One Month. One Community. Dozens of Stories of Hope. Draft
May 2025 Newsletter
As summer begins, we’re taking a moment to reflect—not just on what’s been done, but on who made it possible.
This past month, your kindness showed up in so many forms: a mother finding her way back to stability, a student leading with compassion, volunteers being celebrated, and neighbors rounding up their change because they believe every family deserves a safe place to land.
Here’s what you helped make happen.
Katie is a single mother of two—her youngest is just 7 months old.
After leaving an unsafe situation, she returned to Wisconsin to be closer to family, but without housing of her own. She found a full-time job in West Bend, but with no stable place to stay, she moved into shelter while her 7-year-old stayed with relatives to remain in school.
Katie was accepted into our Rapid Rehousing Program on March 27. With her case manager’s support, she found safe, affordable housing in just four weeks.
On June 10, Katie and her children will move into their new home.
And we’ll continue to walk alongside her as she builds the next chapter—with stability, support, and the future she deserves.
Updates
Updated Giving Day Total Raised = $32,568.76—Thanks to You!
You showed up—and then some. With your help, we raised nearly $10,000 more than last year on Giving Day. This support is already at work, helping families access housing, case management, basic needs, and the encouragement to keep going.
Volunteer Appreciation:
A Sweet Reminder
April was National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we wanted our gratitude to feel just as personal as the care our volunteers offer. Each week, five partner churches received handmade cookies and caramel puff corn, lovingly prepared by our staff and CutThroat Cakes. It was a small gesture for people who give so much.
Lyla’s Gift: A Young Leader Makes a Difference
Meet Lyla—a student from Northern Ozaukee School District who completed a service project for our shelter by assembling and donating 26 toiletry bags for families in need.
She took the time to gather thoughtful supplies, organize them with care, and personally deliver them to our team. At an age when many are still figuring things out, Lyla chose to give.
Her kindness left a mark—and reminded us that leadership starts with love.
Mother’s Day at Portlight Shelter
Thanks to our dear friend Jennifer McBride, the moms staying in our shelter this Mother’s Day were reminded just how much they matter. Jennifer thoughtfully put together gift bags for each mother—filled with comfort, care, and love. These gifts weren’t just items—they were a reminder that every mother deserves to be honored.
Upcoming Events
LAST CHANCE:
Fox Bros. Piggly Wiggly Round Up for Family Promise & St. Vincent De Paul in May
We’re deeply grateful to Fox Bros. Piggly Wiggly for choosing us and St. Vincent de Paul as their May Charities of the Month.
Every time someone rounded up at the register, they made a quiet but powerful impact. It’s the kind of everyday generosity that holds families up.
Here’s What’s Ahead
Back to School Fair:
Registration Opens June 1
We’re making sure every student starts the school year ready—with backpacks, supplies, and support. Distribution will happen on Saturday, August 23 at Ozaukee Food Alliance
Want to help? We’re looking for:
Donation barrels
Flyers to distribute
Volunteers
Contact Joana at joana@familypromiseoz.org
Halo Artisan Skin CarePurpose – June 2–6
Support Family Promise of Ozaukee County during Charity Donation Days with Halo Artisan Skin Care from Monday, June 2 through Friday, June 6. Shop online at Halo Artisan Skin Care and enter the code ‘PROMISE’ at checkout, or visit the shop in person and mention Family Promise at checkout, and 20% of your purchase will be donated directly to help families experiencing homelessness in Ozaukee County.
Fairways for Families Annual Golf Outing
Our Fairways for Families Annual Golf Outing will be held on September 15, 2025 at Fire Ridge Golf Course in Grafton. Sponsorship opportunities are now available, so mark your calendars and be part of this exciting event that raises funds to support families facing homelessness. We can’t wait to see you there!
Save the Date
10 Years of Hope Anniversary Celebration
November 12, 2025
We’re celebrating a decade of walking alongside families with Reflecting, Renewing, and Reaching Forward: 10 Years of Hope.
Mark your calendar—we’d love to celebrate with you.
Volunteer
Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in volunteering with Family Promise of Ozaukee County? We have several opportunities available for first-time volunteers.
Spring 2025 Gardening
We’re looking for volunteers to help us with garden bed preparations at both our office and Portlight Shelter locations. If you’re interested in lending a hand, please fill out our interest form. We’d love to have your help in making our spaces welcoming and productive!
Sign Up Here →
Landscaping Support
We’re looking for volunteers to help us with some landscaping opportunities around the fence and playground after our fencing project is complete.
Sign Up Here →
Fence Staining
We’re looking for volunteers to help us stain our new fence graciously donated by United Way, PWSB and Superior Fence.
Sign Up Here →
Needs of the Month: May 2025
Shower Curtains
Ziploc Bags
Paper Towel
You can make a direct impact by ordering from our Amazon Wishlist. It’s a simple way to meet an urgent need.
Brownie Troop 8530 from Woodside Elementary and St. Paul Lutheran School for the generous donation of cookies.
This Is What Community Looks Like
Whether you donated, volunteered, showed up at the register, or simply shared one of our stories—thank you.
Your presence is felt. Your kindness is seen. Your support is changing lives.
And we’re honored to do this work with you.
With gratitude,
The Family Promise Ozaukee County Team
Family Promise of Ozaukee County, Inc.
136 W Grand Avenue
Port Washington, WI 53074-1613