2020 was a challenging year for Family Promise of St. Tammany. As we embark on our journey into 2021, we need to take time and reflect on the past as we welcome a new beginning. We would not have been able to get through those difficult times without our Congregations, volunteers, investors, staff, and the resilience of our guest families. We look forward to working with our congregations and volunteers, thank our investors, commend our staff, and optimistically await the future successes of the families we assisted. While we know more families will reach out or help, we know that our past lessons will provide the knowledge and wisdom to care for those in need in a more efficient way.
We saw 20 families served in 2020 with various Programming efforts. 16 families served through emergency shelter, 3 families served through our new Future Begins with a Home Rapid Rehousing Program and 1 family thru our Keeping Families Together Homeless Prevention Program. While our Emergency Shelter model is the core of what we do, the supportive services we offer allow us to give them more than a bed to sleep in. It allows us to help them with stabilization beyond graduation. And sometimes, avoid shelter altogether.
The Staff has been versatile and has overcome every hurdle they have encountered. Without them, our success is minimal. I look forward to a prosperous year in providing services for the weary and struggling. I am proud to lead this group.
The Board of Directors has been fearless. They have led and supported the program through unprecedented times. I thank each and everyone of them for their sacrifice of time, talent, and treasure.
We have forged new Community Partnerships this year that will allow us to meet the needs of the families we serve. From childcare to vehicle maintenance, we have new partnerships that will allow us to serve those in need better and more efficiently. It truly does take a village. Thank you to those local businesses who have been so giving!
The Willie Paretti Day Center at Safe Haven is moving along. While we were dealt a blow with the pandemic like many, we are forging ahead. The new facility will allow us to be more centrally located to serve those in need and work toward our goal of doubling capacity. We saw our first year’s Raffle proceeds reach nearly $50,000. All profit went toward the construction project. We look forward to construction beginning later this year. Please take a moment to view our Capital Campaign.
How can you help us? The age-old response is writing a check. But we need much more than that. We need you to like and share us on your social media outlets, sign up for our newsletters, share your knowledge of us with your friends. Please help to spread the good works of Family Promise of St. Tammany. If you have an idea about how you can help us advance our mission, please email me directly at director@fpstp.org
Thank you and I wish you and your family a safe, healthy and happy 2021.
David
David Horchar
Executive Director
Family Promise of St. Tammany
