What we do
A family entering our network first arrives at the day center for an interview with the Family Promise of Monmouth County director, who explains the program. Once the guests agree to abide by the rules and regulations of our program they are welcomed into the Network and may take advantage of the many services we provide.

Each evening at the congregation, volunteers greet the family and help them settle in their private sleeping area. Volunteers provide the evening meal and dine with the guests in a family setting. Evening activities for children may include homework, crafts, tutoring, or games. Adults may plan their next day’s search for work or housing. They often read to their children, talk with volunteers, or just relax after a long day.

Volunteers prepare breakfast the next morning. Families travel to the day center in the network van, where guests shower and prepare for school and jobs. At the day center, which is supervised by the Family Promise director and staff, children play in a safe and secure setting. Adults pursue their housing and employment searches, often with help from volunteers.

At the end of the day, the van takes families back to the host congregation.

After a week’s stay with a host congregation, volunteers help families move to the next host congregation. Seven weeks is a family’s average length of stay in the network. Over 80% of guest families secure permanent or transitional housing before leaving the network.

Often the relationship between a family and the Family Promise of Monmouth County continues after their stay. Our door is always open for families seeking advice and support. Many guests return as volunteers and mentors, helping to create true sense of community.

A Hand Up

In 2007, the new program “A Hand Up” was implemented to help families move through the network more efficiently, achieve sustainable independence, and improve the quality of their lives while in the network. As a result of this program, families who complete their network stay and comply with case management goals are eligible for a variety of benefits which may include their security deposit and first month’s rent, reimbursement for transportation to and from work, funds for childcare while attending school or job training, and recreation programs for children while they live in the network. Household furnishings for new apartments and camps or classes for children are some of the quality extras included within this new program. The case management of Family Promise of Monmouth County continues to focus on achieving permanent housing, while the resources available through “A Hand Up” allows for individualized planning based on a family’s needs and abilities.