Family Promise To Provide Access To Support Services For Pike County
Homeless and at-risk families in Pike County will now have access to emergency shelter and housing assistance thanks to the efforts of national charitable organization Family Promise.
On Tuesday, August 6, the Pike County Commissioners announced that Family Promise of Monroe County, which has been operating for 12 years, has established a new partnership with the Pike County Department of Human Services and Transportation that will provide support services for vulnerable residents of Pike County.
“This important collaboration will significantly help our local families in need to achieve independence through safe shelter,” Pike County Commissioner Chairman Matthew Osterberg said.
Family Promise is a national organization that aims to assist homeless families and facilitate sustainable independence for low-income families with a community-base approach.
The organization’s name refers to “the promise, in the sense of commitment, which communities make to families in need,” in addition to “the promise, the potential, inherent in every family.”
Since its inception in 1986, Family Promise has provided shelter, meals, case management, and homeless prevention and stabilization efforts to almost one million family members. In 2018, Family Promise programs throughout the United States assisted 126,235 people.
The group touts that more than 88% of families in their shelter programs end up securing housing thanks to “intensive case management and community support.”
Stephanie Everson was hired as a part-time case manager for Pike County in order to handle clients’ housing needs and maintain a list of available housing.
“Our vision in Pike County is to make sure that every family has a home, a livelihood, and the chance to build a better future. Working together in a strong community with a shared goal and a common purpose can make this possible,” Everson said.
Those who wish to participate in the Family Promise program are required to have transportation and a steady form of income, either through active employment, Supplemental Security Income or disability payments. Clients receive case management for a year, with ongoing support and guidance efforts including basic necessities through community donations.
Monroe County’s contingent of Family Promise consists of groups of eight to 13 host congregations that offer overnight accommodations and evening meals to families in need on a rotating schedule, their website states. Guests can also spend their daytime hours at the organization’s home-like Day Center, which also serves as a staff office space.
Last year, Family Promise of Monroe County was able to help 250 families and 591 individuals.
“Family Promise’s motto, ‘everyone needs a home,’ is true in Monroe County, as well as Pike County,” Enid Logan, Executive Director of Family Promise of Monroe County, said. “We’re thrilled about this partnership that will provide critical case management for the at-risk and homeless families in Pike.″
Those interested in participating in the program, along with landlords seeking to join the housing unit availability list, can contact Everson at severson@pikepa.org, or by calling 570-832-3196.
Written by: Brian Myszkowski, Pocono Record
April 2018
Shelter for families launches
‘Pets with a Promise’
STROUDSBURG — Through a grant from PetsSmart Charities, Family Promise of Monroe County, the leading nonprofit provider in the county helping families experiencing homelessness, is launching Pets with a Promise, allowing families to keep their pets while working towards independence in the program. The funds will allow Family Promise to offer direct services to families with pets including boarding, vaccinations, veterinary care, pet supplies, and transportation related to boarding or fostering.
The goal of Pets with a Promise is to ensure families experiencing homelessness do not have to choose between receiving services and keeping their pets.
“Just because children and their families lose their homes, they should not have to lose their pets. PetSmart Charities recognizes that its resources can prevent that additional trauma for families and keep the whole family—including its four-legged members—together. With their support and through the work of our 200+ Family Promise Affiliates, Pets with a Promise is an important part of a holistic, community-based approach to addressing family homelessness,” said Enid Logan, Executive Director of Family Promise of Monroe County.
March 2018
Superheroes Walk to benefit
homeless rescheduled to April 21
Winter storm Riley forced the postponement of Family Promise of Monroe County’s Superheroes Walk for Homeless Families. The walk will be held at 8 a.m., Saturday, April 21 at the Stroud Mall on Route 611, Stroudsburg.
The 3.2K walk around the mall will also feature a tricky tray and other fundraising events. Walk participants are encouraged to wear costumes to the event – teams and individual walkers are welcome. Prizes will be awarded to the best child’s costume and the best adult costume. Prizes will also be given to the top individual and team fundraisers.
