UPDATE
Friday, April 12, 2013 at 03:29PM April 12, 2013
Directors Message...
I want to take this time to thank each Host and all the volunteers who have stood on call these past weeks with anticipation of new guests in the program. Not having guests in the program can be very challenging. We have had several families contact us, one was accepted but did not join us and several others called and did not follow up with their scheduled interview and others who did not meet our criteria. It can get discouraging but although this happens from time to time it should fuel each of us to spread the word about the great things that we all have witnessed when families are with us and how we have helped them move forward and how with a moments notice we are here with open arms when the next family is in need.
I appreciate all of your efforts and thank you for your understanding. I have been reaching out to groups in the community who may know of families in need.Please spread the word about this great program so we can help those families that can benefit from our support.
Volunteer Training
We now have our volunteer training available on our website. Please go to the 'Volunteers' tab on top of the page to see the training video. Each volunteer that works with our guests should see this great video.
Fundraiser
Please join the Ladies Auxiliary of St. Mary's for their Forget Me- Not Luncheon and Fashion Show on May 3rd.. Please view the details on the 'Events" tab above for more information.
FREE DISTRIBUTION
(SANDY STORM VICTIMS ONLY)
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH- TOMS RIVER. CORNER OF OLD FREEHOLD RD AND CHESTNUT ST. SATURDAY APRIL 20th AT 10:00AM. SPONSORED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OCEAN COUNTY HUNGER RELIEF AND THE ROTARY CLUB
March 14, 2013
They are finally home...
Margaret, Amy, Jess and the 4 little ones have moved into their home yesterday! After being displaced since the Hurricane Sandy, the family can finally sleep comfortable in their own home. Thank you for all the wonderful donations and support from all of our volunteers in helping them move forward.
A New Family...
This past Monday we now have a new family that also has been displaced since the storm. Melissa, 11 year old daughter Victoria and 7 year old son Jacob. The kids will be continuing at their school and mom is looking very hard to find a 2-3 BR home. If anyone knows of any homes available please contact Cheryl-994-3317.
NEEDED ITEMS
WAWA GAS CARDS
Toilet Paper
Tissues
Paper Towels
Shampoo/Conditioner
Nail Clippers
Hair Ties
FYI...
12th National Conference
In 1988, a grassroots local organization proved it could become a national program and Family Promise was born. Sixteen years later Family Promise’s 100th Affiliate opened in Athens GA—right in the Empire State of the South. Not very far in the future, the 200th Affiliate will start serving families. Twenty-five years after the founding of Family Promise, Atlanta will host the 12th National Conference. Atlanta has many things to be proud of—but probably none more so than as the birthplace and home of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. 2013 also marks the 50th anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech, and its plea for the rights of all to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But Dr. King spoke just as loudly and clearly about the need for economic justice, about the right of children to grow up free of the fear and uncertainty that comes with poverty. The National Conference is the premier opportunity for professional development for Family Promise Affiliate leaders—staff, board and volunteers. Join us for a weekend of inspiration. Attend dynamic workshops and sessions on diverse topics crucial to your Affliate’s growth. Whether you’d like to learn the latest in technology-driven fundraising, best practices in case management or the core strategies for program expansion, the Conference will enable you to share the wisdom of other Affiliate leaders, Family Promise experts and leading specialists in a variety of fields. More than that, the Conference is also an opportunity to share the dream with others across the country who are committed to ending homelessness long-term for children and their families.
In addition to the workshops there will be Conference favorites such as the Interfaith Worship Service, the Saturday Night Event (click here to learn more), and plenary sessions and activities. To kick off the conference on Friday evening, we are especially honored to have as our keynote speaker a stalwart of the Civil Rights Movement and compatriot of Dr. King—former Atlanta mayor, congressman and Ambassador to the UN Andrew Young. EARLY-BIRD CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEE:
Click here to view the conference brochure. Questions? Call Angelica Kennedy at 908-273-1100 x20 or email Click Here to Register |
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March 1, 2013
Time flies...and next Sunday March 10th is Daylight Saving Time already! As some of you may know, Dan,Kerelin and their 5 children moved into their home last Friday. The kids are very happy to get to sleep an extra hour each day before school. They are so grateful for all the donations that everyone help them with. Thank you to Ocean Community Church for the warm send off!
Margaret, Amy, Jess and the kids are hopefully going to move into their home within the next 2 weeks. They are still in need of items for their home. If anyone has any of these donation please call 994-3317. Thank you.
China Cabinet
Queen size mattress cover
Coffee tables
Book Shelves
TV Stand
Toy Chest
PLEASE HELP...
