10 years in Blount County!

In 6 short days Family Promise of Blount County will celebrate 10 Years in our community. As our staff and board prepare for this glorious celebration, we do so with gratitude and appreciation. We have been completely overwhelmed by the generosity of our community. With over 1000 trained volunteers to walk alongside us, we have helped more than 300 families to obtain and maintain lasting stability and permanent housing.

These have been years of learning and growth. There have been so many moments of joy and thanksgiving along the way: new babies born safely, high school graduations, career promotions, GEDS, a toddler’s first steps, a wedding at the day center, our very own transitional apartments in 2015, being named Blount partnership Non-profit of the year in 2013, a beautiful new day center for our families to call home and countless hugs and happy tears when families find a home of their own.

Family Promise is a comprehensive solution to family homelessness. Not only do we offer emergency shelter, we also assist families through our Transitional housing, Going Home, Staying Home and Wheels to Work programs.

We have expanded our programs and services over the past few years, in part, due to a federal Tennessee Housing Development Agency grant. Over the years, the expectations and requirements  have changed. In order to remain autonomous and make decisions based on the needs of our community, our Board of Directors made the difficult  but necessary decision to no longer accept federal funding.

At a time when I am overjoyed with our successes, I am also concerned. We are desperately looking for a building where we can open a thrift store. We are confident that any revenue generated by sales will more that exceed our budget shortfall.  This, however, is a process that could take many months.

We have a plan. That plan includes you, our community (our churches, our volunteers, our partner agencies, our sponsors, our donors.) We are blessed to be a United Way Agency, and continuously search for grants.

Our fundraising efforts include the Gala on Tuesday (there is still time to buy your tickets! If you can’t attend, our silent auction will be online – you can bid on items from your phone or computer!), Spooktacular at the drive-in and in October there will be a National Day of Giving to Family Promise. Your donations stay in Blount County to help our families.

Today, I am asking you to financially support our mission and vision to create a community where every child has a home. We cannot rely on federal dollars to make a difference in our community. It is up to us! Will you please consider making a one-time or monthly gift today?

Kathi Parkins

Executive Director