Spring 2018
Transforming the lives of homeless families,
because every child deserves a home.
Our New Board President

I'm Karen Tucker, the new 201 8 President of the Family Promise of the South Bay Board of Directors. Chery Carew has held this position since the organization's inception and her energy, commitment and leadership have been invaluable in bringing Family Promise of the South Bay to where it is today. Thank you, Chery! 

Although we live in a beautiful thriving area, homelessness in the South Bay is an issue that affects thousands of families and children. It's shocking to think that an estimated 3,000 children are homeless in the South Bay and the trauma these children experience is unimaginable. Families in crisis need a champion and that's what we do. Family Promise of the South Bay mobilizes our Interfaith Hospitality Network made up of faith-based groups and community resources to compassionately provide temporary shelter, meals and case management for newly homeless families with children. Thanks to our generous donors, volunteers and staff, when families leave our program we feel confident that they are moving into a safe, healthy and sustainable environment. 
  
Thank you to all who make this possible and here's to an exciting 2018!

Karen Tucker
Message from Nick

As we enter our fourth year of operation, I truly can't believe three years have passed since we cut the ceremonial ribbon and opened our doors to children and families in need. With our network continually expanding one thing remains the same, an undeniable heart for service.

We've been so blessed to partner with such amazing organizations and congregations, with a  singular mission of transforming lives. As you all know this doesn't happen without dedication, the desire to affect change, and most of all hope in something better. Each of our supporters, donors, and volunteers are invaluable to every facet of what we do, without them Family Promise of the South Bay simply wouldn't exist. So thank you to every person who has poured life into our families, given freely of their time, generously shared their resources, and unconditionally loved every child and family.

Nick Rasmussen
Executive Director
Family Promise of the South Bay


Family Update...

Ovi and Glenn 

While in our program, Ovi and Glenn overcame a great deal of unexpected setbacks and life-changing events. However, through all of this adversity they continued to fight and maintain the faith that there was a far greater plan. It's this very faith that kept Ovi encouraged  and eventually led to the family securing a new home within a supportive community. 

On behalf of Ovi and Glenn we want to send an enormous amount of gratitude to all of you who cared for and supported them.
The Family Promise of the South Bay
"I Promise" Program Launch

Our Club 365 is getting a makeover! We are very excited to introduce the "I Promise" Program which will evolve over the coming year. Ongoing giving, whether it's a consistent amount each month or each year is the key to sustainable success for community organizations like Family Promise of the South Bay.

Our goal is to have 25% more ongoing donors by year end. This would help Family Promise of the South Bay reach our goals to:
  • Increase the number of families and
    individuals we serve
  • Expand our services and programs
  • Continue to build our financial foundation
  • Optimize the efficiency of our operations
Stay tuned and watch for more details!  If you would like to become a member of our ongoing giving programs now, use the envelope enclosed and please check the line next to "Please make this my monthly contribution."  Don't wait!  Make your personal "I Promise" gift to give our children and their families a chance for a new life and a roof over their heads.
 
Save the Date!

October 13, 2018
American Martyrs Church
O'Donnell Hall, Manhattan Beach
Reception: 6:30 pm
Dinner  & Progra m: 7:3 0 pm

 
Planning for our annual Empty Bowls event is already underway. One of our most popular events, Empty Bowls is a fun evening with our Family Promise  supporters. We share a great meal, bid on an  incredible variety of donated items and experiences, and are inspired by the work being done with  families in need. 

This year, we are looking forward to a spectacular event at American Martyrs Church's newly-renovated O'Donnell Hall in Manhattan Beach. It's an event you don't want to miss, so save the date!

If you'd like to support this event, call 310-782-8196 or email [email protected] to be a  sponsor, donate an auction item, or publicize your  personal/business ad in our event program.



In the Spotlight
YMCA & Family Promise of the South Bay:
Partnering for our Families
Family Promise has been and always will be about building impactful relationships. It's through our newly formed partnership with the Torrance-South Bay YMCA that we are now able to offer more wellness-related activities for our children and families. A major component of this is providing "Camperships" to all children (3rd grade and above) who are a part of the Family Promise of the South Bay family. This program will provide the opportunity for children to experience a week-long overnight camp, at no cost to our families. We are so excited to extend this gift and extremely grateful to Executive Director Steve MacAller, his staff, and the YMCA Board of Directors for making this all possible.
   

