Family Promise of Bryan County Board Chairwoman Chris Hasson gave a presentation on July 11 to the Rotary Club of Richmond Hill, discussing the organization’s work in helping at-risk and homeless families of Bryan County.
Hasson’s presentation focused on Family Promise’s mission, its programs for at-risk and homeless families, and the current limitations faced by the organization in Bryan County. She referenced their aged minivan, which can only transport six people at a time, not accounting for children’s car seats and booster seats. Hasson also described the tight confines of the Family Promise facility on Ford Avenue, which keeps it from functioning as a proper day center where families in the program are supposed to take classes, utilize childcare services, and look for employment opportunities.
Hasson said she believes there are people in the community with the means and resources to make an impact, but they simply don’t understand what Family Promise does nor do they know how to get involved. But she’s ready to change that.
“Please help us spread the word. Talk to people – your friends, coworkers and neighbors – and tell them what we do, because we are right here in Richmond Hill,” Hasson told Rotary members. “This is your community trying to support the people who really need it.”
Family Promise partners with local churches and social service agencies to help families become financially stable and independent. The nonprofit organization recognizes that poverty is a complex problem that requires a multifaceted response.
Family Promise responds by integrating educational outreach, smart programming, effective policies, and the hands-on work of numerous volunteers in addition to providing food, shelter, and support services for homeless families. Typically, program participants sleep at participating churches, dubbed host congregations, at night and use the Family Promise day center to search and apply for employment during the day.
The 501(c)(3) charity offers a range of services, including the day center for families to utilize as a point of contact for potential employers, as well as transitional housing, which provides short-term independent housing units for families who are ready to live independently yet require additional time and services to achieve total self-sufficiency.
To learn more about Family Promise of Bryan County, please visit familypromisebryancounty.org or call 912-445-4021.