We are in need of overnights at Jersey Shore Council Boy Scout Camp in Barnegat Monday March 18th- Friday March 22nd and at Harvey Cedars Bible Conference Sunday 3/24- Saturday 3/30. If anyone is interested please contact us at 994-3317.
FYI...
**PLEASE spread the word so people come to pick up animal supplies this Sunday!! We have dog and cat food, collars, bowls, toys, etc... We have so much to hand out with the NJ SPCA and we want to reach as many people as we can. And if you are in the area, please come and say HI!!!!! We LOVE meeting our supporters. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/doitduoforpets or e-mail us at hurricanepets@hotmail.com
When: Sunday, March 3rd at 10am
Where: Seaside Heights in the Municipal Parking Lot between the Boulevard and Ocean Terrace
Time: 10am until supplies run out
ALSO...
**Please spread the word that we have openings in the program for more families.
Day Center Needs
Toilet Paper
Tissues
Paper Towels
Shampoo/Conditioner
Nail Clippers
Hair Ties
February 18, 2013
At this present time we have a full house:14 guests in the network: 9 are children and 5 under five years old. We have been fortunate that we have had the facilities to shelter them and feed them and offer them hospitality from our wonderful volunteers. I appreciate everything that our volunteers do for our guest families.
Thank you to the Presbyterian Church of Tuckerton for hosting our guests last week and providing hospitality to all of them.
At this point in time, when we need it the most, we are going to find ourselves without shelter in March, the week of 3/3 and 3/17. We have reached out to all of our host sites and have not been able to secure shelter.If anyone has any connection with rental properties, motels or possible new host sites, please call Cheryl at 609-994-3317.
Dan and Kerelin have finally found a place to call home in LBI! They will be leaving us this weekend. The kids are so excited!
Margaret, Amy, Jess and the kids will be moving out soon. They are shooting for March 1 but may have to wait until the 15th. They are looking forward to finally having a place to call home.
Household needs for the families
3 sets of bunk beds- (do not need mattresses)
1 full size bed with mattress and box spring
kitchen set
living room set
dressers
refrigerator
dishes
curtains
TV stands
book shelf
coffee tables
lamps
coffee pot
toaster
pots and pans
Congratulations to JP, Mary and Lily on the birth of Marley Love, born on Valentine's Day! She was 7lbs 9oz, and 20 inches long.
Please see our current Hosting Schedule at the tab at the top of this page.
Day Center Needs
Toilet Paper
Tissues
Laundry Detergent
Shampoo/Conditioner
Nail Clippers
Hair Ties
Update Feb. 2, 2013
Happy Groundhogs Day! Well it look like spring is coming, according to Punxsutawney Phil this morning. Whatever the weather, here in NJ it is always unpredictable. But the best part of the present day is that it is a gift... that is why they call it 'present'.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
To Maris Stella, St. Francis, Harvey Cedars Bible Conference, Great Bay Gospel Fellowship and all the wonderful volunteers for providing shelter for our guests during the past few weeks, for making them feel welcomed, and helping Nick celebrate his 18th Birthday!
Update on Guests:
Dan and Kerelin and family continue to be with us. Dan just completed his tests and received his certificate to be an agent for truckers. They are actively looking to find a home for the family.
Nick-18
Amber 16
Matt-14
Jon-13 Allergic to shellfish
Patrick-3
On 2/5 a new family will be starting. This family also was affected by the hurricane. We hope that with our support we will be able to link them to the resources they need and help them find a place to call home.
Margaret-
Amy- 23
Zaheem- 3 Allergic to PEANUTS and PEANUT OIL
Jamal-1
Jessica- 21
Jadier-4
Larissa-2
Needs for Day Center:
Juicy Juice (not juice boxes)
Water bottles
Snacks
Diapers
Baby wipes
IN NEED OF HOST SITES FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 3rd AND 10th Please consider offfering your host site a well as the support of all the volunteers to offer hospitality to our guests. Please take a look at our hosting schedule as we need to fill in the year! Thank you.
Looking for Interns/ Volunteers that would like to assist with our Fundraising and Communications teams. If you are interested please contact Cheryl 609-994-3317
UPDATE 1/7
Happy New Year! May the new year bring you much joy in your life.
Thank you to Lacey United Methodist Church for hosting our guests during the past two weeks. We appreciate all that you did for our guests.
Currently we continue to host Dan, Kerelyn, Nick, Amber, Matt, Jon and Patrick. We are hoping that they will soon find a new home. They are looking, so if you know of any place to rent please let us know. They are also in need of another car for Kerelin to get around in. If you know of any possibliities please let us know.
