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"Give Them Roots and Create Wings"

EPH News - August 2024

A Message from our Director of Social Services

Greetings EPH friends!

 

My overall goal in life is to leave the world a little better than it was. I’m not talking about anything like Nobel Prize winning, just giving what I can while I’m here. Using compassion and what I’ve learned over the years to help elevate people and empower them to see how much they matter. The mission and core values of this organization speak directly to my heart as it relates to my overall mission in life. I’d be remiss if I didn’t think a higher power played a part in that. 

 

I also know that without all of us, that mission won’t come together. And the team here at EPH always keeps eyes forward on what we were all brought here together to do.

 

The case management team has been working hard together to identify what our service system looks like and what our core principles are that will guide us in our service delivery. We are being thoughtful in how we navigate that journey; spending time learning best practices, identifying policies and procedures, and evaluating existing policies and how they support our families. It has been an incredible journey to travel with this team and I’m beyond thankful for them to allow me the space to bring in a new perspective. I am so excited for the future of our programming, and I have zero doubt that with the team that’s in place, we will become a model service delivery system for housing in our community.

 

Thank you all for your ongoing support, generosity, and hope that you instill in all of us at EPH and our families each day. It truly is a blessing to be a part of this organization.  


With gratitude,

Tara Prahl

Point In Time Count Experience

By Wendy Nasgovitz


In the early hours of July 25 - 3:30am early - some of the EPH team took part in the PIT count (Point in Time). This is a bi-annual event where volunteers go out into all areas of Brown County and across the state looking for those who may be experiencing unsheltered homelessness. People found are provided information about resources in the community, asked if they would be willing to answer a survey, and counted. The purpose of the Point in Time count is to provide a snapshot of homelessness in a community to better understand needs, identify trends, and develop solutions.


I have participated in this event multiple times since I have been with EPH. All the previous times we were sent to the outlying areas of Brown County, and in the search, we never came across a person that may have needed services. This time our team was given the opportunity to search areas closer to the city of Green Bay. Given specific locations to go and no idea of what to expect, we ventured out into the night.


The first location we were assigned to go, we found multiple cars with windows slightly open and people trying to sleep for the night. As our team went from car to car and location to location on the given map, my heart started to hurt. A sadness was settling deep inside for all those who did not have a bed to stretch out in. Who wouldn’t wake up in the comfort of a home where they could shower or use a familiar bathroom. Who didn’t have a faucet to go to grab a glass of water. Simple things we sometimes take for granted.


Our allotted time for our assignment for the PIT count came to an end and we didn’t have time to search all the areas. I wanted to keep going. I wanted to keep looking, not really for the PIT count, which is a very important number, but for all those who may be in the cars who are worth being found. Who are worth our time to let them know they are loved. Who are worthy of the simple things- shelter, food, and clothing.


There are so many things that we cannot control in these situations, and yet we can do our part. Pray fervently- pray for all those who don’t have a bed to sleep in. Be kind without judgement- love people where they are at. Give generously - whatever that may look like. Offer hope – share words of encouragement. As Jesus said in Matthew 22:39 “Love your neighbor as yourself.” How simple it really is - just love like Jesus did.

EPH Family Night at Oakbrook Church

Our monthly Family of Faith Night was hosted by Oakbrook Church in July with over 80 people in attendance! EPH families, staff, volunteers, and church members enjoyed a beautiful evening that included a cookout, bonfire, guitar music, water balloons, sparklers, and s’mores. The kids had tons of fun roasting marshmallows and tossing water balloons! Thank you to everyone who generously donated food, supplies, and their time to make this evening a success. 



Pints with a Purpose for EPH


Support EPH just by enjoying a beverage during Pints with a Purpose at Zambaldi Beer on August 14 from 3:00pm - 9:00pm!


Zambaldi Beer will donate $1 from every pint, flight, to-go growler, or to-go six pack purchased during the event to EPH. We hope to see you there!

Thank You for Supporting EPH at

The Green Bay Rockers Game


Despite the extreme heat on the day of the game, there was a good turnout and over $1,200 was raised for EPH through this event! One lucky family won the 50/50 raffle while attending their first Green Bay Rockers Game. Thank you to the Green Bay Rockers, Alliance Insurance Centers, and everyone who supported EPH by purchasing tickets for the game or the 50/50 raffle, and those who came out to volunteer their time! We appreciate you.

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: Landscaping


Do you enjoy plants, flowers, and weeding? We are seeking volunteers to help with trimming bushes, cutting trees, pulling weeds, thinning shrubs, and planting new flowers. If you like to be working outside in nature, please reach out. We would love to hear from you!


Please contact Lacy at lacyh@ephgb.org or 920-655-6323.

Please consider making a difference for local families facing homelessness by donating to Ecumenical Partnership for Housing today.


Ecumenical Partnership for Housing 

is a 501(c)(3) organization providing safety, stability, and solutions leading

to self-sufficiency for families with children facing homelessness in

Brown County.