Notes from the Director • October 2006

October is upon us and the leaves are vivid shades of orange, red and gold. Family Promise seems to be changing also, and entering into a new season. The rush of new beginnings is past, and plans for the future are developing. Our board retreat focused on strategic planning and finalized our budget for 2007. Now comes the hard work of developing an action plan to make our vision of ending homelessness one family at a time a reality.

We are presently blessed with two families who are working steadily on their permanency plans. Two of the three adults are working fulltime and they are so busy I have to go to the churches in the evening to see them. The other adult is working on her GED through the new adult education program at First Presbyterian Church. And, of course, we can’t forget the children: Nathan is two and a half and full of energy; Alexis is almost three and chatters all day long; Whitney is in kindergarten and learning all her letters; and Brian is eight years old and loves basketball – and knitting! They are all a delight. I can’t help but think that if everyone in the Gallatin Valley could just meet our families, they would be hooked on the program forever.

It takes a lot of courage to take that first step and ask for help from a total stranger. All of the families we have served have told us how “scary” it was to sign the guest agreement and enter into the program. They wondered how it could actually work to sleep in churches and move week to week. What happens is nothing short of a miracle. Our struggling families are surrounded by caring, supportive volunteer hosts. Their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter are met; but even more importantly, relationships are formed. People begin to see that they are not alone, that they are part of something bigger than themselves. God’s love shines through and makes all the difference in the world.

Here is what one family has to say about Family Promise of Gallatin Valley:

“We are very fortunate to have been accepted into this program. Family Promise allowed my family to obtain what we felt was unobtainable. We are truly pleased and extremely appreciate all the care and concern of everyone included . . . I am absolutely planning on attending the next (volunteer) training class!”
Angela, Daniel, Taiilor & Sierra, September 2006

Now, that is what it is all about!

— Gloria Edwards