Brent Wilson came to FPGV from North Carolina. A 2002 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a B.A. in History, Brent held held jobs ranging from factory worker to test grader. Most recently, Brent was a member service representative at a small North Carolina credit union. Other than his first year after finishing college, this was Brent’s first experience living outside of his home state. from the outset, he was proud and excited to be the AmeriCorps VISTA with Family Promise and anticipated becoming a part of the Bozeman community.

"One of my favorite Bible passages is James, Chapter 1, Verse 27:
'Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world”.
Family Promise of Gallatin Valley is a fine example of religious and faithful people doing what they have been charged to do. I am so happy that this organization exists and that I can be a part of its growth and success."

As a VISTA Volunteer, Brent was with us for a year. and upon ending his term with us in January 2008, went to pursue an opportunity to help the homeless with The Simon Communities of Ireland. While at FPGV, Brent became a critical component of FPGV and through his own initiative and commitment organized our volunteers and training, established an excellent dialog with MSU, and became a wonderful benefit to all who met him. He wrote an endearing, heartfelt letter prior to leaving:

To Our Volunteers:

My name is Brent Wilson, and for the last year I’ve been an Americorps VISTA Volunteer serving as the Volunteer Development Coordinator for Family Promise. When I came out to Bozeman last January, I knew that Family Promise was a network of people who are inspired to put their faith into actions, not words. I knew that Family Promise helped homeless families with children. And that’s about the extent of what I knew.

I didn’t know how much effort it takes to make the network successful and how wonderful and dedicated our volunteers are. I didn’t know that it takes over 30 volunteers a week to make this work. I didn’t know we had board members who spend so much time working to make Family Promise stronger that you’d think it was their full time job. I didn’t know that the volunteer coordinators practically live at the church for the week that they host. I didn’t know that we could get volunteers at an hour’s notice. Our materials say that volunteers are the heart of Family Promise, and it’s absolutely true. It’s been amazing and inspiring to have watched you all in action this past year.

I’ve learned a lot, and I think we’ve accomplished a lot this year. I’ve really been blessed to have been here with Family Promise. You guys are a huge part of that. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you and working with you. With volunteers like you, I know that Family Promise of Gallatin Valley will continue to grow and serve our less fortunate neighbors.

Thank you for all that you do, thank you for making my year with you such a wonderful experience, and God bless.

Brent Wilson
Americorps VISTA Volunteer
Volunteer Development Coordinator

Carolyn explains her motivation for being part of Family Promise, “What better way to follow Jesus, being there with the volunteers of Family Promise for those that need someone to be in their life, and show them the way to better times . . . I can’t think of a better way to serve our community and help people than what we’re doing right here.”

Adam Lowe, an Americorp VISTA worker, moved to Bozeman from Jonesville, North Carolina in July. Last December he graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with a degree in History, Secondary Education and a minor in Psychology. He has experience as a substitute teacher and Assistant Park Ranger. He helped develop a community garden in Boone, NC and also volunteered with the Appalachian Heritage Council. Adam' wife has just accepted a VISTA position with Montana State University’s Farm to College Program.

Adam chose to be an Americorp VISTA because of the government-funded organization’s dedication to fighting poverty in the United States. Adam is very excited to dedicate a year of work towards the success of Family Promise, a program that he feels is essential in the Gallatin Valley. His dedication to our mission is clear:

". . . I believe that community involvement should be an integral part of everyone's life . . . Over the last several years I have come to respect my own home while realizing that what we know as the United States of America is a very diverse and unique place. I will bring maturity, thoughtful action and a positive attitude . . ..";