Notes from the Director • March 2006

The first month at Family Promise has been a whirlwind of activity. From the moment I began my education from the national Family Promise trainer on February 2nd, I knew this was no ordinary job: I was in for an adventure in hope.

209 South Tracy was transformed from an empty house to a beautifully furnished home as a Family Day Center in less than two weeks. Every time I turned around, I had people offering to help: we received desks and shelves from David Hughes of SprinkTech, Florence Guest gave us a bundle of educational children’s toys, LoveINC gave us a comforter and an office chair, we received cribs from the Tadvick and Karol families, a washer and dryer from Megan and Jim Dugan, sheets and shower curtains from Marti Tobias with Xanterra in Yellowstone Park, a couch from Jean Shaw, and great deals on furniture from Harrington’s Attic. Finally, Barb Bakken came to our rescue and put her designing skills to work, making it all look relaxed and inviting.

• Human Resource Development Council,
• Office of Public Assistance,
• City/County Health Department,
• Salvation Army,
• LoveINC,
• Help Center,
• The Network Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse,
• Yellowstone Area One Stop Workforce Center, and
• Gallatin Mental Health Center and the Food Bank.

I have talked to personnel from:

Hearts and Homes,

• Department of Public Health and Human Services,
• Family Outreach,
• Prevent Child Abuse,
• Pregnancy Caring Center,
• Gallatin Community Clinic,
• Adult Education,
• Young Parents Program,
• Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, and
• HIS Soup.

Everyone I talk to is excited about the fact that homeless families now have an opportunity for assistance in Gallatin Valley.

This brings us to the best part: the volunteers! Never in my wildest imagination would I believe there are so many wonderfully talented, compassionate people right here, ready to help right now. At this time, 82 volunteers have completed the three-hour training seminar and we have five more training sessions scheduled. Once all training is completed in April, I estimate that we will have over 250 trained individuals ready to volunteer. Volunteers will provide meals, stay overnight with guests, and provide them support in a difficult time in their lives. Most importantly, they will offer respect and understanding to our guests, and a sense of hope for the future.

As the Executive/Network Director I feel incredibly blessed to be part of this wonderful program. Our doors at Family Promise of Gallatin Valley are open: we are ready, willing and able to assist homeless families. Let the adventure continue!

— Gloria Edwards