August 22, 2016
While starting to write this newsletter, the most beautiful precious melody is coming from the room next door – the joyous sound of a little boy giggling with his Mom. Continue reading
While starting to write this newsletter, the most beautiful precious melody is coming from the room next door – the joyous sound of a little boy giggling with his Mom. Continue reading
This is probably one of the worst Christmas’ ever. Homeless and don’t have a place to stay. I hate it so much. Haven’t had a nice good home cooked meal for about a month. Eating out is starting to get boring, McDonald’s double cheese burgers are starting to look and get sloppy and nastier by the minute. I just am ready for our own crib. This staying with family of friends’ thing isn’t really my cup of tea. I’m just ready for something new.
Attending the national conference for Family Promise on the west coast, I take a needed break to walk along the water. I find myself on a path leading to the ocean as a man approaches me and I smile immediately at his apparent mode of transportationContinue reading
On Memorial Day May 30th, 2016
Through beautiful downtown Lawrence. Event benefits both Family Promise of Lawrence and the Lawrence Community Shelter
Race registration is now open: http://www.active.com/lawrence-ks/running/distance-running-races/5k-home-run-2016?int=Continue reading
701 Massachusetts featuring guest Jerry Owen, Proprietor of Lady Hill Winery.
RSVP at Cork and Barrel: 785-331-4242
6:00 PM Reception
6:30 Dinner
A showcase of fine wines and food.
2-5 PM. Further information, please click on link below.
Some say, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” I get that. I won’t dispute it. But, beauty is also in the eye of the one with understanding. Looking at Family Promise from the outside, you might think it’s just another service provider. Just a program. But I’ve had the chance over the past several months to take a closer look. I’ve discovered something I didn’t see at first: Beauty.
Continue readingIt’s the thing that’s different around here. It’s what helps grease the wheels and turn the cranks. It butters the bread and floats the boats, it brings tears and cheers and dollars and sense. It’s relationship.
Continue readingOne of my favorite New Year’s Eve Family Promise of Lawrence stories is from 5 years ago. One of the coordinators at First Baptist Church sent me an email about 12:30 about her experience hosting that night.
Continue readingOne of the “artificial” goals for many families in Rotation and Program 515 is to have their own place by the holidays. Year after year, we see a surge of families meeting that goal and getting into their home by Thanksgiving, or by Christmas, or before an anticipated milestone birthday. This year is no exception.
Continue readingEye contact is a big deal.
And when it happens at Family Promise, we rejoice. Often the child of a weary new guest won’t meet our gaze. She clings to her mom. She turns her face away. Looking up, interacting with others, is too risky. Don’t engage. It might hurt again.
Then, often, something magical happens.
Continue reading