At Family Promise of Greater Wichita, we believe that the right people can change lives. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Carmen Taylor, who recently joined FPGW as a Family Advocate supporting our Diversion/Prevention program.

In this role, Carmen will help families who are experiencing homelessness move directly into housing whenever possible, while also working with families who are on the brink of losing their housing and need just a little support to remain stable.

It’s work that requires urgency, compassion, creativity, and connection – all things that come naturally to her.

For Carmen, this work is not a career change, but a fuller realization of something she has always known about herself – that she has a dream of helping others.

That desire has been kindled through her involvement with organizations like the Women’s Network, Spero, the Haysville Learning Café, and a community advocacy fellowship with the Coalition of Health and Wellness of Wichita. Most recently, she worked at Evergy Connect, working to connect families with resources when they needed to keep the lights on.

Along the way, she was reminded that while careers and responsibilities can sometimes drown out our original passions, those callings often remain, quietly waiting for the right opportunity.

“When I was a kid, I wanted to help people,” Carmen shared. “I think sometimes we lose those dreams with the noise of reality, but I wanted to give back, love people and connect with them – not just customer service, but the human connection – and make a difference.”

When she learned that there was an opportunity to join the team at Family Promise, she knew it could be the right fit.

Part of what drew Carmen to Family Promise is her own experience with struggle and adversity. 

She understands that housing instability isn’t simply about housing. It’s about people, relationships, systems, and circumstances that often intersect in complicated ways.

That perspective helps her approach families with empathy and understanding.

“I think about the kids a lot,” she said. “I’ve been that kid.”

That simple statement captures much of what motivates her work.

Families are often in crisis and need immediate support, creative problem-solving, and someone who can quickly become a trusted ally.

Carmen is excited by that challenge.

She describes herself as someone who loves building relationships, connecting people to resources, and improving systems. Her vision goes beyond helping individual families. She wants to help strengthen the programs themselves.

“Let’s make this the best Diversion program,” she said. “I want other Affiliates and communities to look at Wichita and say, ‘They know what they’re doing.'”

“Carmen’s excitement and passion to go the extra mile for those in our community who need it most is obvious the moment you meet her. She will help our community prevent families from entering the shelter system and I can’t wait to see her apply her strong knowledge of community resources, problem solving skills, and genuine care to build up our Diversion Program,” said FPGW Director of Programs, Cecelia Long.

Although Carmen was born in Utah, Wichita has been home since first grade.

Today she serves on her neighborhood association board in South Central Wichita and is passionate about building stronger connections throughout the community.

Whether through neighborhood engagement, local projects, or now her work with Family Promise, she believes in investing in the place she calls home.

When she’s not helping families navigate housing crises, you might find Carmen enjoying a cup of coffee, spending time with her child and fiancé, exploring local favorites like Swanson Park, Birds of Paradise, or Los Cocos, touring the Allen House, or unwinding with a little reality TV after a busy day.

We are thrilled to welcome Carmen to the Family Promise family and can’t wait to see the impact she will have on families in our community!