Members of the Family Promise network of congregations.

Juana Jimenez, 39, managed to escape a violent relationship and found refuge in a domestic violence shelter in December 2008. Jimenez and her three young children were now safe, but their financial situation and future prospects looked grim. ‘Someone from the shelter told me about Family Promise, and we were refereed to them in February of 2009. I cannot say enough for all they did for us, and I graduated the program in March and now have a job and things are looking much better,” said Jimenez.

Family Promise is a nationwide organization with networks in 39 states, and the goal is to provide hospitality, food and shelter to families in the program. The South Palm Beach County chapter has been up and running since November 2008 and is comprised of 15 congregations from Boca Raton to Delray Beach.

St. Gregory’s Episcopal church in Boca is part of the network, and volunteer coordinator Diane Jones said the congregations take turns hosting and supporting families.
“We work with the school district, nonprofit organizations and other local congregations to see what resources are out there for our families. With such a vast network, someone is sure to know someone that can address a particular need,” she said.
Jimenez said those needs ranged from transportation to counseling services.
“My children are between two and 12-years-old, and they made sure we all got wherever we needed to go. They worked with me on writing resumes and interviewing, and I really cannot say enough for all they do,” she said.

Families in need do not have to belong to a specific congregation or adhere to any specific faith, and the only requirement for assistance is a proven need. Those needs range from diapers to cars, which have been donated and fixed up for families in need. Program Director Kokie Dinnan said they are always looking to bring more congregations in to the fold.

“We can only accommodate four families or 14 people right now due to issues with transportation and resource allocations. We currently have a waiting list of families, and we would love for any congregation from Boca north to Lake Worth to join us in helping families in need,” she said.

For more information and a complete list of participating congregations, visit www.familypromisespbc.org.