Family Promise of Bryan County hosted an open house and ribbon-cutting Thursday at its recently updated facility in Richmond Hill. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit is now welcoming families to its 1,800-square-foot day center, which was procured and renovated last year, thanks to a $15,000 grant from United Way.
Family Promise helps homeless and low-income families become financially stable, secure long-term housing and live independently. The organization’s new day center, located at 10695 Ford Ave., will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On site, an Interfaith Hospitality Network director and a social worker provide case-management services. Members of families who are living in temporary housing — often provided by area host churches — may utilize the center, and Family Promise helps by providing transportation to and from the facility.
Network Director Candice Stewart-Fife said she was excited to show off the center to the community and is eager to see the program flourish; however, the day center’s completion does not mean Family Promise’s fundraising efforts have ended. Now that the facility is up and running, it must be maintained. In addition, donations are always needed to help care for and feed the families who turn to the organization in times of need. Family Promise is also looking to add to its network of churches that host families for a week at a time. Churches serve the families dinner each night and give them places to sleep, with Family Promise providing the beds.
“We’re very proud of this house and have worked hard to make it comfortable, welcoming and well-equipped to suit the needs of the families we’ll be serving,” Stewart-Fife said. “We’re honored to have a role in getting those in need back up and on their feet, because when families are strong and functional, so are whole communities.”
The center includes two and a half bathrooms and three bedrooms — a children’s room, teen room, and wardrobe room. Day center guests searching for jobs and preparing for interviews have access to closets filled with professional clothing and a computer lab, made possible by donations from New Life Church, Savannah Tire and Richmond Hill United Methodist Church. A fully equipped kitchen and laundry room are also available to those using the facility. The “Children’s Corner” contains toys and games donated by St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Waterfront Church donated an outside children’s play set and fence, and volunteers from Gulfstream with Hands on Savannah assembled this play area.
Family Promise of Bryan County began in October 2013 when concerned community members assembled to discuss the possibility of establishing an affiliate of the national non-profit organization. The local affiliate collaborates with area churches and social services agencies to help families become financially stable and independent by providing food, shelter, and support services for homeless families, as well as advice and advocacy for at-risk families to prevent their becoming homeless.
To learn more about Family Promise of Bryan County and how to get involved, please visit www.familypromisebryancounty.org.