Family Promise Metrowest 2019 Annual Report
FAMILY HIGHLIGHT“I made the call to Family Promise and from thebeginning, everyone was so down to earth andwelcoming—willing to give us a shot,” Sarahreminisced. “I didn’t have to worry about what to donext. I knew we were safe.”On our end, we knew from the start that shepossessed the attributes essential for future success:She was motivated and determined to change herlife. “My case manager Stephanie helped me somuch with my goals. I learned how to budget andto save. I have new doctors and maintained healthinsurance for myself and my kids. She also helpedme find affordable childcare.”Sarah’s StoryThere are many reasons families become homeless.But regardless of the individual circumstances, theyall hold one thing in common: None of them everimagined they would be in a situation where theycould not provide for their children.As Sarah reached these essential goals for leavingshelter, she also shared her dream of going to schooland establishing a better life for her children. “Ihave a good job and stable employment, but I wantmore. I’m taking classes at a community college toget a degree in business. I have so many interestsand I know the business degree will open up moreopportunities for me.”And so it was when Sarah came to Family Promise inFebruary 2018. She was working full time and doingwell when her landlord unexpectedly increased therent, making her home unaffordable. With no place togo, she and her three children moved in with her momhoping to stay until she was back on her feet. But living“doubled up” in an apartment is a short-term solutionand overcrowding soon became an issue. Sarah and herchildren had to find somewhere else to live.Realizing shelter was their only option, Sarah went tothe Department of Transitional Assistance, only to betold her income made her ineligible for state shelter.She was $50 a month over the limit—the cost of atank of gas. But rules are rules, especially when itcomes to the state, so Sarah was sent on her waywith a list of places to call. Luckily, that list includedFamily Promise Metrowest.Executive Director Sue Crossley, Chair Randy Johnson andDirector Jay Ball from the Natick Affordable Housing TrustBoard celebrate the opening of the home on Bacon Street.6 Family Promise Metrowest
Through our Steps to Success program, webegan to pay for some of her educationrelatedcosts—books, a computer, supplies,and transportation. Sarah was finally on thepath to the future she always imagined.As Sarah pursued her dream, at FamilyPromise we also had our own dream aboutto come true. In December 2019, afterseveral years of planning and innumerableconstruction challenges, we were thrilled toopen our first transitional living home. TheBacon Street project was a collaborative effortin partnership with the Natick AffordableHousing Trust, which donated land andfunding; students and staff from KeefeRegional Technical School, who providedconstruction labor; Wellesley Village Church,which supplied critical financial support;and FPM, which selected and provided casemanagement for resident families. To beeligible for the home, families must have aparent enrolled in an educational programthat will increase their future earnings. Thissuccessful collaboration provides stability andaffordability for parents making real change intheir lives.At this point, I think you know whathappened next.birthdays. It was the first time we had ourown kitchen and I could create homemadebirthday cakes for the kids.”When asked about the future, Sarah didn’thesitate. “First, I want to finish my degree.Second, I want to move into my own homeso another family can come here. Third, Iwould love to make cakes for other kids in theFamily Promise shelter for their birthdays.”This is what it looks like when generosity ispaid forward. This is Family Promise. ♦Just in time for New Year’s Eve, Sarah andher three children became one of the firstfamilies to move into the beautiful new homeon Bacon Street. They now have an affordableplace to live for up to three years while shecontinues classes to earn her business degree.This three-bedroom home allows everyone tohave some personal space, which has beenespecially appreciated during the currentpandemic. “It’s like a dream come true havingour own home,” Sarah shared. “The best parthas been having a place to celebrate the kids’Annual Report 20197
- Page 1 and 2: ANNUALREPORT2019
- Page 3 and 4: OUR STORYOUR MISSIONTo transform th
- Page 5: Shelter ProgramHealthFinancesChildc
- Page 9 and 10: OUR VOLUNTEERSAs we frequently say,
- Page 11 and 12: OUR EVENTSOur 10th annual Walk to E
- Page 13 and 14: OUR SUPPORTERSAn essential part of
- Page 15 and 16: OUR DONORS$75,000+Anonymous (1)Bob
- Page 17 and 18: Emily JonesHeather KlareDonald Krau
- Page 19 and 20: Dan FeheleyMo FeheleyDeborah Feldma
- Page 21 and 22: Sara NechasekKira NelsonRichelle Ne
- Page 23 and 24: Our Board of DirectorsCarol Virshbo
FAMILY HIGHLIGHT
“I made the call to Family Promise and from the
beginning, everyone was so down to earth and
welcoming—willing to give us a shot,” Sarah
reminisced. “I didn’t have to worry about what to do
next. I knew we were safe.”
On our end, we knew from the start that she
possessed the attributes essential for future success:
She was motivated and determined to change her
life. “My case manager Stephanie helped me so
much with my goals. I learned how to budget and
to save. I have new doctors and maintained health
insurance for myself and my kids. She also helped
me find affordable childcare.”
Sarah’s Story
There are many reasons families become homeless.
But regardless of the individual circumstances, they
all hold one thing in common: None of them ever
imagined they would be in a situation where they
could not provide for their children.
As Sarah reached these essential goals for leaving
shelter, she also shared her dream of going to school
and establishing a better life for her children. “I
have a good job and stable employment, but I want
more. I’m taking classes at a community college to
get a degree in business. I have so many interests
and I know the business degree will open up more
opportunities for me.”
And so it was when Sarah came to Family Promise in
February 2018. She was working full time and doing
well when her landlord unexpectedly increased the
rent, making her home unaffordable. With no place to
go, she and her three children moved in with her mom
hoping to stay until she was back on her feet. But living
“doubled up” in an apartment is a short-term solution
and overcrowding soon became an issue. Sarah and her
children had to find somewhere else to live.
Realizing shelter was their only option, Sarah went to
the Department of Transitional Assistance, only to be
told her income made her ineligible for state shelter.
She was $50 a month over the limit—the cost of a
tank of gas. But rules are rules, especially when it
comes to the state, so Sarah was sent on her way
with a list of places to call. Luckily, that list included
Family Promise Metrowest.
Executive Director Sue Crossley, Chair Randy Johnson and
Director Jay Ball from the Natick Affordable Housing Trust
Board celebrate the opening of the home on Bacon Street.
6 Family Promise Metrowest
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