Community Services

In 2022, we formalized an additional form of support to serve families that aren't eligible for our housing programs or alumni families that reach back out after graduating. Referred to as “Community Services,” this offering provides families with short-term coaching support, referrals to other social service agencies, assistance in applying for benefits, or simply a gift card or supply donation to help them fill an immediate need for their family. Our Community Services have extended our continuum of support beyond our existing programs, helping some families long before a housing crisis takes shape to supporting an alumni family that is facing an unexpected challenge months or even years after graduating.

Formalizing our Community Services has also been a powerful new way to further strengthen our collaborations with partnering organizations, giving us more opportunities to point families in their direction to receive specialized information, resources, or support. At the same time, it helps even more families learn about the places and people that can provide services in our community—for supplemental food, affordable daycare, a mortgage, a specialist for their child, and more. All of us need to build these networks—they are an essential aspect of creating a stable, sustainable home.

In 2022, we served ten families with Community Services. Our support ranged from help filling out housing applications, to providing dorm room furnishings, to making a referral for eviction counseling, to granting a college scholarship, to supporting an alumni in purchasing their first home. We hope to double this number of families in 2023 and are well on our way to that goal.

New Beginnings

The New Beginnings financial training is a comprehensive approach to financial literacy designed to provide our families with tools for financial independence. The curriculum encompasses a variety of topics, including budgeting, smart spending, borrowing and credit, understanding credit reports, banking, savings, and taxes. The interactive, small-group format enables families to share successes and struggles, learning alongside each other as they share their own valuable tips. The program is overseen by FPM staff and facilitated by experienced volunteers with a background in financial literacy, mentoring, and a passion for inspiring others in this area.

The New Beginnings curriculum was developed in 2014 and is a result of a partnership between Family Promise national and Woodforest National Bank, one of the nation’s leading community banks.

For families unable to attend a class, the curriculum is offered as an independent self-paced course.

Keys to Good Tenancy

The Keys to Good Tenancy curriculum is designed to build knowledge and skills of good tenancy, opening opportunities for housing stability.  The curriculum encompasses a variety of topics, including finding a place to rent, understanding leases, tips for moving day, cleaning and maintenance, being a good neighbor and renter’s rights.  All portions are designed to equip and empower families to understand not only how to become better tenants but to be empowered and able to advocate for themselves.  The interactive, small-group format enables families to share successes and struggles, learning alongside each other as they share their own valuable tips. 

We have been fortunate to have community partners leading the sessions who are realtors, landlords, mediation experts, attorneys and more.  They are an invaluable addition to this program.

For families unable to attend a class, the curriculum is offered as an independent self-paced course.

Parent Empowerment Group

Offered to our families in collaboration with SPARK Kindness, this five-session discussion group for parents experiencing homelessness focuses on recognizing and strengthening well-being and resilience skills.  Through conversation and reflection, participants gain tools and concrete strategies for personal development, parenting, and navigating the ongoing impacts and structural inequities of racism and homelessness. Specific topics covered include connection and healthy relationships, empathy, self-compassion, self-regulation, stress management, and hope.

Facilitated by Stephanie Di Dio, MSW, Shelter Program Coordinator and Laura McCarthy, MA, Director of Small Group Programming, SPARK Kindness.