On Thursday Jan. 31 the annual 'Point in Time Count" will be taking place. This day is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT as it tries to capture all the people in the state/county that are experiencing homlessness. We need your help to make people aware of this day. I am currenly trying to get folks to let others know about this day because the more people become aware of the number of people that are homeless the more the county and state can begin to receive more funding to provide services needed for the people. Please contact us 609-994-3317 for more information.
We are looking for people to get involved with our Cardboard Box City Event that is scheduled to take place on Friday April 26th. Please consider getting involved. We need your support to make this happen!
UPDATE 12/24
Merry Christmas to all that celebrate this time. To our friends that celebrate other traditions, Happy Holidays to you. May the New Year bring you and your family good health and happiness.
Over the past few weeks many wonderful things have been happening with Family Promise. It started of with the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit Youth Ministry coming to the day center and setting up the beautiful Christmas tree and decorating our day center. Thank you so much for making it look so welcoming especially for our families during the holiday season.This year we have been extremely blessed to have received Christmas gifts for all of our families. Each parent was relieved to know that their child would have presents under the tree for them. We have also received many donations of gift cards for gas that I had requested. We will be using many of the cards throughout the year for families in need of assistance.Additionally we received delicious homemade cookies from a local Girl Scout Troop and other treats from people in the community.
A big THANK YOU for making this holiday special:: First United Methodist Church of Tuckerton, Womens Club of Greenbriar Outreach Oceanaire, Ocean County Board of Realtors, United Way of Ocean County, LBI/Mainland Women's Club, and for all the gifts we received from many people in our community. We appreciate all that you do to help our families, thank you so much. We are so blessed.
Guest Update:
Dan, Kerelin, Nick, Amber, Matt, Jon, and Patrick are doing pretty good. Kids are doing well in school. Unfortunately the van is not good, it broke down for the 3rd time again yesterday. If anyone knows of someone selling a minivan, please let us know as we are on a hunt for one. They are also looking for a home to rent with at least 3-4 bedrooms. Please call the Day Center-609-994-3317 if you have any suggestions.
Thank you to St. Mary's for hosting our guests for the past 2 weeks and to all the volunteers that assisted at this time. Thank you for adding the first week, it wasn't planned but it went well considering the alternative. Thanks to Noreen- for 'learning on the go' how to coordinate a host week.
This week and next Lacey United Methodist Church will be hosting our guests-Thank you for taking on these holiday week.
A Note From The Director...
The other day I visited one of our families at their home with a huge box for them that had a 7 1/2 foot Christmas tree for them to set up in their home. As mom and the 4 children opened the box and began to piece together the tree, I couldn't help but think about the fact that it had been many years since this family had their own home to set up their own Christmas tree. I feel so blessed that I am able to assist our families like I do, BUT, I would not be able to do this without the support of our donors. You see, this is why were are here...to see the joy on that child's face in the comfort of their new home with the love from their family and the support from all of you. I truly Thank You for all your support.
Blessings for a Wonderful Holiday Season-
Cheryl Polo
Thank you to the First United Methodist Church for hosting and the Church of the Holy Spirit for coordinating all the volunteers. We appreciate all that you have done to help our guests.
Immediate Needs:
- Next week the guests will be staying at the St. Mary of the Pines Parish Center. We are in need of volunteers for Overnights and Meals. If you are interested please contact Noreen-698-0025.
- Wawa Gas Cards for the guests
- Gift cards for the guests to be used for the holidays and special occassions.
Please Help Support Family Promise and consider purchasing a 50/50 ticket to support our efforts. We are in need of your help so that we can continue to help families in need. Please contact the Day Center for Tickets-994-3317. The drawing will be at our OPEN HOUSE which everyone is cordially invited to next Wednesday 12-12-12 at the Day Center. Light refreshments will be served.
Update on Guests:
JP, Mary and Lily have moved into their new home and are settling in well. Thank you to Dave from Great Bay Gospel for helping the family move in last weekend. The family asked that I extend their thanks for all that you have done for them.
Danny, Kerelin and kids are doing pretty well. They are busy trying to get the needed support so that they move forward from this situation. Congratulations to Amber in getting a job at the antiques shop here in town!
Weekly Memo- November 20th
Over the past few weeks many of us have witnessed an outpouring of people wanting to help others, from donating time, talents and gifts for the people who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. The volunteers offering their time to help others and the people receiving the assistance have been given the best gift anyone could receive....hope. Thank you to all the volunteers who have helped and continue to help victims of the storm.
