Family Promise

The Family Promise ministry at St. Tom’s was formed in 2009.  The ministry serves the Family Promise Center, located at 2010 Elmwood Ave., Lafayette, IN.  (next to the Northend Community Center) and its mission to end homelessness in the Greater Lafayette community.

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 Fall 2023, our volunteer weeks are:

• October 16 to 21
• December 4 to 9

We use Sign Up Genius for volunteer weeks.

Sign-up for Oct. 16 to 21

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.
 

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 
• Lucia Anderson
• Sharon Graves (Coordinator)
• Don Porter
• Duane Sellers
• Jane Sellers

A personal story:  

During one of our recent volunteer weeks, I met a young lady from one of the families.  She was four years old and a pleasure to interact with.  When I told her I was leaving, she had her father dig into his pocket for a shiny penny.  She placed it in my hand and said thank you.   I said no, please keep it, but she insisted!  My heart melted at the thought that she wanted to share what little they had with me.  However, God has a way to keep me humble and my ego in place.  Later, I found out that she gives shiny pennies to others on a regular basis, so I am not that special!  However, I definitely feel very blessed to have met her and experienced her generosity to those around her.  I will always remember this little 4-year-old.  I encourage you to take a chance and volunteer a couple of hours of your time to maybe experience moments like this. 
God Bless,
Sharon Graves