One of the most beautiful things about the mission of Family Promise of Greater Wichita (FPGW) is the opportunity for each and every community member to have a significant impact while partnering with families in crisis – through both intentional and accidental actions. This was made abundantly clear by the recent gestures of FPGW volunteer Jeff Soyez.
Jeff and his wife Teri have been longtime volunteers with FPGW partner congregation Colonial Heights Assembly of God. As a retiree, Jeff enjoys driving the Family Promise van and filling in for other roles as needed. During a recent host week at Colonial Heights, Jeff signed up to drive the van all week.
When driving guest families from the Day House to his church on the first night of a brand new family’s stay, Jeff realized that the newest guest mom had some difficulty getting in and out of the van. He showed up at the Day House the next evening with a step stool in hand, ready to help this mom navigate van rides with more ease and comfort.
After this incredibly kind gesture, Jeff continued to ensure that families were transported between locations with care and safety the rest of the week and even washed the van! It was his care and attention that saved the day on the last morning of Colonial Heights’ host week.
On the way back to the Day House early on Sunday morning, the Family Promise van experienced a tire blowout on the highway. Jeff was able to safely exit and park on the side of the street. While guest parents and kids helped keep things lighthearted and calm, Jeff reached out to the staff member on call, who happened to be FPGW Executive Director Dawn Epp.
Dawn, Sandy Stein (the Colonial Heights Coordinator), and the previous day’s overnight hosts, Duane and Kay Keefover, picked up families in multiple vehicles to get them to the Day House safely. Dawn’s dog even came along for the ride, adding an extra level of fun for the kids. Jeff and Duane stayed with the FPGW van and did the work of getting things lined out for a tire replacement, with Jeff eventually returning the van, ready to go with the spare tire, to the Day House the following day.
Without Jeff’s care, quick thinking, and calm presence, the morning could have gone very differently and been a lot scarier for guest families. Jeff’s actions throughout the week are a reflection of FPGW’s core values – dignity, relationship, empowerment, integrity, and versatility – and are the reason that the Family Promise model works so well to support and empower families in some of their hardest times. Thank you to Jeff and the tremendous volunteers of the Family Promise network that support families so well in so many ways!
