May 19, 20234 min read

FRIDAY FIVE : FAMILY UPDATE

This blog provides the top 5 highlights or updates about Family Promise of Waukesha County for Friday, May 19, 2023.

The Friday Five is a weekly update that focuses on the 5 main things happening at Family Promise Waukesha County. We also look for ways to advocate and educate about family homelessness. It is our hope that it will help you stay informed and connected to the mission of Family Promise of Waukesha County.

Our mission is to help low-income families and families experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable independence

through a community-based response.

The stories you can read this week are:

FAMILY UPDATE
WISH LISTS
EXPECTING FAMILY
THANK YOU
THE 19TH HOLE

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to Callie Pauc, Case Manager for Prevention and Mattie Martinez, Shelter Supervisor, who will be graduating on Saturday. Callie has completed her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mount Mary University. Mattie completed her Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) in Human Services from Waukesha County Technical College.

We are proud of both of you! Enjoy and celebrate your hard work and accomplishment this weekend.

POLL OF THE WEEK

My plan for the golf outing is to:

Win the event
Golf with my friends
Sponsor the event
Attend the 19th Hole
Volunteer
All of the above

1. FAMILY UPDATE

Carly and her daughter were in our shelter last winter. She was a student teacher finishing her education degree. She was also going through a divorce which left her without a place to stay. In January Carly made a decision to move out of state. She wanted to be closer to friends who offered a stronger support system. We were sad to see Carly go but knew it was what was best for her and her family. Plus Courtney stayed connected to offer her support. At first she lived with friends. After a few weeks she was able to get her own place. She is currently working in a school as an aid, but has been offered a teaching position in her own classroom starting next fall.

Sometimes the path to housing independence is not straight. Ideally she would have moved right out of the Apartment Shelter Program into her own home. Due to the lack of affordable housing that does not happen these days. But Carly has made it. We are full of joy and proud of her persistence and bravery!

Blessings, Carly!

2. COMMUNITY SHELTER WISH LIST

The Community Shelter has been open for three weeks and things are going really well. The volunteers have been wonderful, we are excited for the many new and old partner organizations and we are supporting three families with a fourth to enter soon. There are definitely some small issues we look to improve upon, but we knew this would be a learning experience.

We have also identified some items that would be helpful for the Community Shelter. This Amazon list would allow you to pick items off the list and send directly to our Day Center 139 E North Street Waukesha, WI 53188 or you can purchase and drop off. We are asking that all donations be dropped off at the Day Center and not the shelter due to limited storage space!

AMAZON WISH LIST

We are also in need of 3 locking file cabinets.

3. EXPECTING FAMILY

Last week we welcomed a new family to the Apartment Shelter Program. The family includes mom and dad and a new baby to be born in a couple of months. Another family recently entered shelter with a newborn baby.

It is sobering to know that some children begin their life experiencing homelessness. Unfortunately it is not surprising or becoming more and more common. The Family Promise affiliate in Spokane started a shelter program designed just for families with newborn babies.

4. THANK YOU

We have been fortunate to receive a few grants over the month. We have a deep appreciation for these supporters and want to show our appreciation. Please note that in 2023 our budgeted expenses have increased 33% due to the need to serve more families with the addition of the Community Shelter.

Thank you to:

Froedtert Community Outreach

Provided a grant of $7,500 for the Family Homelessness Prevention Program. These funds can be used for rent, mortgage, car repairs and utilities for residents in communities on the northeast end of the county.

Women and Girls Fund

On May 12 it was announced that Family Promise of Waukesha County will receive a grant from the Women and Girls Fund to assist single mothers to move from homelessness to permanent housing.

Forest County Potawatomi Foundation

Supports the Shelter Programs (Apartment and Community Shelter) with a grant of $20,000.

Greater Milwaukee Foundation

Our grant proposal submitted to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation for basic needs was approved. We received an award of $8,000 for shelter and housing programs.

Giving Day

Our official Total for Family Promise Giving Day on April 28 (and following) is $45,875. We are especially grateful to the sponsors who set the challenge grant for Giving Day:

Vernon Evangelical Lutheran
Waterstone
ATC
Anonymous

5. THE 19TH HOLE

The golf outing held on July 24 is an important fundraising event to help low-income families and families experiencing homelessness. We hope all those who golf will take this opportunity to support families and golf on a great course.

GOLF OUTING REGISTRATION

Those who may not be golfers are invited to join us for a post golf event called the 19th Hole. It is our wish that the entire event on July 24 will bring together the Family Promise of Waukesha County Community. We invite all those who support families experiencing homelessness to participate in an evening celebration of hope and home! The 19th Hole will include hors d’oeuvres, musical entertainment, dinner, raffle, silent auction, live auction and a program.

A special thank you to The Meadows for becoming our fourth Ace Level Sponsor!

BECOME A SPONSOR

POLL OF THE WEEK

My plan for the golf outing is to:

0%Win the event
0%Golf with my friends
0%Sponsor the event
0%Attend the 19th Hole

You can vote for more than one answer.

YOGA ON THE GREEN

Please join us for Yoga on the Green on June 3 from 8-9am hosted by Abundant Joy Yoga. Take a moment to rest, relax, and find your center! Any donations will benefit Family Promise of Waukesha County.