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 November!
While this month has a special day set aside for giving thanks, I am thankful EVERY day for the thoughtfulness and generosity of each of you towards the guests of Family Promise! Our vision of a community where no child is homeless is being achieved only through your prayers, support, and encouragement! Thank you!
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I am thankful that our current guests are making great progress in our program! Both parents are working, and they are beginning to make plans to move into their own home. Their beautiful baby girl melts my heart every time she smiles! I also am thankful that through the generosity of individuals and churches, and with assistance from the Lions Club, we have three working vehicles to assist our guests and former guests with transportation. Having these vehicles also has enabled three of our guests to get drivers licenses!
Read ahead to be in the know about other goings on. It is my sincere hope that you and yours have many things for which to be thankful this season and always!
Blessings,
Leigh Walker
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Coats Arrive Just in Time! |
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Just as the temperatures dropped, Trinity United Methodist church in Denison delivered size-specific coats that will benefit at least nine of our guests and former guests! They also provided some bonus coats that we can use for other individuals with whom we work regularly! Trinity is collecting and providing coats to Denison ISD students, and they shared some with us! Warm thanks to Trinity UMC!!
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Housewarming Opportunity! |
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A local mom and her three teenagers have been homeless after fleeing an abusive relationship. They were able to double up and stay with another family for a while. The mom is working and the children are in school. Through case management and coordination of services, this family is able to move into their own apartment on November 1st! We are able to provide furniture, dishes and flatware, but this family will need the basics to set up their apartment. If you have new or gently used items to help this family, please call us to arrange a drop off time (903-271-1088). Let's help this family feel loved!
Needs: Queen or twin sheets, blankets, towels, wastebaskets, dish cloths, cleaning supplies, bath mats, kitchen utensils, etc.
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After six months of hosting our guest families at Covenant Presbyterian church's Community Center, we slowly are beginning to return to our previous model of hosting guests weekly in area congregations. In order to best protect our guests and volunteers from COVID-19, we are doing so with utmost caution and as congregations feel comfortable.
In October, First United Methodist church in Sherman provided meals and evening hosts. Georgetown Baptist church in Pottsboro provided meals, evening hosts, and several nights of overnight hosts. When another congregation was unable to host, our guests stayed at Georgetown a second week, and volunteers from many congregations (as well as some previous guests!) provided the meals and hosts. Whitewright Church of Christ finished up the month by providing meals at Covenant. We are so appreciative of the love and generosity our volunteers show our guests! Thank you! ♥
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Get to Know the Family Promise Staff |
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If you have not had the pleasure already, you will want to meet Amyee McAlister, our wonderful Case Manager! She grew up in Pottsboro and now lives in Denison with her husband of 24 years, Kyle, and their two daughters, Dakota & Kylee.
Amyee is very active in the Park Avenue Church of Christ. She started out as a Family Promise volunteer there and was so impressed with Leigh and the mission of Family Promise, that she wanted to be a part of it! She has been the case manager for over two years.
Amyee enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends, traveling, river rafting (when she stays in the raft), seeing musicals, going to concerts, and watching movies.
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This year in Grayson County, over 640 children will experience homelessness or housing insecurity.
- 1 in 16 children under age 6 has experienced homelessness in the US.
- Homeless families often are hidden from view, living in cars, motels, campgrounds, or doubled up in overcrowded apartments.
- In the United States today, one child out of six lives in poverty.
- The official poverty line for a family of four with two children is $26,200 per year.
- In addition to the 28 guests (including 19 children) served by Family Promise of Grayson County last year, 34 families were provided with assistance such as food, clothing, diapers, and/or emergency assistance. An additional 184 families were provided referrals to other services.
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Helping During the Pandemic |
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Several of you have asked how you can help us while staying socially distanced during the pandemic. Because we have continued to serve families throughout this time, some of our supplies are in need of replenishment. Our Top Ten needs (from least expensive to most expensive) are:
- Paper towels
- Liquid hand soap
- Toilet cleaner
- Baby wipes
- Disinfecting wipes or spray
- Tall kitchen trash bags
- Laundry soap
- Diapers sizes 3, 4, 5, and 6
- WalMart or gas gift cards ($10/$20/$25)
- HP 902 printer ink (black or color)
Dream Big: No-touch thermal scan thermometer
Any of these items can be dropped off at the Day Center at 901 E. Houston Street. Please call ahead to ensure someone is there, and we will give you curb service! (903-271-1088) Thank you!!
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Prayers for Our Community |
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Lord of heaven and earth, in this season of thanks we offer our gratitude for the abundance of gifts we have received. Give us generosity of spirit, that we might use these blessings according to your will. Remind us that we belong to each other as much as we belong to you. In the name of Jesus who came that all may enjoy abundant life, we pray. Amen.
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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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