On the road again…On December 17, the holidays started early for more than twenty families in the South and Midwest. Pull-A-Part, a family-owned business with auto parts superstores in 12 states that provides affordable used parts for working families, donated reliable used vehicles to deserving families at Affiliates from Knoxville to Mobile to Akron in the spirit of the season. Twenty-three Affiliates received cars immediately as a result of the new partnership, with two more Affiliates expecting delivery soon.
FP of Anderson County Executive Director Yolanda Archuletta gets the keys!
“We are thrilled to partner with Pull-A-Part, a corporation which recognizes that family homelessness is complex and that access to reliable transportation for so many families is a crucial factor toward achieving sustainable independence,” said Family Promise President Claas Ehlers. “Corporate partners like Pull-A-Part show that a community response involves all sectors and that corporations are a key part of the solution to family homelessness. We are excited about this wonderful event and their incredible generosity and looking forward to working together in the future to empower families toward success.”
Transportation is often overlooked as a factor contributing to families’ loss of independence, but it is vital. Look no further than the example of Jeremiah in Blount County, TN. The night before his family was to receive their donation from Pull-A-Part, their car refused to start. As they are preparing to move from the Affiliate to permanent housing in January, they couldn’t afford expensive car repairs. The donation from Pull-A-Part came at the perfect time, allowing Jeremiah to keep his job and the family on track towards independence.
“We are very excited to be part of this project in our Pull-A-Part communities. We are dedicated to helping families get back on the road again,” said Ross Kogon, CEO of Pull-A-Part. “Through this partnership we can truly make an impact in the lives of families across the country.”
Wichita’s in the house…Please join us in welcoming our newest Affiliate, Family Promise of Greater Wichita! The first family entered the program on November 12th. St. Mary’s Orthodox Church served as the first host congregation.
Executive Director Jacqueline Cook Green.
Jacqueline Cook Green serves at the Executive Director and Carrie Corliss serves as the Board Chair. Jackie brings experience to the position, having served as the Executive Director of Family Promise of Collin County, TX. Opening training was held September 23 – 24.
The need for services is great. During the 2015-2016 school year, the Wichita school district reported 2,500 registered homeless children. The existing shelters that have the ability to serve families have only 13 family rooms and 50 beds with not all designated for families.
More than a hundred volunteers helped renovate, decorate and furnish the “Day House,” a large two-story home rented for $1/year from Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church, located next door. Thanks to the volunteers, renovation expenses were held to $3,000, saving the Affiliate nearly $40,000.
Day House–just like home!
Last month, Family Promise Founder Karen Olson spoke at their “No Place Like Home” Opening Gala, an event which raised over $45,000. Reflecting upon the visit, Green said, “It was truly a pleasure and an inspiration to have Karen Olson at the Family Promise of Greater Wichita opening gala. As guest speaker, Karen shared personal stories about the origin of the program and her vision for the impact Family Promise will have in the Wichita area.
“I am excited about the possibilities the program will bring to homeless families in the community. I believe that the culture of hospitality inherent in the program will touch the lives of really vulnerable people in an empowering and healing way.”
Welcome Greater Wichita!
