My First 2 Months Working with Family Promise

There are times in our lives when we feel alone.

One can feel like an island in a lake. Where the only living thing is a single lonely tree and you are that tree. As much as you stretch for the sun and warmth, nothing seems to change around you and there is no hope for the future. All you can see is a patch of beach and wide-open water as far as the eye can see. Then, one day a boat comes ashore and you find you are not so alone and possibilities begin to blossom.

I took a leap of faith.

left my job of 13 years — an industry I have worked in all of my life. I was feeling alone and believed the horizon I looked at every day was never going to change. Then one day, an opportunity was presented to me and the possibilities became plentiful. I started to have hope and look forward to the next day. Mostly, I started to imagine and dream of what my life could become.

For me, my “boat” was Family Promise of Ozaukee County. They took a chance and hired an “outsider” that had nothing but passion and determination to make a difference. From day one they treated me like I belonged and were inclusive and understanding as I struggled to find my place in this new world.

In the first 8 weeks, I have witnessed the strength and determination of the staff at Family Promise. I have watched them struggle to hire the best person (being grateful I didn’t have to do that anymore). I watched this team embrace each new team member and immediately include them in everything. They truly believe in their employees.

The most incredible thing is to witness and be part of the little ‘miracles’ that happen there every day.

I walk in wondering what the day will bring; knowing my plan for the day will likely change. I was blessed to watch a community spread so much love and care to others through the Christmas season. What was donated to the Family Promise families was more than they have ever experienced before. We had the incredible opportunities to reach out beyond our organization and impact others in need in a most delightful way. Port Washington and Ozaukee County truly made an impression on me this holiday season.

I have also been a part of other ‘miracles’.

I was able to be a part of a team that helped two separate individuals that were living in their cars find safe and secure lodgings. I, honestly, never wanted to believe this happened in Ozaukee County. Different segments of the community stepped up to support these individuals by funding hotels, providing food and medicine, help with transportation, and car repairs. Now, they each have a room in the Family Promise shelter where they will continue to get the support they need to move on into their own apartment. Their journeys are just beginning – but they have hope and are no longer a lonely tree on an island. It was a challenge I couldn’t have imagined having a solution to. However, watching so many moving parts come together to lend a hand is exactly the world I want to be working in.

To think, this all happened in just the first two months. If this is what can happen at Family Promise in such a short amount of time, I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish in the future. You too can help make a difference – volunteers always needed and donations as well. Thank you, Port Washington and Ozaukee County for all you do so we can do what we do.