We are a community response to a national crisis
Family Promise of Cape May County was established in May of 2009, as a program designed to help families who are experiencing homelessness. We are a non-traditional sheltering program that only accepts families with children. A network of faith-based organizations and over 1,000 volunteers provide temporary housing and meals for up to 3 families at a time.
Potential families are screened for drug and alcohol addiction. This requirement assures that the families are a good match for our program.
We are a volunteer-based organization, and we are funded solely by donations. We take NO government money. We are a program, not an agency. Because of this, Family Promise has strict guidelines for the safety of our families and our volunteers.
Family Promise National
The inspiration behind Family Promise
The inspiration for Family Promise began with a woman who regularly encountered homeless people in New York City. Karen Olson, retired President of the organization nationally, came to know many of the city’s homeless people after she and her two sons began to bring food to them. Olson soon learned even in her home community of Union County, NJ, there were hundreds of homeless people, including families.
She looked to the religious community for help, convinced that together they could do what they couldn’t do alone. Within ten months, 11 area congregations came forward to provide hospitality space within their buildings. All the pieces fell into place and on October 27, 1986, the first Interfaith Hospitality Network opened its doors.
In 2003, the organization changed its name to Family Promise to reflect a broader range of programs and reaffirm its core commitment to helping families realize their own potential.
Since then, Family Promise has established 202 affiliates in 42 states, using the services of more than 180,000 volunteers and 6000 congregations. Family Promise provides shelter, meals, housing, and job placement support to more than 60,000 homeless family members annually, 58 percent of them children.
Staff and Board
Officers
Jeanne Shelley - President
Loretta Saggiomo - Vice President
Bob Ashman - Treasurer
Betsi Parker - Secretary
Board Trustees
Donna Abboud
Steven Bistak
Mary Ferrell
Daniel Reeves
Harry Tanghare
Jeanne Weinkoop
Key Staff
Yvonne Sullivan - Executive Director
Sherry Hazel - Family Advocate