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
Through our Steps to Success program, we
began to pay for some of her educationrelated
costs—books, a computer, supplies,
and transportation. Sarah was finally on the
path to the future she always imagined.
As Sarah pursued her dream, at Family
Promise we also had our own dream about
to come true. In December 2019, after
several years of planning and innumerable
construction challenges, we were thrilled to
open our first transitional living home. The
Bacon Street project was a collaborative effort
in partnership with the Natick Affordable
Housing Trust, which donated land and
funding; students and staff from Keefe
Regional Technical School, who provided
construction labor; Wellesley Village Church,
which supplied critical financial support;
and FPM, which selected and provided case
management for resident families. To be
eligible for the home, families must have a
parent enrolled in an educational program
that will increase their future earnings. This
successful collaboration provides stability and
affordability for parents making real change in
their lives.
At this point, I think you know what
happened next.
birthdays. It was the first time we had our
own kitchen and I could create homemade
birthday cakes for the kids.”
When asked about the future, Sarah didn’t
hesitate. “First, I want to finish my degree.
Second, I want to move into my own home
so another family can come here. Third, I
would love to make cakes for other kids in the
Family Promise shelter for their birthdays.”
This is what it looks like when generosity is
paid forward. This is Family Promise. ♦
Just in time for New Year’s Eve, Sarah and
her three children became one of the first
families to move into the beautiful new home
on Bacon Street. They now have an affordable
place to live for up to three years while she
continues classes to earn her business degree.
This three-bedroom home allows everyone to
have some personal space, which has been
especially appreciated during the current
pandemic. “It’s like a dream come true having
our own home,” Sarah shared. “The best part
has been having a place to celebrate the kids’
Annual Report 2019
7
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