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This blog provides the top 5 highlights or updates about Family Promise of Waukesha County for Friday, August 11, 2023.
The Friday Five is a weekly update that focuses on the 5 main things happening at Family Promise Waukesha County. We also look for ways to advocate and educate about family homelessness. It is our hope that it will help you stay informed and connected to the mission of Family Promise of Waukesha County.
Our mission is to help low-income families and families experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable independence
through a community-based response.
The stories you can read this week are:
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” — Desmond Tutu
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
Joe, Maria and Gerrylynn Ferguson at the Oakwood Church Picnic; Joe, Carrie, Kim, Kelly, Joe visited with Stephanie Riesch-Knapp, Dan Herda from United Way as they plan their fall campaign.
The title Family Promise of Waukesha County has given to our social workers is Case Manager. We are seeking a more descriptive and accurate title. Which title do you think best captures what a social worker does at Family Promise of Waukesha County?
1. IT'S A BOY!
Case Manager Courtney Rutkowski and her husband Tim are expecting
Congratulations to our Lead Case Manager Courtney and her husband Tim who are expecting their first child in December. This past weekend they revealed that they are having a boy. We could not be happier for Courtney and Tim! Congratulations.
Special Poll to Help the New Parents
What baby name would you recommend to Courtney and Tim?
Maximus
Tim
Timm
Arthur
2. VOLUNTEER DRIVING PROGRAM
Come for an informational meeting on Tuesday, August 22.
Family Promise of Waukesha County is seeking volunteers to serve as drivers for clients. Drivers would help clients get to work, interviews, doctor appointments and other crucial meetings. This is a new program we hope to pilot. Please join us for an informational meeting on Tuesday, August 22 at 6pm. Registration is necessary.
Some details:
Drivers would use our van.
Openness to driving a minivan or possibly a transit van
Go through the online and in person training program
Have insurance for $300,000/$100,000
Submit to a criminal and driving record background check
3. NOW HIRING
Seeking new staff members
Family Promise of Waukesha County is seeking mission-focused, compassionate, and dedicated individuals to serve as Intake Coordinator and Housing Navigator, Case Manager, Shelter Supervisor and Social Work Intern. Would you please help us share information about these positions?
Intake Coordinator and Housing Navigator
The intake coordinator and housing navigator is responsible for processing applications for the Homelessness Prevention Program and an initial assessment and orientation of those seeking shelter using a trauma informed approach. In addition the intake coordinator and housing navigator will build relationships with landlords and focus on developing housing options for those navigating homelessness.
Family Advocate/Case Manager
The Family Advocate is responsible for assisting families to achieve housing independence and self- sufficiency by helping them identify and address issues that impact their economic, physical, and emotional well-being. Using a trauma informed approach, case management will include goal setting, connecting clients to appropriate resources, and helping them navigate a path to independence. This role will serve families in both the Homelessness Prevention Program and Shelter Programs.
Shelter Supervisor
The Shelter Supervisor will manage the Family Promise Community Shelter overnight and on weekends. Responsibilities will include providing care and support for the families, ensuring their safety and well-being; offering direction and supervision to volunteers, communicating with Case Managers and other staff.
Social Work Intern
Gain valuable experience as a social work intern at Family Promise of Waukesha County. The Social Work Intern will support families experiencing homelessness to achieve independence by helping them to identify and address issues that impact their economic, physical, and emotional well-being. Responsibilities will include case management for prevention, shelter, and stabilization, processing intakes, resource development, and staffing the shelter.
If you are interested in a social work internship at Family Promise but not a UWM student send cover letter and resume to Joe Nettesheim, joe@familypromisewaukeshawi.org.
UWM Students can apply using the button below.
POLL OF THE WEEK
The title Family Promise of Waukesha County has given to our social workers is Case Manager.
We are seeking a more descriptive and accurate title.
Which title do you think best captures what a social worker does at Family Promise of Waukesha County? You can select more than one option.
Family Advocate
Family Care Coordinator
Family Coach
Family Life Specialist
You can vote for more than one answer.
4. NEW BABY, NEW HOME
Fresh Start Furnishings sets up a new home for a family with a newborn.
Fresh Start Furnishings, the furniture program founded by Denise O’Halloran and her sister Gail Frangiamore set up an apartment for a family who recently exited shelter. This family is mom, dad and baby who was born while they were in the Apartment Shelter. Denise O’Halloran, Gail Frangiamore, Kevin O’Halloran, and Ed Butte did a fantastic job setting up this home.
Learn more about Fresh Start Furnishings.
Click on the images to view an updates on the numbers of families we have served in prevention and shelter through July 31, 2023. To date we have provided shelter to 17 families, the same number for all of 2022, and 46 families through prevention.
PREVENTION JULY 2023
SHELTER JULY 2023
SHELTER YEAR TO DATE 2023
5. CHILD CARE HELPS FAMILIES ESCAPE POVERTY
On September 30 child care funds will be reduced impacting millions of families
When one of our shelter moms lost access to her childcare provider she had to stay home with her children. Without any viable options for child care she was soon dismissed from her job. This was a setback for a mom who was making progress toward housing. Childcare is an important ingredient, particularly single parent families, to escape poverty and homelessness. Unfortunately, a steep drop off in federal child care investment will end on September 30, creating dire consequences for families who struggle to afford childcare like those in our shelter. More than three million children are projected to lose access to child care nationwide.
The Century Foundation has projected the impact of the cutoff for children, families, and state economies. Read more in the study completed by the Century Foundation and how it will impact families.
Happy belated one-year anniversary to Maria Mundt! Maria has been a fantastic addition to our staff and a key person in organizing the new Community Shelter. Even though we are a little late, wish Maria a Happy Anniversary! maria@familypromisewaukeshawi.org
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
August 14 Community Shelter Volunteer Training
August 21 Board of Trustees Meeting
August 22 Volunteer Driver Information Meeting - 6PM
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Access our Threads account through Instagram
@family.promise.waukesha@threads.net
You can also join our Facebook volunteer group to learn about volunteer opportunities.