 
Family Room Makeover
Made Possible by Sandpipers and Ikea

Before
 

After    

Family Promise of the South Bay is continuously blessed by the kindness and generosity of our community partners. Sandpipers is one such organization that brings their personal approach to serving children and creating lasting change. In early March, we were fortunate to benefit from a Sandpipers Day of Service Project that literally brought our Day Center Family Room back to life. For two days straight a constant flow of Sandpipers members poured their hearts into revitalizing the space with new paint, carpet, furniture, and stand-alone closets donated by IKEA. They were able to listen to our needs, devise a plan, and put it efficiently into action. We are so appreciative of Carissa, Candace, Laurie, Rachel, Caitlin, Emmelie (IKEA,) and the entire Sandpipers team for providing for our families in such a profound manner.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

6th Annual Cardboard Box City, 2018

Our annual spring Family Promise of the South Bay  Cardboard Box City was another success! Over 100 people came together at St. James School in Torrance to raise money for Family Promise of the South Bay and to experience what it's like to sleep in an outdoor shelter. Participants of all ages were given cardboard and building supplies when they arrived Saturday afternoon, May 5th. They created their own sleeping space and surroundings to stay overnight. Pat Furey, Mayor of Torrance and "Cardboard Box City" opened the evening with a clear message about the challenges and trials that homeless families face. His remarks raised awareness to those who attended as he congratulated Family Promise of the South Bay for providing services in the surrounding communities.
The Original Tommy's Hamburger Truck was an absolute hit. The Tommy's crew made certain that everyone enjoyed a donated meal and beverage. With Vox DJS setting the musical tone, teams competed in the Cornhole Tournament, and the top team took home two $100 Amazon Gift Cards! Awards were also presented for shelters that were "Most Creative", "Best Constructed" and with the "Most Inspiring Message." A movie was shown complete with popcorn, snacks and pizza, then it was lights out and a quiet zone until early Sunday morning, May 6th. Participants crawled out of their shelters, enjoyed a continental breakfast and helped clean up the area. Family Promise of the South Bay would like to thank all those who participated, donated and enjoyed this unique Fun(d)-Raiser. Hopefully, we will see you again next year!!










Did You Know?

Our volunteers mean the world to us, and to the families we serve. Without them, Family Promise of the South Bay couldn't help the children and their families in our community who are experiencing homelessness find safety, shelter and the strength to rebuild their foundations and secure permanent homes. Likewise, our donors provide critically needed funds that enable us to fulfill our mission by providing a full complement of resources, support and services to guests in our program as they work towards self-reliance and stability.

Your donation is an investment in the life-changing mission of Family Promise of the South Bay and will directly impact the lives of homeless children. 100% of your gift helps homeless families move towards sustainable independence, and allows us to raise awareness about poverty and mobilize hundreds of volunteers in service. 

Direct Support
A gift to Family Promise of the South Bay can be made in a number of different ways. The simplest way to make a gift is by direct donation. Go to http://www.familypromiseosb.org/giving and click the yellow 'Donate' link, or  complete and return the donation envelope enclosed  with this newsletter. You can turn your compassion and  generosity into action every month by setting up a  recurring, monthly contribution. You may also make your gift in recognition of someone special to you, as a memorial or tribute gift, by providing the information requested. 

More for Your Money
Want to make even more of an impact with your gift to Family Promise? Many companies match the gifts of employees, spouses, and surviving spouses as well. Check with your Human Resources department to determine whether your company supports matching gifts to Family Promise of the South Bay. If you would like us to complete a matching gift form, you may email it to us at  [email protected].

Other Gift Types
Donating non-cash assets such as securities, real estate or stock is also simple and can often help you obtain significant tax savings. For example, a donation of
appreciated securities could be eligible for a charitable income tax deduction at its current full fair market value, allowing you to potentially avoid capitalgains and investment taxes. If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a charitable IRA rollover gift and support Family Promise while also realizing tax benefits.

