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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Happy February!
Paul tells us in Galatians 5:22-23 that "...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control". That seems especially appropriate in a month devoted to love and kindness.
From the beautiful quilt presented to a family that recently graduated into their own home, to the Coordinators and many volunteers who daily pour out blessings on our guests, love abounds! We already have added TWENTY(!) new families to our prevention program in 2022, including 42 children who will remain stable in their homes because of Family HOPE.
Even better than giving chocolates and flowers, you have have shown your love for our community by giving your time, talent, and resources. The impact in 2021 was huge, as you can see in the graphic, below. I know that together we will do even more in 2022!
With a full heart,
Leigh Walker
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Once again the Sherman Quilt Makers blessed a graduating family with a beautiful, handmade quilt! As gorgeous and as thoughtful as this gift is, the real blessing was getting to know Breanna and her three precious children over the past few months! We are so happy for them to have their own home, and we hope that each time she sees this lovely quilt she will remember how much she is loved! |
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Independent Financial to host budgeting class |
On Thursday, February 24th from 6:30-7-30 PM, Independent Financial will host a budgeting class at the Family Promise Day Center (901 E. Houston Street in Sherman). The class discussion will be lead by Independent Financial's own Cindy Maxwell-Bathea and Larsha' Thomas. It is open to anyone interested in budgeting tips. Snacks, child care and door prizes will be provided. Please let us know if you plan to attend, so we can plan accordingly.
RSVP: 903-771-0322
Please leave your name, phone number, the number attending, and the number of children needing childcare. Hope to see you there!
Note: Child care assistants are needed during the class. If you are a trained Family Promise Volunteer and would like to help out, please let Leigh know ASAP (903-271-1088).
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Park Avenue Church of Christ Service Project |
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Middle School students from Park Avenue Church of Christ (PACOC) in Denison recently came to the Day Center and helped organize the Family Promise pantry! They removed out-of-date items, organized shelves by food types, and took the extras to the Barnabas Center (an outreach ministry of PACOC) in Denison. Donations of canned foods and other staples and supplies are used by Family Promise guests and are given to others in need (e.g. people without transportation staying in a motel; individuals living in a vehicle or in an encampment). We are grateful to these big-hearted students, their chaperone (and one of our case managers!) Amyee McAlister, and to all those who donate in-kind goods to Family Promise of Grayson County! Special thanks to Park Avenue Church of Christ! |
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First United Bank has designated February 17th as a day for the community to come together and spread "United Acts of Kindness". We are joining with them and encouraging people to do something kind that day...and every other day! These acts can be as simple as giving someone a sincere compliment, picking up trash, sharing an inspiring book, buying a stranger a cup of coffee, planting a tree, donating to a church or charity (like Family Promise of Grayson County!), or calling someone who might be lonely. If you want to tell us about some of your acts of kindness this month, send an email to director@familypromisegrayson.org with "Kindness" in the subject line, and we will include as many as possible in the March newsletter. Remember, one kind word can change someone's entire day!
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Family Promise of Grayson County is overseen by a Board of Directors. There are three-year term limits for Board members, with the option to renew terms. Our current Board includes: Chair Kelly Reed, Vice chair Mike Flanagan, Treasurer Tyler Lewis, Secretary Neal Alexander, Members Danielle Farrington, Becky Frank, and Paulette Barrett.
This Board recently had a retreat to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to success, to choose committees, to review strategic goals, and to discuss volunteer appreciation and opportunities. If you know any of these fine folks, thank them for the excellent work they do to end child homelessness. Stay tuned next month for the always popular, "Get to Know the Board" feature!
P.S. If you or someone you know would love to be on the Board, please call and/or refer them to us! (903-771-0322)
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"Name the Transitional Home" Contest! |
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Do you have a way with words? Are you creative? Do you just like winning contests?!
Our new transitional home, donated by Clayton Homes and featured in the last two newsletters, needs a catchy name. Family Promise of Grayson County is an affiliate of the national Family Promise organization. We have developed the Family HOPE (Housing Opportunities to Prevent Evictions) homelessness prevention and diversion program. Our new transitional home is located at 118 Strait Lane in Knollwood. As previously stated, it is a short term home for graduates of our rotation program who need a little additional time to reach their financial goals before moving into their own home.
If you can think of a clever name for this new home, please send your suggestion(s) to director@familypromisegrayson.org. A committee will choose the best name submitted, and a feature article about the creative person will be in next month's newsletter...unless he/she would prefer less fame and more anonymity, and then we'll just announce the new name! There also will be a small prize given to the winner. We can't wait to hear your suggestions! On your mark, get set, GO!
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"Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver."
~ Barbara De Angelis
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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
Didn’t get this newsletter directly? Join our mailing list by sending an email to the newsletter editor. Be sure to forward this to a friend!
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