Our Families
Johnathan was 8 years old when his family was in the program. Johnathan was a huge helper to his mom, (Stacey Coldren, you might know her), with his 3 younger siblings. He always had a smile on his face and was willing to lend a hand to help out. Those qualities remain to this day, and he’s still helping at Family Promise whenever asked! Listen to Johnathan as he shares about his FPHCR experience!
Our History
Kathy Ries has been volunteering at FPHCR for the last 15 years! Listen to Kathy share how she got involved at Family Promise and what it has meant to her over the years. Thank you for everything, Kathy!
Our Impact
In the last 15 years, we have served 8 single fathers in our shelter program. 8 really doesn’t seem like that many. Especially compared to last month’s 111 single mothers.
It is much less common for a father to have full custody of his children. The system doesn’t typically award full custody to fathers, so, we know that when one applies, he is often a hard worker and loving father. We’ve made a big difference for these fathers and their kids along their journey to stability!
Our “Why”
“I only served for an overnight shift once, and didn’t have to do anything but be there. I did it because I felt the Lord wanted me there.”
~Susie Zarecky, floating volunteer
What’s New?
Annual Report
Don’t you love fall? Back to school, leaves changing colors, pumpkin everything, and of course, the FPHCR Annual Report, right? Just us? Okay, but, please take a minute to check it out and see what we’ve done together this last year!
Back to School at FPHCR
Back to school for youth guests at Family Promise HCR looks rather like back to school for most kids. Some are excited to see their friends and learn, some are indifferent, and some just don’t want to go! Their parents collect supplies, either by purchasing them or through donations.
Due to the McKinney Vento Act, homeless students must be bussed to their school of origin if that’s what the parents choose. This law allows students to have the consistency of school, classmates, and teachers, even when they don’t have consistent housing. This is a good thing for students. Some of our families decide to go to school at East Pennsboro School District, where FPHCR is located. Others choose their original district.
Here’s what a school day looks like for a Family Promise HCR school student.
- The students wake up early, really early, depending on where they go to school and where the host church is located. Currently our families rise at 5 a.m., gather their belongs, then take our van from the congregation where they’re staying, to the Day Center in Camp Hill.
- They arrive at the Day Center and prepare for the day by accessing their belongings from the locker provided to each family.
- The bus or a van arrives to take them to their school. Depending on where they are schooled, that could be a quick ride or a 30-minute ride.
- Students arrive back at the Day Center after school. They then need to be ready to leave for the congregation where they’re staying by 6 p.m. So, they pack up their overnight things, shower, get a snack, do homework, relax etc. then board the van to the overnight accommodations.
- They arrive about 6:30 p.m. and enjoy a hot meal that the congregation provides. Finally, they retire early to start all over again the next day.
Sometimes students have after-school sports and activities. That’s often dependent on whether the family has their own transportation.
While homelessness presents many challenges for students, the stable environment at FPHCR takes some pressure off the families. They know where they will be staying, how they will get there, and that there will be a meal ready for them.
The hope is the next back-to-school season, the students will be in their own home!
Mission Classic Golf Tournament
Charlton Church, a hosting congregation, is having a golf tournament with all proceeds benefitting FPHCR! The event is on Friday, 10/3 at 1:30pm at Rich Valley. Registration info is available here.
FPHCR’s 15th Anniversary
A renovated building.
More space for our families. A decreased mortgage. Fewer interest payments. You can be a part of it! Give today toward our 15th Anniversary Campaign helping families today, tomorrow, and for the next 15 years!!