Legacy Gifts
Leaving a gift to Family Promise of the South Bay in your estate provides an opportunity to communicate your values and dreams for the kind of future you hope will be possible for your family and others. Creating a legacy gift can be as simple as making a bequest or, in ways that will provide income to you or your heirs, establishing a charitable annuity, charitable lead or remainder trust, or making a gift of retirement plan assets.

Changing the Way You Give
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law by the President in December 2017, offers several smart and tax-wise giving opportunities in 2018. One opportunity, for donors who may no longer be able to itemize and deduct donations, is to give through a donor advised fund (DAF), which would allow you to receive tax advantages while still supporting Family Promise. Of course, each person's tax situation is unique, so please consult with your tax and legal advisors.

Event Action
Supporting Family Promise of the South Bay through our unique events, Cardboard Box City and Empty Bowls,  offers the opportunity to engage in several meaningful and fun ways: become an event sponsor, donate to the silent or live auctions, purchase raffle tickets and/or  participate by signing up and attending the events!

Questions?
For more information about any of these opportunities, please contact Nancy Lewis at Family Promise of the South Bay by calling our office at 310.782.8196 or email at [email protected]..

Thank You!
However you choose to support Family Promise of  the South Bay , we thank you. Your contribution has a significant and lasting impact - for us, for our guests, and for the community we are building together. Put simply, your support provides hope. Hope for a brighter future in which no child has to sleep in a car or under a bridge, and where families are whole and have a roof over their head.

Special Thanks

In addition to all of the Host and 
Support Congregations and Organizations that are committed in giving daily to our families, we'd also like to extend our appreciation to the following businesses, organizations and groups  for their kindness.
Family Promise of the South Bay
Host Congregations,
Support Congregations,  and
Volunteer Support
  • AMC Matthew 25 Ministry
  • AMC Pancake Breakfast
  • Asomugha Foundation
  • Bothwell Automotive
  • Board of Christian
  • Action/Women's Fellowship, Neighborhood Church
  • Chevron Weekenders
  • Delta Kappa Gamma
  • El Segundo MOMS Group
  • FCC Prayer Shawl Ministry
  • FCC Disciples Women
  • Fulbright Dental
  • Hope UMC, Special Service Projects
  • Interior Removal Specialists, Inc.
  • J&J Electric
  • Las Candalistas
  • LCGS Bunco Group
  • Leed's Mattresses
  • National Christian Foundation California
  • Postal Solutions
  • Providence, Little Company
    of Mary
  • St. Cross FP Ministry
  • Sandpipers
  • Shiny Little Blessings
  • Skechers
  • South Bay Business Machines
  • South Bay Delta Zeta Alumnae
  • St. John Fisher Women's
  • Book Club
  • Thrivent Financial
  • Torrance Memorial Medical Center
  • United Methodist Women,
  • Redondo Beach
  • Vistas for Children
  • Waterstone
  • Women of the COG
Host Congregations
  • American Martyrs Church, Manhattan Beach
  • El Segundo United Methodist Church
  • First Christian Church, Torrance
  • Life Covenant Church, Torrance
  • Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Torrance
  • New City Church,
    El Segundo
  • Oceanside Christian Fellowship, El Segundo
  • Resurrection Lutheran Church, Redondo Beach
  • San Pedro United
    Methodist Church
  • South Bay Church of God, Torrance
  • St. James Catholic Church, Redondo Beach
  • St. John Fisher Church, Rancho Palos Verdes
  • St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Rancho Palos Verdes
  • Wayside United Methodist Church, Lomita
  • Wilmington First United Methodist Church


