Spring has sprung! Some exciting news from Family Promise of Essex County thanks to the generosity and kindness of our volunteers and supporters.

Thank you to everyone who donated gifts, food or contributed in whatever way they were able for the families that we serve.

Celebrating FPE's First, Single-Family Occupancy, Emergency Shelter Site
South Orange-Vailsburg United Methodist Church and Family Promise of Essex County partner to help families in need of shelter
In late January, we celebrated our partnership with South Orange-Vailsburg United Methodist Church of a new, short-term shelter site located in the church's former parsonage.

After sharing a meaningful, worship service with Pastor Ralph, Karen, Zella and the entire Church Community, we joined many of our wonderful volunteers and Host Coordinators from other faith-based organizations throughout Essex county, who came to celebrate with us at a reception and tour of the new site. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Borrowing some of SOVUMC's own photos and message that they shared with their congregation to mark this momentous occasion.

"Thanks to your generosity we did it! This site will provide a comfortable and safe place as families work to secure a permanent home. We thank God for opening our eyes and hearts to this opportunity to help members of our community."
FPE would be grateful to partner with other faith-based organizations that may have a recent building vacancy or similar opportunity within their community. Please reach out to us if you have any recommendations or connections.
Circles Essex - Match Night
Following 12 productive weeks of training, in mid-February, we held our first Match Night for Circles Leaders and Allies! Leaders are now meeting weekly with their matched Circle to work on their personal and financial goals. Additional monthly sessions are also happening to engage community leaders in the work of poverty reduction.

If you would like to learn more about the Circles program or how to get involved as a Leader, Ally or other volunteer opportunities, please contact Chanel Dupree at chanel@fpessexnj.org
Join us for our FPE 5K Run/Walk!
We are excited to announce that Family Promise of Essex County is hosting it’s first ever USATF 5K on Saturday, June 24th at Verona Park. Form a team or run/walk solo...and we greatly appreciate everyone who also sets up a race fundraiser to support their efforts. For more information or to register, click the link here or scan the QR code below.

Sponsorship packages are still available. If you have or know of a business or organization that may be interested in sponsoring our 5K, please contact Angela Lewis at angela@fpessexnj.org
Please help us spread the word by sharing the registration link and QR code to your friends and family and posting to social media.
HUMI Challenge Grant - A Success Story
In 2021, Help Us Move In (HUMI) awarded Family Promise of Essex a Homeless No More Challenge Grant. This HUMI grant funds FPE's Homelessness Prevention Program to ensure that our families stay housed or are quickly transitioned into housing before they face homelessness. 

FPE is in our second year of meeting this Challenge Grant, with the goal of helping children and families facing eviction or prohibitive move-in costs from homelessness. Since November 2021, 84 children from 45 households have been served by this program. It takes less than $600 to keep a child safely housed and out of shelter.

If you are able to help us meet this important Challenge Grant, please consider a donation to Family Promise of Essex County (please include "HUMI challenge" in the reference note).
 
Donate online or mail a check to:
Family Promise of Essex County 
46 Park Street
Montclair, NJ 07042
Young volunteers making a difference!
Project Beautiful
Just in time for Valentines Day, Jayla Pitts created and delivered 40 Beautiful Bags to share with women and girls served by FPE.

Jayla, a 4th grader at Montclair Kimberly Academy collected hundreds of toiletry items and beauty products - donated by her family, friends and neighbors - and also received numerous monetary donations, which she used to personally shop for additional and materials items to make the Beautiful Bags. 

Jayla’s initiative, Project Beautiful was established in 2021 and inspired by her desire to uplift women and girls who have fallen on hard times and let them know that “they are beautiful and they are worth it!”
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