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FRIDAY FIVE : EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMELESSNESS


This blog provides the top 5 highlights or updates about Family Promise of Waukesha County for Friday, May 26, 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:

 

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK


Photos this week include images from a presentation by Matthew Desmond author of Poverty, by America, an evening with the 100 Women Who Care who selected Family Promise as their first quarter charity, Callie Pauc and Mattie Martinez in their cap and gown on their graduation day, Maria and Courtney participating in CPR training offered by CPR for All.





In his book Poverty, by America, Matthew Desmond suggests that all of us play a role in perpetuating poverty and homelessness. Would you agree or disagree with that statement?



 

1. MAKING YOUR OWN PATH



Sometimes the path we expect for families to follow in their pursuit of housing is simply not the way it is achieved. When Carrie left Family Promise of Waukesha County, she exited to a rooming house. It was not what WE viewed as ideal. Yet it did not phase her. Her persistence, with the support of her case manager Courtney, she was soon able to move into a studio apartment. Again maybe not what WE had in mind, but it was the path that was right for her. Her progress continues as she has moved into a one bedroom apartment and will soon be starting classes at Waukesha County Technical College, which will open more opportunities for her.


Escaping homelessness is extremely difficult. Sometimes it is thought that one can move from homelessness to housing in three months. It seldom works that way. There are barriers and set-backs that could make anyone lose hope and succumb to circumstances. We are proud of Carrie, her bravery, and her commitment to never giving up.



 

POLL OF THE WEEK



In his book Poverty, by America Matthew Desmond suggests that all of us play a role in perpetuating poverty and homelessness. Do you agree or disagree?

  • Agree

  • Disagree

  • Not sure


 

2. NOW IS THE TIME


To get involved in the Family Promise of Waukesha County Golf Outing being held on July 24 at Oconomowoc Golf Club!



Here are ways you can participate:


SPONSOR THE EVENT

Join these great individuals and businesses and show support for families experiencing homelessness by serving as an event sponsor! There are many levels and benefits for supporting the event.


GOLF!

The event is just over 80% full so register soon!



19TH HOLE FEATURING BEN TAJNAI

Unable to golf? Join us for the 19th HOLE featuring Ben Tajnai. Ben is a local musical celebrity known for singing the National Anthem at every Bucks game during their championship season. He has appeared in musicals and is also a voice teacher. In addition to Ben, there will be hors d’oeurves, festive beverages, dinner, silent and live auctions, and a program with stories from former shelter guests.


DONATE A BASKET

Themed baskets are part of the silent auction and we are looking for families, congregations, businesses to claim and theme and provide the items to be used in the basket. Use this sign up genius form to sign up and Maria will follow up.



VOLUNTEER

Keep an eye out as soon we will be requesting volunteers for the day!



 

3. JOB OPPORTUNITY



Family Promise of Waukesha County is seeking an individual to work in the Community Shelter. Their role would include:


  • Caring for the well-being of all shelter residents

  • Ensuring the shelter routine runs smoothly

  • Offering direction and support to volunteers

  • Assisting clients with basic needs


Available shifts are 7am-3pm and 2pm-10pm Thursday through Sunday.


Those who are interested should send a cover letter and resume to Maria: maria@familypromisewaukeshawi.org.


 

4. WISH LIST



We Need Toilet Paper: A Poem


Roses are red

Violets are blue

Without toilet paper, what would you do?


 

We have run out of toilet paper and request your help to replenish our supply.


You can drop some off at the Day Center starting next Tuesday at 139 E North Street Waukesha, WI 53188 between 8:30 am and 4pm, or you can purchase from our Amazon Wish List and send directly to us.

Call if you need an alternative drop off time.


Thank you!


 

5. EARLY CHILDHOOD HOMELESSNESS



Currently in the Community Shelter, there are three families with five children. Of those five children, four of them are under the age of five. We know that 1 out of 19 children experience homelessness before they finish kindergarten. Further we know that about 30% of homeless adults had their first experience of homelessness as a child. Yet what impact does this have on children?


SchoolHouse Connection has developed a five question quiz that make you think about early childhood homelessness and provide some stunning facts


 

MEMORIAL DAY

Thank you to all those who have given their lives for freedom, democracy and justice. As we remember those who died in war, may we also pray and commit ourselves to peace.

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”

-Joseph Campbell.




YOGA ON THE GREEN

Please join us for Yoga on the Green on June 3 from 8-9am hosted by Abundant Joy Yoga. Take a moment to rest, relax, and find your center! Any donations will benefit Family Promise of Waukesha County.



CLEAN UP DAY

Would you be interested in helping with spring clean-up around the Day Center? We are seeking a few volunteers who would spend part of a day weeding and planting flowers. Contact Joe if you are interested and then we will schedule a mutually convenient time joe@familypromisewaukeshawi.org


 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS


May 29 Our offices will be closed on Monday for Memorial Day


June 3 Yoga on the Green - Oconomowoc Community Center (lakeside)


June 6 Volunteer Training - 5:30pm - 139 E North Street, Waukesha WI 53188


July 24 Family Promise Golf Outing - Oconomowoc Golf Club


 

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA. JUST CLICK THE ICONS BELOW.






You can also join our Facebook volunteer group to learn about volunteer opportunities.

 

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