetler who became a member of their board and helped guide much of their efforts. (Jill has since moved on to the 7th Affiliate with which she has been involved in Porter County IN.) The tremendous program in neighboring Marion County was a great help as well.
Hendricks County opens with a Day Center donated by the township of Avon on the same campus as the town library. They have a full year’s budget and their director, Stacy Schilling, comes with experience from Affiliates in Michigan and Indiana. Brian Rosecrance did the opening training.
They took in their first families at the end of February. Avon Christian served as the first host and the response from volunteers has been incredible. Beyond material goods, they already have a financial planner using New Beginnings and a local photographer who is providing family portraits as a Mother’s Day gift.
