The generosity of our Family Promise networks continues to amaze us. Our Vehicle Initiative is off and running because caring hearts and hands have decided to pass along cars they no longer need. Ivery and Jonathan Kaufman are some of these donors. They have been active since our early days and are frequent volunteers at the Day House and in their Host Congregation. Ivery has walked with several guest families in this time and shares her van story with us today.
After volunteering regularly with Family Promise, I could only feel gratitude for my old car that fit my family. Most of my new friends experiencing homelessness don’t own a car, or they were transporting their kids in a car that doesn’t have enough seats for everyone. Some friends took their whole family on the bus — including babies and toddlers — to go to work, daycare, the grocery store. Or they constantly asked for rides from family, friends, acquaintances. It’s exhausting for a family, and it limits their opportunities. My van might be old, but it worked and served our family well for years.
When we decided to replace our van, we chose to give the van away as a tithe to God — a physical reminder that our vehicles, our money are gifts. We’re just doing our best to remember and give credit to the One who gave us a reliable car the past 7 years. I am proud of the 208,000 miles I had in that van! And it still ran well when we drove it to Family Promise to donate.
Want to get involved in our Vehicle Initiative?
- If you have a vehicle to donate, please contact the Day House at 316-977-7026.
- If you have automotive expertise and can serve on our Vehicle team, please contact Jackie at the Day House or director@familypromisewichita.org.
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.
