No, really. This is not just a catchphrase. We do REAL life with families.
From January to June, I had the privilege of serving as the Interim Director for Family Promise here locally, and it has been stretching and learning and a gift of an experience.
In my volunteer role as chair of the Communications and PR team, we frequently use phrases about doing life WITH families and sharing REAL life. I have loved these concepts and wondered how I could do more to be involved with families beyond Board meetings and PR work. So the opportunity to fill in as Director let me do just that.
My experience in business has served me well with managing projects and procedures, but this was a whole new realm to learn. This job is definitely the REAL of the daily program operations. And we are not kidding. Case Managers have to ask hard questions, families navigate the challenges of living together in community, and some days can get, well, messy.
There are days of joy almost too great for words, when a guest gets a job with benefits, or a diploma finally comes through, or a graduating family earns a savings match AND a car all in one day.
There are also days where all our efforts will not be enough. To rescue a person who does not want to be rescued. To convince a family we are on their side when we hold them accountable to our program guidelines.
For all the work we do to help potential families through the interview process, some still may not qualify.
The staff and volunteers who are daily with our families are laying down their lives, both with time and with the emotional investment of their caring hearts, and it is always a risk.
We invest our time and emotions into these kids and families, and some will not succeed in the ways we hope. We support and empower and show love, but some choose to leave and try other ways or harness other resources. We hope we are a positive step in their journeys.
But.
Some will soar.
Some will push and knock on doors and opportunities, and refuse to rest until all their goals are met. Some will surprise us by their resilience, and by their tenacity as they seek out new jobs and housing and life for their sweet children.
And these are the stories we hold on for. When we meet for cake and make speeches at a graduation party, our hearts glow when teary graduates explain how much their lives have changed and how this giant family of volunteers has given them a place to belong.
Our graduates don’t have perfect lives. But they will keep engaging with us, with A Thrive Community and/or a mentor, and they keep growing. They’re not people who have life put completely together (honestly, who does?), but they are willing and open to grow.
The constant, ongoing theme I see in successful people is that they are hungry to learn and grow. To receive new ideas and become even better versions of themselves.
I think that’s the best kind of person to be. I used to want to be the put-together helper, but taking a cue from these friends, I think my new goal is to be the honest and ever-growing learner.
You — guests, staff, volunteers, and graduates — have been inspirational co-workers and co-learners in this time. Many of you patiently taught me what I needed to do in the Director job, and that helped me create systems and ideas to pass on for the future.
Thank you. For entrusting me with this spot. For saying yes to fun volunteer projects, taking on less glamorous tasks, and encouraging me in hard days. For taking my phone calls seeking advice, suggesting new guest resources, and for dropping your plans to run errands. Most of all, for being in this together. Good Lord, I could never do it alone. Everyone has a way to contribute at Family Promise. I truly believe that.
Deep gratitude to Carrie Corliss, our Board President, who served as my boss as well as my friend and supporter in this time, and to the Board, staff, and volunteers who give so much to keep the program running.
And as I refocus on my volunteer role, I am EXCITED to have Stacia in the Director spot, for the heart and energy and skills she brings, for all of us to move towards our Second Rotation Expansion, and for this big and important work we keep doing with families seeking new lives in our community.
Together, we can do amazing things.
With gratitude and hope,
Katy
Katy Penner continues as our Board Secretary and PR/Communications team chair. She served as Interim Director from January to June 2018, and she is currently a Marketing & Communications consultant and Fair Trade advocate.
Family Promise of Greater Wichita unites hearts and hands to provide compassionate hospitality and empower homeless families with children to achieve sustainable independence. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
