I didn’t expect to find myself putting together a crib on Monday afternoon. My work day was almost over when I saw Pastor Lowell dashing from one part of the building to another, trying to prepare for Family Promise guests to arrive for their second day. A new family would be coming – one who was new to Family Promise and had an 18-month old and a 6-month old to care for.
Thanks to IKEA’s online assembly instructions, we finished the crib just as families began to arrive for the day. Kathy and Maddie Wagonfield were putting the finishing touches on dinner and Jenny Smith greeted several children and a few adults as they came in from a day of work, school, and job interviews.
Our guests didn’t expect to find themselves here. A mother of four children, ages 5 to 10, died two years ago and the children’s grandmother has been raising them. The additional financial burden caused them to lose their home.
Trey Clem, who serves on the Board of Trustees for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, is used to meeting at-risk families. He notes a big difference between Habitat and Family Promise: “Habitat families have jobs, the ability to pay a small mortgage and have hope for a brighter future. They just need a hand up. Family Promise families are in a much more desperate situation and often feel hopeless. They tend to have nothing and are trying to rebuild their lives from scratch.”
Kathy pointed out that even though the situation seems hopeless, the families maintained a joyful attitude.
The homeless families I encountered were playful, joyful, thankful, laughing, talkative and prayer warriors! Everyone was thankful for the littlest of things and families exhibited such a strong bond. The children ... quick to give bear hugs and quick to laugh. They were HAPPY ... so very appreciative of little crafts we were able to do together and discussions about so many things including school, free time fun, TONS of knock-knock jokes and that boys have cooties! One adult that I bonded with came to me probably 5 or 6 times one evening with funny videos she found on her phone and just wanted to share each one and then we would laugh together! I was able to get to know other church members and see Pastor Lowell play troll under the bridge as the children screamed with delight and tried to outrun him while playing outside. I was happy to share this experience with my grand-daughter and happy to try to answer all her questions, worries about the families and her heartfelt concerns. I was happy to see her go out of her way at such a young age to bond with other children and to just be another child's friend for the evening! I am HAPPY just thinking about all of these things, my list of Family Promise happiness goes on and on.
You can read more from Kathy’s experience here.
The seven children who stayed with us were eager to make connections. They enjoyed playing games and Trey brought extra puzzles when he saw how much the kids loved them. The time our volunteers spend with them is meaningful. I couldn’t believe how quickly relationships developed – hugs flowed freely.
Our time with Family Promise brought many unexpected gifts – it was humbling and heart-filling; it reminded us how blessed we are to have some of the most basic things.
Watch our announcements for information on the next opportunity to help in June. Each of the volunteer tasks (setting up, providing a meal, spending time with the families for a couple hours in the evening, and staying overnight) are simple but make a meaningful impact. You can also volunteer at the Family Promise day center any day of the week. Trey adds, “You return home appreciating the life God has provided you, and have a better understanding and empathy for those less fortunate. I feel very blessed to be able to make even a small contribution to this ministry.”
If you are looking for other opportunities to impact lives in our area, watch our Outreach page and Announcements. We are busy being God’s hands and feet each week.