Erin and Chris Blume are long-time supporters of Family Promise of Greater Wichita (FPGW). They were first introduced to Family Promise in 2020 through their church, Pathway (Westlink), and initially started with helping clean up and prepare for families using the church for shelter.
Since then, the Blumes have taken on new responsibilities and ways to be involved in the Family Promise mission. They’ve even donated two of their family’s vehicles to help FPGW families with transportation! Chris and Erin have become staples in the Family Promise group at Pathway and around the FPGW Day House.
Chris and Erin were interested in serving with FPGW for several reasons. First and foremost, their faith called them to it. Secondly, they wanted to see a tangible difference in their community. Family Promise offered them the fulfillment for both their spiritual calling AND to support and empower families that are local. They were able to see what their effort did for people and have been enthusiastic about their partnership.
When asked why they chose to serve in the ways they have, the Blumes reflected on their own experiences. They remembered when they were first married and starting out, they needed help often. They knew that if they hadn’t received help and support from others, they could have easily faced disaster. They needed someone to offer them support when they were starting out together, so now they chose to give what was of the most importance to them during their times of struggle – safety and care.
Making the decision to volunteer with Family Promise in various ways was exciting, but also brought questions to mind. Chris noted the nerves they both had when they started working with Family Promise families.
“Do we have everything we need?”
“Are we going to have anything to talk about?”
“Should we even talk?!”
There were definitely some unknowns and discomfort going into the new situation. New things bring new feelings, but they chose to do it anyway. They found peace in their calling to serve and in the support and consistency given by Family Promise staff and the leadership at Pathway. They weren’t going to be without answers or support. They were cared for and coveted, along with the rest of the Family Promise network of volunteers and partners.
The Blumes have partnered with Family Promise in meaningful ways and have felt that this process has been rewarding on many different levels. Their generosity and genuine care for families is evident in all that they do, offering dignity, relationship, and empowerment to families experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness.
Thank you, Chris and Erin, for your hearts and willingness to take a leap of faith and connect with the mission of Family Promise in your church and in your community!
Special thanks to FPGW Volunteer Cayci Ellis for connecting with the Blumes to interview them and write this spotlight on their involvement with Family Promise!
