I am hopeful your 2024 has gotten off to a great start and that you have a wonderful, happy, healthy, and safe new year.
We have much to do in 2024 and so much to celebrate as we are in our 20th year of helping families experiencing homelessness obtain sustainable housing and brighter futures. 20 years! The only way we were able to serve for 20 years, and counting, is due solely to supporters like you! With out your time, talent, and treasure, there would be no Family Promise or Family Promise Welcome Home. With out you, there would be 510 families with children that would not have had a chance at sustainable lives over the 20 years of service. This represents over 2,000 individuals of which 60% were children. I hope that makes you smile.
In 2023, we completed our first home in the Survive to Thrive – Welcome Home program with a family of five residing in the home and moving toward homeownership. In 2024, we want to keep the momentum going and we have set a goal of getting three homes online this year! It’s a big lift, but we learned a lot last year and we are embarking on an aggressive hunt for the houses and resources to make it happen. We are currently working to secure house #2!
Survive to Thrive has created a new emphasis on the FP Mission. We have established a Mission Imperative: In response to the identified community need for additional immediate, sustained, and permanent housing for families experiencing homelessness, Family Promise will endeavor to build upon its history of success and create additional housing opportunities – including those leading to home ownership.
As we move through the new year here are some highlights I want to share with you:
Operationally, FP is in excellent shape. I am pleased to share that we are completely debt-free, aside from our monthly commitments such as rent, utilities, etc.
Glendora House allowed us to serve 44 families in 2023.
FP BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION is in the planning, get ready to celebrate!
Blowing out the FP YouTube experience! We are posting informational pieces, stories of our amazing volunteers, supporters, collaborative partners, and all things FP. We have a great story of service to tell and if we don’t tell it, no one else will.
The $20/month for 12 months campaign. We are seeking 125 donors to commit $20 per month for 12 months in honor of our 20 years of service. Our goal is to raise $30,000.
We are beginning the implementation of the new Strategic Plan which will guide us to 2028. The plan covers:
o Volunteer Needs
o Community Outreach
o Addressing bottlenecks to offering services
o Funding
o Housing
We have a lot on our plate going forward. I would offer that none of us have the burden our families and their children face being in a homeless situation. But not for all of you, making this mission work, they would have no way available to stay together as a family and to reach sustainable independence.
As always, thank you!
Jeff