As part of the event, a tricky tray and other fundraisers are planned. Donations of gift certificates, gift cards or items for gifts baskets are welcome. Business and/or organizational sponsorships are also welcome for the event. In addition DJ Johnny will be on hand and Fun & Fancy Faces face painting will be offered.
All proceeds from the event will benefit Family Promise who help homeless and at risk families with children achieve sustainable independence through safe shelter and services by a collaborative network of community organizations. Last year, Family Promise assisted 71 families, consisting of 286 individuals, 64% were children under the age of 17.
Registration is $10, free to children under age 12. Refreshments will be offered.
For information on how to donate to the Tricky Tray, be a sponsor, or to help with the event on March 3, call Family Promise at (570) 420-8589. Registration may be done through downloading the registration form at familypromisepa.org
November 2017
Join Family Promise of Monroe County
in #GivingTuesday challenge
Family Promise of Monroe County has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide.
As part of #GivingTuesday, Family Promise has launched #FPMCdressyourpet challenging friends and family to make a donation to Family Promise and then post a picture of their pet dressed in holiday attire or his/her favorite outfit.
All funds raised during #GivingTuesday and the #FPMCdressyour pet challenge will be used to provide safe shelter, meals and support services to families with children in Monroe County.
Last year Family Promise of Monroe County assisted 51 families, providing 2,886 nights of shelter. In all 191 individuals were served, 63% of which were children ages zero to 17 years.
“We all have a favorite picture of our pet dressed in holiday garb – now’s the time to post it/share it on Instagram and Facebook and help ensure everyone has a home this holiday season ,’’ said Enid Logan, executive director of Family Promise of Monroe County. Don’t have a pet but want to participate? Visit www.familypromisepa.org for more information.
Holiday is a time for giving and Family Promise was the grateful recipient of new, warm socks from Angelica Richards of Wells Fargo in Mount Pocono, who along with her daughters, stopped by the Day Center with their donation. We are so grateful for our community partners!
Accepting a $1,000 donation from the Woodforest Charitable Foundation is Enid Logan, center, Executive Director of Family Promise of Monroe County, with Woodforest National Bank’s Peter Moore, left, and Adam Blistein, who also serves as a member of Family Promise’s Board of Trustees.
October 2017
Family Promise Week Celebrated
On Monday, Oct. 23, Linda Meglio, center, a member of State Representative Rosemary Brown’s staff, attended the Family Promise 10-year celebration. She presented the organization with a House citation for the 10th anniversary. Linda is pictured with Laurie Kozar, left, and Enid Logan the new Executive Director. The week of Oct. 22 to 29 is National Family Promise Week and there are presently 208 Family Promise locations throughout the country.
Racing to end hunger
The final donation of food from the Pocono Raceway arrived this week at Family Promise of Monroe County and shared with sheltered families and local food pantries. The raceway donated about 2,200 lbs. of food this year.
Thank you for brightening our world!
Thank yo
u to Cade and Bethany Kuster. The two started the non-profit, Color for Kids, dedicated to providing art supplies to children who would not otherwise not.
Bethany started Color for Kids at age 9, with the help of her teacher and classmates. Nearly two years later, she has given out well over 300,000 to almost 8,000 children. They recently donated seven bags of art supplies to Family Promise.
Bethany’s goal is to never stop sharing color until every child in the world has their own box of crayons. Thank you to an awesome team!
Thank you St. Maximilian Kolbe
Members of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish collect supplies for the families sheltered at Family Promise of Monroe County. Paper goods, cleaning and personal items are collected each quarter, under the coordination of Mary Miraglia and Sue Snell. Pictured is Elaine Madere with items from the most recent donation.
Family Promise welcomes
new Executive Director
Enid Logan joined Family Promise of Monroe County in October. She has worked for a number of non-profits in the area of management, communication, marketing and development.
Superheros at Stroudfest
September 2016 — The first annual Superhero Adventure was conducted during the huge Stroudfest street festival on Saturday September 2nd of Labor Day Weekend. Thousands of people walked among the hundreds of vendor and non-profit kiosks, including the Family Promise of Monroe County display that was home base for the Superhero adventure.
All contestants received a prize with the largest money raisers receiving a guided boat tour down the Delaware River (donated by Shawnee Inn), a two night stay at Skytop, and a child’s pretty pink bicycle.