We are pleased to announce that Forked River Presbyterian Church has become our newest Host Congregation! A big Thank You to Pastor Terry Chapman and Coordinator Joanne Schnaudt for hosting our guests for the past 2 weeks! Thank you to all the volunteers for your hospitality during this time.
We may be in need of volunteers for next week at the First United Methodist Church of Tuckerton. Please contact Lynn- 609-294-4905 if you are able to assist.
Update on guests:
Welcome to our new guests Daniel, Kerelin and their 5 children. They has been displaced from the storm. We are here to assist the family so that they can stay together and the children can finally return to school again. (The only allergy is shellfish for 1 of the children).
JP, Mary and Lilly will be moving into their new apartment on Dec.1st. They are very excited to move forward and be in their home by Christmas. Below is their wish list. If anyone has anything from the list that they would like to donate, please let us know. (Family is vegetarian does not eat pork or beef Allergy: Tree nuts)
kitchen: blender, rice cooker, crock pot, deep fryer, electric percolator, pressure cooker, dishes, flatware, glasses, mugs,
a few different size lazy susans, wooden spoons, metal spatula, pot holders, glass gallon jugs, salt and pepper shaker,
cereal containers, spice rack, paper towel holder, misto, sugar and flour containers, mason jars, knife sharpener, slap chop,
wooden top cart, high chair, curtains/blinds, shelves, 4 matching chairs (we have a table)...
baby's room/stuff: breast pump, toddler bed and sheets/blanket, play mat/pad for floor, rocking chair, area rug, curtains/blinds, shelves
living room: sofa, area rug, computer desk, office chair, curtains/blinds, shelves
bathroom: rugs, racks, hooks, portable washing machine, shelves
master bedroom: bed frame/platform with storage or space underneath, sheets/pillow cases/blankets, area rug, bureau/dresser, large mirror, curtains/blinds, shelves
misc.: outlet protectors, coat/hat rack, shoe rack, light switch dimmers, track lighting, surge protectors, hangers,
here is a list of tools i would like to have -
sewing machine, fabric scissors, box cutter, razor blade handle, saws all, circular saw, hack saw, wood saw, hammer, ball pine hammer, drill with bits and screw bits, wrench set, adjustable wrench, measuring tape, t square, sander, stud finder, allen key, pliers, needle nose pliers, screw driver set, rubber mallet, vice, vice grip, clamps, staple gun, heavy duty extension cord
random hardware ie: screws/nails, nuts/bolts, washers, staples, casters, tool box, tool belt
here is a list of random upcyclable materials: wine bottle corks, wood crates, shipping pallets, metal cans, mason jars, parts of old furniture (drawers, legs, feet, hardware), random pieces of wood and glass in decent shape,
picture frames, mason jars, old luggage, etc...
Weekly Update
This past Friday we were at Operation Halloween at Citta Scout Reservation. The event was sponsored by Southern Ocean Rotary Club. We sold our wrist bands to raise money and awareness. It was a great evening!
It is never too early to start thinking about Cardboard Box City! We are already planning and we hope that you are all planning to attend and spend the night with us on April 26, 2013. For more information go to the Cardboard Box City link at the top of the page.
Guest Update:
JP, Mary, and Lilly have been accepted to receive housing assistance and will be moving into their new home soon. They are very busy getting everything in order so that they can make their move by November 1st. We are looking for donations for them and will post their wish list later this week.
Jeanenne and family have moved into their place on October 1st, and are doing very well. They are still in need of items including:
- blender
- mixing bowls
- cookie sheet
- pots & pans
- child's training potty
- forks
- toothbrush holder
- bathroom rugs
- computer
- (3) baby gates
- Gift cards
Family Promise Needs You:
Over the course of the next four weeks (Oct. 14- Nov. 11) we do not have a host site for our guests. The cost of motels is very costly for us. If anyone has any connections with any area motels and may be able to get us a reduced cost, please let us know. In the meantime, our guests will be staying at the Day Center. If we get another family we will need to have another option.
We are looking for anyone that would like to provide meals (either make meals, donate the food or a Shoprite gift card). Please let us know ASAP if you are able to assist with this.
If there are any groups that would like to have a fundraiser please get in contact with us ASAP. This also a great idea for any potential Eagle Scouts out there for your Eagle Project.
We are also looking for individuals or groups to sell our glow in the dark wrist bands to help raise money for Family Promise and raise awareness of homelessness in Southern Ocean County.
Thank You
I would like to thank both Ocean Community Church and First Presbyterian Church of Tuckerton for hosting our guests over the past two weeks. Thank you for all your assistance.
Ocean County Board of Realtors for donating pillows and mattress covers and may other needed items for our families.