Since its founding in 2016, Family Promise of Greater Wichita (FPGW) has sought to operate in a way that empowers families and treats each individual with dignity. As a grassroots, community-based organization, versatility has always been important and has tremendously benefited FPGW families through the last few years of constant change and growing need. Now is no different.
At Family Promise, we believe that every child deserves a home and, at the same time, recognize that every family’s challenges and hurdles to stable housing look different.
Today, we are excited to announce the official launch of a new initiative to expand shelter services in our community in a way that benefits more families with children and holds the core values of FPGW – dignity, relationship, empowerment, integrity, and versatility – at the forefront.
As part of the recent process to update FPGW’s Strategic Plan, it was clear that offering additional shelter opportunities was a priority – to meet the level of need in our community and to continue to serve families well. In order to serve families that have received the unique benefits of our flagship Rotation Program and are ready for a transitional step as they complete goals for graduation, it was evident that a hybrid shelter model would offer families of all shapes and sizes the empowerment and support needed to move them closer to independent housing.
The newly launched Bridge to Housing (BTH) program currently offers up to three families a fixed site for shelter, opening up spots for additional families in need of the Rotation Program and setting more families up for long term success and sustainability. By moving some families to this optional step, FPGW will be able to welcome new families into Rotation and serve up to 7 families at a given time under the Shelter Services programs, with room to grow.
a family stably sheltered, continuing to work on their goals, providing their own food for their family, and working towards independence.
Continuing to work with partners – like the faith community – to offer dignity, relationship, and connection was established as a priority with the launch of BTH. One long time FPGW partner, East Heights United Methodist Church, has already signed on as a support congregation for this program, offering connection and periodic meals and activities for families. This will be a continuation of some of the most important benefits of the Rotation Program model, ensuring that FPGW families continue to be surrounded by the strong support network that has proven so successful.
Throughout the pilot of this program, families have found renewed connection and confidence, working toward independence with a strong sense of community. Having the space to gently transition to buying groceries and cooking meals, along with other household responsibilities and flexibility that are not part of the Rotation Program, has proven to be a great opportunity for parents and children alike.
With room to grow through this new initiative, more families are also in place to benefit from FPGW’s transitional housing program, Almost Home, after their graduation from shelter programs. Thanks to a generous gift from the Foulston family through the Wichita Foundation at the end of 2022, FPGW will be able to add more transitional housing locations as well as the staff to support these programs. This entire continuum of care within the Family Promise model will be supported by the soon-to-be-released updated FPGW Strategic Plan and will provide renewed opportunities for the Greater Wichita community to rally around and support a brighter future for families with children experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