Executive Director Announces Retirement
This announcement comes with mixed feelings as we announce the upcoming retirement of our director, Laurie Kozar. Laurie has been the face and soul of Family Promise of Monroe County for many years.
Laurie has held nearly every role at Family Promise: tireless volunteer, Board member, Board President, and Director. Family Promise has grown into the wonderful organization it is today largely due to her hard work and dedication. Whether it is personal thank you notes, money from her own pocket, or enlisting her family for assistance in Family Promise’s many endeavors, Laurie has ensured the success and positive reputation of Family Promise.
Come October, the loss of Laurie as Director will be deeply felt, but we know that she has inspired many in our community to join the effort to assist homeless families in Monroe County. We will honor Laurie’s dedication to Family Promise by continuing to grow. Please join us in wishing her the best in the next steps of her journey.
St. Maximilian Kolbe Vacation Bible School
Thank you to the children attending this year’s Vacation Bible School at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Pocono Pines.
They not only had fun learning their lessons but they also collected school supplies and filled backpacks to deliver to
the children at Family Promise of Monroe County along with some new games.
Our grateful thanks goes out to all the children and the organizers of the VBS!
Community Night
Family Promise of Monroe County was one of over 60 organizations representing services for families at the annual Community Night held on May 9th at Keystone Building of Northampton Community College’s Monroe Campus. Way over 500 people with children attended the event. Representing Family Promise was Director, Laurie Kozar who shared that it was a wonderful networking experience. The memorable moment of the evening for Ms. Kozar was when a family approached the table and the mom whispered that she had been helped 3 years earlier by Family Promise. The family had been assisted with our rapid rehousing funds and the family made sure to tell us that they were still living in the home, the kids were doing well in school, and mom was taking classes at NCC. This is a prime example of what helping a family through a difficult time can accomplish.
Spring Forward at New Location!
The 2017 Spring Forward Luncheon and Fashion Show was held at the Great Bear Golf Club for the first time. The decor was elegant, the setting looked out over the Spring-green golf course and the food was delicious. The Dunkelberger’s Fashion Show of Spring clothing for women, men and children was enticing as the beautiful (and handsome) models circulated among all the tables. The Silent Auction had something for everyone, with the result that this fundraiser topped all previous attempts at this Spring event. Everyone’s generosity was truly amazing.
The Host Congregation Coordinators were recognized with flowers, our new Case Manager, Sabrina Pacifici was introduced to the community, and a ‘thank you’ check presented to our College volunteer.
Pat Wilson was congratulated for her outstanding job of being this year’s event coordinator. Pat presented a surprise appreciation plaque to Linda Foran for her many years as Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, and Michael Foran, President of the Board of Trustees, presented a plaque and large spray of flowers to Laurie Kozar for her amazing service since the Family Promise beginnings in every role and capacity in the organization.
Laurie was assigned a new organization job title of “Phoenix Rising” for getting us out of the flooded basement day center and a new family appreciation title of “Miracle Worker” to reflect the many appreciation letters we receive from past graduating families.
Click HERE to see all the pictures of this delightful Spring Forward event.
Footsteps for Families Sets Records
Great Attendance, great fun, and great fundraising. The March 2017 Footsteps for Families fundraising event was an amazing success. Community support and generosity was overwhelming. Music, coffee & bagels, juice, tricky tray, warm up exercises, prizes and lots of fun. Board Member Brad Hockman displaced Syzane Arifaj (4 year champion) as the biggest fund raiser and won the coveted hand made ceramic bird house. Click here for lots of pictures of this fantastic annual event.
The Rose Pedals Christmas Gifts
Shown in the picture is one of the Pocono Raceway Giving Trees, this one designated to fulfilling the wish lists of children in Family Promise of Monroe County. The Rose Pedals, a community outreach group founded by the female employees at the raceway, provided these Christmas gifts for our children in need.
Presenting these gifts to Family Promise Director Laurie Kozar, is Brandon Igdalsky, President/CEO of Pocono Raceway and Christina Rodis-Durst who coordinated the Giving Tree along with the Rose Pedals.
