Greetings from Board Chairman Smitty Thomas
As Chairman of the Board of Family Promise of Gwinnett, I was delighted to be part of our annual Board retreat on January 30th. This created an opportunity for all the board members to meet together in a safe environment, and the venue was large enough that we could distance 6-10 feet from each other. Jeanna Beck, our Regional Director from Knoxville, TN, conducted the meeting, and we all had a very informative day. Discussions centered around knowing more about each of the board members.
We welcomed two new members, who's terms began in January 2021, Imani Mary McClinton-Jackson and Dave Houtz. Their skillsets will benefit Family Promise greatly! It was a very challenging year for Family Promise; however, we rose to the occasion and are looking forward to 2021 and to the opportunities that we see ahead of us. Our break-out groups focused upon items like fund-raising, strategic planning, public relations, and communications.
We certainly walked away with a battle plan as we move to our new fixed location, Promise Haven. Family Promise will need to rely greatly upon our church supporters and volunteers as we transition to our new Promise Haven model. Our goal is to serve multiple families at once in order to assist them in moving from situational homelessness to a more stable housing situation.
On behalf of the Board, I want to let all of our volunteers and donors know that we appreciate each and every one of you. Our program could not and would not be possible without your generous contributions of time, money, and overall enthusiasm for our cause.
God Bless You!!
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Our
Super-Hero
Partners
Our partnership with Ordner Construction continues to grow. You probably think of the annual 5K that benefits Family Promise when you think of Ordner’s support. Last year the 5K became a virtual event. In addition, Ordner is living out its stated mission of building in a “meaningful way” by becoming the project manager for Promise Haven.
Ordner’s new role with Family Promise has opened up a new network of partners for us, including donors who have offered help with Promise Haven by providing:
- Landscaping and grading
- Concrete pad
- Exterior and interior painting
- Plumbing fixtures
- Dumpsters
- Framing and drywall
Metro Waterproofing has again stepped up to provide help with the demolition work in taking down the chimney and walls.
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Donor Spotlight: Fountain Church
In May of last year, most of us had only an inkling of how the COVID-19 pandemic would change our lives – the way we work, worship, learn, and shop has been radically transformed.
Fountain Church joined the network of churches that serve with Family Promise of Gwinnett around the time that we were trying to find alternative ways to help families experiencing homelessness. Volunteers from Fountain Church hit the ground running, supporting us with the initial rehabilitation of Promise Haven to house a family of six.
Fountain Church continued its support throughout the summer and fall as we worked with the City of Lawrenceville Zoning Commission to have the property rezoned to meet our needs.
Fountain Church continues to support our mission and Promise Haven with a pledge of $8,000 to underwrite a brand-new kitchen for the home.
THANK YOU, FOUNTAIN CHURCH!
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News from National
February is a month dedicated to the celebration of the achievements of Black Americans. This month also provides us the opportunity to reflect on the challenges that Black Americans have faced, and continue to face, due to historical and intentional racism. In the midst of a year where calls for racial justice reached a fever pitch, Family Promise organized a group of members within the Family Promise community to tackle these issues head on, known as the Racial Justice Council.
The Racial Justice Council (“RJC”) is comprised of executive directors, staff, and volunteers within our community that provide a mirror for the organization as it strives to become a leading anti-racist organization working towards eliminating homelessness.
If you are interested in learning more about the RJC or are interested in becoming a member, please contact Nakeshia Hendrick and Armilla Moore.
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