Support Congregations
  • First Presbyterian Church
    of Inglewood
  • First Presbyterian Church
    of San Pedro
  • Hilltop Community Church of Christ, El Segundo
  • Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Wilmington
  • St. Cross Episcopal Church, Hermosa Beach
  • St. Lawrence Martyr Church, Redondo Beach
  • St. Michael the Archangel Episcopal Church,
    El Segundo
  • St. Peter's Episcopal Church, San Pedro
  • Temple Beth El, San Pedro
  • The Garden Church, San Pedro
  • The Neighborhood Church, Palos Verdes Estates
  • The Rock Covenant Church, Manhattan Beach
  • Torrance The Lord's Church
Congregation
Volunteer Support
  • City on a Hill Church, Torrance
  • Hope United Methodist Church, Torrance
  • Saint Peter's by the Sea Presbyterian, Rancho Palos Verdes
  • Seaside United Church of Christ, Torrance
  • Walteria United Methodist Church, Torrance

Ways to Give
2018 Needs List



100% of your donation goes to
Family Promise of the South Bay

Make your personal " I Promise"
gift to give our children and their families a chance for a new life
and a stable home
Proceeds from the Vintage Spoon
Collection proceeds will go to
Family Promise of the South Bay.


Join or register Ralphs Rewards online and select Family Promise of the South Bay as your favorite charity.
Palos Verdes Resale



Palos Verdes Resale Thrift Shop in Lomita has been a financial blessing to Family Promise of the South Bay. As one of 13 organizations this non-profit supports, our volunteers can raise up to $18 per hour through  volunteering at the store, by sorting, hanging clothing and tagging items. To date, through their generosity, we've received over $30,000  in quarterly donations. This is a  wonderful way to give, as every hour you work will be credited  directly to our organization.  What an incredible opportunity to uniquely give and serve. 

Please contact:

FP Office - 310-782-8196
PV Resale - 310-534-1722
www.palosverdesresale.com
Located at: 2321 Pacific Coast Hwy., Lomita, CA 90717
Vehicle Needs
  • 15 passenger van/micro-bus
  • Box truck/U-Haul (for family transitions and donations)
  • Family vehicles
  • Mechanic/Maintenance (repairs for family vehicles)
Bridge/Temporary
Family Housing
  • Apartments, single/
    multi-family units
Gift Cards
  • Grocery/Department store
  • Gas cards
Office Supplies

Monthly Storage Facility
(for family transitions)

Bedding (New)
  • Twin blankets 
  • Sheets and pillowcases 
  • Pillows 
  • Twin mattress pads 
  • Self-inflating air mattresses (inquire for specifics)
Personal Hygiene Items
(full size) 
  • Shampoo/conditioner 
  • Body wash (liquid)
  • Deodorant (male/female)
  • Feminine products
  • Razors (male/female)
Drinking Water
  • Water bottles for family use
  • 5 gallon water bottles or monthly delivery services
Laundry Supplies

Motel Voucher Fund
(for families entering and/
or exiting program)
2018 Key Partnerships



Mission

Family Promise of the South Bay
assists families in transition to achieve housing stability by providing short-term shelter, meals, case management, and hospitality.

Vision

We believe that no child should have to sleep in a car, in a park, or under a bridge, and that every family deserves a chance to be whole and have a roof over their head again.
2018 Board Members

Karen Tucker, President
Judy Pang, Vice President
Andrea Clark, Treasurer
Doreen Wright, Secretary
Steve Fietz
Jules Andres
Michael Stoops
Lois McFarland
Mary Frances Bertucci
Gretchen Goldsmith
Administrative Office
2930 El Dorado Street
Torrance, CA 90503
310-782-8196

Executive Director
Nick Rasmussen
424-571-9483
[email protected]

Case Manager/Office
Cristina Santos
424-381-9737
[email protected]

Operations/Transportation
Jonathan Pascual
424-488-3158
[email protected]
Interested in Volunteering?
Beyond our network positions we have great need for individuals to join our Driving Team, watch over our Guests as Office Angels at our FCC base of operation or even volunteering at PV Resale. Please seek your heart and share with whomever you might feel will benefit from giving their first fruit of time to our effort in service.
  
For inquiries about upcoming trainings, contact:
Pastor Michael Stoops
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
(310) 542-1649
[email protected]
Nick Rasmussen
(310) 782-8196 | (424) 571-9483
[email protected]

Jonathan Pascual
(310) 782-8196 | (424) 488-3158
[email protected]
Stay Connected
    Office: 310-782-8196