Dear Friends of Family Promise,
It is with great sadness and reverence that we report to you that Nancy Woods passed away peacefully yesterday, June 10, 2020, in the presence of several of her children. As we all know, Nancy was a founder of the Interreligious Fellowship for the Homeless, which in 2010, became Family Promise. Nancy, above all, recognized the potential of every human being and despite her sometimes crusty exterior always let love be her compass. Hundreds parents and children who came through St. Cecilia’s family shelter remember “Ms. Nancy” as the first person to call out their behavior and yet the one who was always there to offer a warm hug and a willing ear when they needed it the most.
Long before our case managers Trish and Luz spoke of empowerment, Nancy taught parents to take charge of their own lives and to expect nothing short of excellence from their children. Personally, Nancy taught us to beg for forgiveness rather than ask for permission if it resulted in lifting up others who do not have access to the same privilege that we enjoy.
The family has indicated that there will be an opportunity to pay tribute to this remarkable woman at a future date when we can all gather together.
Now go out and lift someone up. Nancy would have liked that.
