Family Promise…
It is a place I am always welcome but never want to return. I moved in on my oldest child’s birthday, He turned 15. At least he is staying at his grandparents’ house so he doesn’t have to see the shame on my face.
You see my roof was leaking and my furnace needed replaced. I was behind on my lot rent and my trailer was going to cost more than what it was worth to be livable and we were getting dangerously close to winter. One of my mental health workers suggested Family Promise and when Family Preservation made the same suggestion it was time to bite the bullet. Home ownership was not for me; I can’t afford to fix everything that breaks when everything breaks. I went from home owner to homeless in a matter of hours.
I was told the program would be hard but that is what makes it work. The others told me I will want to quit and they were right. It doesn’t matter how you are feeling if you are sitting still during the day Shannon will come out of the office and remind you of your goals or ask if you are job hunting or looking for a apartment. Despite wanting to quit even though I had nowhere to go, I found friends in the staff. They would listen when I needed to talk they would pray with me when I was in the middle of a bad head day. They supported me when I was convinced I would never find an apartment. Eventually I did find an apartment and when I am ready to move in, the staff continues to support me to make sure I am never to be a guest of Family Promise again.
Family Promise is a place I can return for the support that I need but as a graduate of the program. I will do everything in my power to never be in this situation again. I am always welcome but never to return.