A great BIG THANK YOU to Pocono Raceway and the Rose Pedals, and the Food Donations after each raceway event this past year. The thousands of pounds of food donated went to feed so many hungry families in Monroe County between June and October.
National Jr. Honor Society Giving Tree
The “Giving Tree” adorned with warm hats, gloves, scarves and socks, is surrounded by the members of the National Jr. Honor Society at the J. T. Lambert School in East Stroudsburg. The collection project under the direction of advisor Eleni Angelopoulos, Holly Burns, and
America Ramos, was donated to Family Promise of Monroe County and Director Laurie Kozar, to help families and children this holiday season. A big, warm, thank you to all!
Monroe County Sheriff’s Department Toy Drive
Christmas. . . . the season for giving is in the air.
Deputy Scott Martin of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department makes an early Christmas gift delivery to Family Promise of Monroe County.
Gladly accepting 8 large bags of toys and 2 boxes of diapers is Family Promise Director Laurie Kozar.
This gift delivery will help the children of 5 families in our Aftercare Program have a wonderful Christmas morning.
Thanks go out to Sheriff Todd Martin and the entire department for their annual toy drive.
Paint and Sip
We left the kids home! A glass of wine to drink, a wine glass to paint and hors d’oeuvres to munch. Great fun at Creative Canvas Studio, 925 Ann St, Suite 101. All supplies were provided and look at the results! Everyone went home happy.
We plan get together for painting fun and raise money for Family Promise on a regular basis, perhaps even monthly. So, stay tuned for future happenings by signing up for our email news HERE.
Swimming with Santa
Wow! In addition to Santa, Mrs. Santa and their favorite elf, many other superheros and fantasy characters stopped by to make this event special. Attendance exceeded expectations with many late arrival walk ons. Kids, parents and grand parents frolicked in the pool throughout and had to be dragged out of the pool at the end. Big thanks to Stroudsmoor for use of the pool, lifeguards, snacks, Santa, and all the special characters.
Woodforest Bank Charitable Foundation Award
Family Promise of Monroe County accepted a $1000 award from banking partner Woodforest Bank and its Charitable Foundation.
Accepting the award on November 10th from left to right in front are FP Program Manager Lisa Day, FP Board Member Ciji Bryant, and FP Director Laurie Kozar. In back presenting the award is Woodforest Retail State Lead Kimberlee Peveto, Community Development Officer Jason Jones, and Woodforest Regional Manager Peter Moore.
A Family Gives Back
Family Promise of Monroe County held a dinner on October 17th to thank and celebrate all the congregational volunteers that provide support to our families in our shelter program. The fabulous meal was provided by a former guest who wanted to thank all the volunteers personally and cooked up a storm. Over 80 people attended this wonderful event and some passed along their comments:
• When someone shows their appreciation, it tends to rejuvenate you-SW
• It was nice to see it well attended and 2 families there-CK
• It’s wonderful that someone can give back.
• Dinner was lovely and we enjoyed everything-CH
Styx and Sherman Theater
Family Promise teamed up at the Styx Concert at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg to raise money for homeless families.
Mount Pocono Harvest Festival
With over 150 kiosks set up Family Promise was in good company. Lots of friends came by and said “Hi”. We handed out all our available flyers, and most of our pens, pencils and Twizlers. It was a beautiful day in the Poconos.
Pocono Ambulatory Center
Natasha, an employee at Pocono Ambulatory Center, shown here donating 2 cartons of shoes to guests at Family Promise. The shoes were donated by nurses, office staff, and doctors to benefit those in need.
Church Women United
Thanks go out to Analomink U.M.C. and Zion U.C.C. for donating to Family Promise over 115 pairs of underwear and 15 pairs of socks for our guests. They were collected and delivered to us through Church Women United. They are already going to good use. We appreciate their thoughtfulness!
St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish
Thanks to St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish for the very generous donation from their parishioners of essential items to our Day Center. They provide these collected items such as paper products, kitchen and cleaning supplies, hygiene products, or whatever we are in need of four times a year.
Family Promise featured in the Pocono Record.
Family Promise of Monroe County Executive Director Laurie Kozar talks about a homeless family the agency helped this past year.
