Our mission is intersecting faith and community to empower

Grayson County families to end child homelessness.

MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR



HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Dear friends,

2025 is not the only thing that is new: Family Promise has new Board members, new officers, a new family in our Rotation program (a mom and her 14 year old son), new ideas, and a new Host congregation! Something that is not new (but never gets old) is your love and generosity towards the families we serve.

The details are below, but before you read them, please know I am praying that the new year brings you good health, love, peace, blessings, contentment, and much joy.

Warmest wishes,

Leigh

WRAPPING UP 2024

Santa and Mrs. Claus recently made a holiday appearance at the home of some our friends! The well-known couple was escorted by members of the SSMC Lone Star and all helped deliver a carload of gifts to some very nice children!

SSMC Lone Star is a non-profit organization made up of law enforcement, veterans, and others. They work throughout the year to be able to help our community during the holidays. THANK YOU, SSMC Lone Star, for providing this wonderful Christmas surprise! As always, special thanks to Kris and David Gilbert for coordinating!

A WARM STORY AFOOT

OTHER INDUSTRIOUS ELVES

If you know someone who works for Austin Industries, please give them a hug from us! These very generous folks are building the new chip plant at the Global Wafer project site on FM 1417 in Sherman. Special thanks to Amy Braddock, Austin Commercial Senior Field Office Manager, for coordinating this tremendous blessing!

Some of Santa's other helpers include the Sherman Noon Lions Club (delivered meals and toys to two of our families; special thanks to James Johnson for coordinating); the Sherman Police Department's Blue Santa program (provided gifts for two families; special thanks to Brandon Hughes for coordinating); Lisa Wortham (provided new clothing, coats, and gifts for many folks); Trinity Lutheran Church (gave toys to several children; special thanks to Kathy Manning for coordinating); the Bells High School (provided coats for many children and adults); and ALL those behind-the-scenes donors who make it possible for Family Promise to assist folks all year. We are so fortunate to live in such a generous community!

SPEAKING OF GENEROUS...

Family Promise is an organization in which volunteers generously give their time all year in order to assist families facing or experiencing homelessness. These people are the backbone of our organization. As a small token of our gratitude, a volunteer appreciation party recently was held at the Day Center.

BIG NEWS IN THE NEW YEAR!

The Leadership of Elmont Baptist Church in Van Alstyne is excited to be the newest Host Congregation for Family Promise! Elmont's primary vision is to "Be Family," and that sure sounds like a perfect fit for hosting guest families! Thank you to Caitlyn Hebert for sharing this means of "loving your neighbor" with her congregation!

Volunteer training is scheduled for Thursday, January 9th from 5:30-7:30 PM at Elmont Baptist church in Van Alstyne. The church is located at 13999 FM 121 in Van Alstyne. Everyone is welcome to come hear more about Family Promise and to learn some helpful tips for being the best volunteer possible for guest families. This is a one-and-done training that we ask all of our new volunteers to attend. Please call Leigh at 903-271-1088, if you have any questions. We look forward to meeting you!

OUR 2025 BOARD

Co-Chairs: Jessica Wright and Maureen Kane Stevenson

Treasurer: Carin Monk

Secretary: Larshe' Thomas

Members:

Christy Close

Cassandra Bergland

Blake Bray

Cathy Clayton

Rev. Michael Mattil

Laura Muller

Watch for featured Board members in future newsletters!

IT'S TOOL TIME

If you have an interest in learning more about simple home maintenance and repairs, you are in luck! Jason Barrett graciously has offered to teach his Tool Time class again. He covers basic plumbing, electric, and drywall repair, among other things. This class likely will start mid-January and will be one hour per week in the evening at the Day Center in Sherman. (We will try to schedule the time that accommodates the most people.) For more information or to sign up, please call Leigh at 903-271-1088.

CLOSING THOUGHT

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17