Family Promise

As a hosting church in the Family Promise program, we have the unique opportunity to connect with our neighbors in crisis in a meaningful and very helpful way. Please take time to view a brief inspirational video at http://www.familypromise.org/ihn-video.

One frequent question is, “How are the families chosen for the program?” Families are often referred by other agencies. After completing
a detailed application, they are screened and interviewed. All adults in the family must clear the criminal background and child abuse checks. Families attend an orientation and then may stay in the network 45 to 90 days provided they are adhering to guest guidelines and making progress in their efforts towards self-sufficiency. During that time, the families live and shower at a Day Center, where they also learn skills and may homeschool their children.
Each evening, the families are transported by van to a hosting church. They are required to save a large percentage of their income to pay for sustainable housing. They are able to do that because we will provide a place to sleep and all their me als for that week.

Practicing Compassion Over Spring Break

First UU Berks will host families in the Family Promise program from Sunday afternoon Apr. 17 to Sunday morning Apr. 24. We will provide dinner, breakfast, and a warm bed in the church each night that week. Volunteering with the Family Promise network is just one aspect of our mission to promote generous giving of time and resources.

There will be a new volunteer orientation in April so stay tuned. Until then, please think about what role you would like to play in our act of kindness. Please write your name on the Sign-up board in the Gerber Room or contact Carla Mannix when you’re ready to volunteer.

Each Night:
Dinner Preparers (make entree and/or side)
(1) Evening Host (5:30PM - 8:30PM)
(2) Overnighters (8:30PM -7:00AM) preferably one male and one female
(1) Morning Host (6:00AM - 7:30AM)

Weekly:
(1) Shopper (for breakfast and lunch foods)
(4) Laundry Workers (wash sheets at end of week)
(5) Set-up beds on April 17th afternoon
(5) Take down beds on April 24th early morning

As a hosting church, we have a unique opportunity to connect with our neighbors in crisis in a meaningful and very helpful way. I find it quite meaningful that we are hosting the families during a week that emphasizes sacrifice, new birth, and care for the earth. I hope that practicing compassion and love with these few families for these few moments will help us all grow stronger as a community.