Family Promise

The Family Promise ministry at St. Tom’s was formed in 2009.  The ministry comprises volunteers who serve at the Family Promise Center, located at 2010 Elmwood Ave., Lafayette, IN.  (next to the Northend Community Center).

Many opportunities await those who wish to volunteer for Family Promise of Greater Lafayette.*  Each semester, St. Tom’s serves the families residing at the Family Promise Center for two designated weeks.
Hosting includes meal preparation and evening company on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

For 2022, our volunteer weeks are:

• February 28 to March 5 (Meals have been covered for this week. Some additional needs include cards of encouragement for families, Infant car seat headrests, 3-6 month baby girl clothing,  household cleaning supplies, and full-sized blankets/comforters.)
• May 2 to 7
• September 12 to 17
• December 12 to 17

We use Sign Up Genius for volunteer weeks.  

Note: The evening volunteers must be willing to engage with the families. During the week, a Family Promise staff member will be present to answer phones or “walk-up” inquiries and manage the after-hour duties.  Masks are optional, but please bring one if the families request that volunteers wear a mask.

Sign-up: Week of December 12 to 17

Training:

Those who wish to serve with F.P. must complete two separate training requirements:

1. Safe Environment Training is offered through the diocese of Lafayette, IN.
2. Family Promise Training, which is offered through our local F.P. affiliate.

Note: Volunteers must create a username and password to access the training.  Training is tracked, and internal tests must be completed and passed before being officially trained. 
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Volunteers:

Once trained, the volunteer opportunities are:

• Meal Preparers: Can either prepare and cook a homemade meal or purchase an evening meal from a local restaurant.  Either option must be delivered to the Family Promise Center no later than 4:45 pm.  Currently, we are asked to cover Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of our volunteer week.  
•  Evening/Weekend Company: Consists of being present for the families at the F.P. Center.  However, we are not babysitters, and parents must be nearby to supervise their children.  Volunteers can bring their own games or other activities that might interest the families.  It is an opportunity to provide fellowship and a “listening ear” when needed.

St. Tom’s Family Promise Steering Committee:

• David Allen
• Chuck Anderson (Coordinator)
• Lucia Anderson
• Don Porter
• Duane Sellers
• Jane Sellers