Pictured from left to right: Kat Lilley, Family Promise guest, Charisse Jordan
As the name implies, family  is a recurring theme  at Family Promise: the families who remain together during a time of crisis as they regain stability; the extended  families  guests and volunteers form through the close relationships they develop on their journey; even the family of Affiliates that support one another as they strive to keep children and parents housed and self-sufficient.
Family Promise Affiliates in Colorado Springs and Denver recently  tapped  those family ties to  help a  Denver  household  get back on its feet.
“We had a family  who desperately needed a vehicle,” explains Family Promise of Greater Denver Diversion Specialist Charisse Jordan, who helps families on the verge of homelessness avoid the shelter  system  so they can focus on  case management, education, and more to regain  independence. “[The] mom’s car, which she relied on for work, died.   Without a car, mom’s job – and the family’s stability – was in jeopardy.”
Jordan  recalled  a  recent  regional Family Promise staff meeting where Affiliates  had  shared updates, challenges, and advice.  She’d learned of  the vehicle loaner program at  Family Promise of Colorado Springs  and  the  generous donor who ensures  every family  in need of  transportation receives  a vehicle  if  they  can sustain  it.
“I figured  it’d  be  a long shot, but  I   contacted  (Colorado Springs Deputy Director)  Kat Lilley,” Jordan  recalls. “You never know!”
Lilley’s response was music to Jordan’s ears.
“We can do this!” Lilley said.
As it happened, Family Promise of Colorado Springs had  an extra vehicle in its fleet.
“It came together  easily,” says  Lilley. “And when the family picked  up their new car, we got to meet them and send  them on their way!”
Affiliates share more than the Family Promise name, Lilley observes,  stating, “We all work together on behalf of the families we serve.”
Jordan agrees and adds, “Obviously, Affiliates share the same mission – keeping families housed. But on top of that, we share information and  experiences  so we can serve our families in the best way possible.”
