Our mission is intersecting faith and community to empower
Grayson County families to end child homelessness.
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Message from our Executive Director
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A few weeks ago, I received a note that said, in part, “A year ago today you met with us in that horrible motel and you saved our lives! . . . I have everything today because a year ago you helped us. We have grown so much in so many amazing ways and we owe it all to you and God!!” What a gift of encouragement this note was, and what a great reminder that our mission is a worthy one!
Though it has cancelled many events, COVID-19 has NOT cancelled your thoughtfulness or your generosity of spirit! Every day I see examples of kindness in our community: colorful masks made by those who sew, resources and virtual tours shared on social media, encouraging words written in chalk on a sidewalk, offers to help those who can’t get out, and bountiful meals brought to our guests each evening. I’m so grateful to be a part of such a caring community!
Thank you for all the ways you show God’s love to others!
Stay safe,
Leigh
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At the end of March, in order to protect the health and safety of our guests and volunteers, the decision was made for our guests to stay at a static site and not rotate from congregation to congregation. Many of you have expressed sadness at not being able to rock the babies, play with the children, and engage with our adult guests. We miss you, too! While we prefer to provide hands-on hospitality and to form friendships between guests and volunteers, we are very grateful that we are able to continue providing food and shelter for our guests.
At a time when most church buildings are closed,
Covenant Presbyterian
church in Sherman graciously has opened its doors to our guests. Throughout April, our guests have stayed at the Covenant Community Center (CCC, or C3, thus fondly known as “the Cube”).
Fairview Baptist
church in Sherman provided the first two weeks of meals, and
Denison Church of the Nazarene
and
Whitewright Church of Christ
brought meals the last two weeks. Additionally,
First United Methodist Church
in Sherman has volunteered to provide meals for the first two weeks in May! Many, many thanks for everyone’s flexibility in showing the love of Christ to our guests!
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Get to Know the Family Promise Board!
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This month’s featured Board member is our trustworthy Treasurer, Carin Monk! Carin was born and reared in Grayson County. Her 12 years of schooling were at Bells, and then she was off to college and a 31-year career in printing for architects, engineers, and advertising agencies in Dallas.
She and her husband Gene have been married almost 20 years. Carin enjoys traveling, RV camping, working in her flourishing flower gardens, or doing almost anything outdoors. She is a member of Grace Lutheran church in Sherman. We are so fortunate to have Carin on our Board!
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2nd Anniversary No Show Gala!
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The 2nd Annual No-Show Gala is happening now! This is the perfect occasion for social distancing! We appreciate those of you who have made donations to thank us for not asking you to chair the event or be on the decorating or clean-up committees. Thank you for spending the evening at home and knowing you made a difference in your community!
It is never too late NOT to attend this fabulous event to which everyone is invited! Simply go online to
www.familypromisegrayson.org
and “RSVP”!
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Levi Ullah-Commons, an eighth grader at Piner Middle School in Sherman, is a member of the
Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council
. This is Levi’s second year to be part of this group. In order to be accepted into the Alumni Council, one must complete a service project in the community and complete a series of leadership lessons. This year, Levi chose Family Promise of Grayson County to be the recipient of his service.
Levi enlisted members of his scout troop and of the Piner band to raise money for this non-profit organization. Originally he planned to host an all-day event to raise funds and awareness of families experiencing homelessness in Grayson County. His team was assembled and a date was set, but COVID-19 interrupted those plans. Levi already had solicited donations from local businesses during Spring Break, but he did not feel like that was enough. With the help of his mom, he also set up a Facebook Community fundraising page. In total, Levi collected $1200 to purchase gift cards to benefit families with children experiencing homelessness. The cards will be used to purchase personal care items and gasoline. “I wanted to be able to increase donations” Levi said. “Until I began this project, I was unaware of the great need for services for homeless families.”
We are grateful to this young man and know he will continue to be a great community leader in the future!
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Please Pray for Our Community
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Please continue to be in prayer for our community as we all respond to the COVID-19 virus. Also, please pray for the organizations that provide food, shelter, and safety to our neighbors in need during these times, and especially for our guests, our volunteers, and our congregations. Our prayer is that we remain strong for each other.
“
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
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Psalm 46:1
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If you would like to learn more about Family Promise of Grayson County including:
- How to participate
- How to volunteer
- How to support through donations
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