Discover More Family Stories
Flemming Family
Veronica, alongside her husband Richard and three grandchildren, calls Sarasota County home. Veronica and Richard's work had been the bedrock of their family's stability. However, their world turned upside down when Veronica learned of a COVID outbreak at her office, forcing its closure for six months. Simultaneously, Richard received a life-altering diagnosis of prostate cancer, rendering him bedridden and unable to work. Fearful and reluctant to seek help, they found themselves falling behind on bills, their reserves dwindling rapidly. Desperate to stay afloat, they reached out to Family Promise of South Sarasota County, seeking assistance to tide them over until they could find a solution for their company. Thanks to the compassionate support of Family Promise and Seasons of Sharing, Veronica and her family received a lifeline. A total of $3,676.50 in mortgage assistance provided much-needed relief, allowing Veronica to stabilize their situation and regain their footing.
When we asked the Flemming Family about their experience, they shared:
“My family would like to thank you for your kindness and great support. You and Family Promise have been of stellar support during our time of bereavement. I lost my daughter and began raising my grandchildren while helping my husband through his illness. We are so grateful for you and the team at FP. I appreciate you taking the time to check on me and my family during trying times, we could not be more appreciative and grateful for the unselfish help you have provided. With that, I am genuinely grateful for the mortgage assistance.
To our case manager, thank you so much for everything.”
Flanagan Family
Erin and her two children, Aiden and Madison, relocated to Sarasota County in September 2021. Despite working full-time, Erin also takes on the responsibility of homeschooling one of her children. When faced with tough times, Erin sought temporary shelter with a friend until she could stabilize her situation. Unfortunately, due to challenges related to her children's disabilities, Erin's friend asked them to leave abruptly, leaving Erin struggling to secure housing. Even when she found a place, the high move-in costs posed a significant obstacle. In her time of need, Erin turned to Family Promise of South Sarasota County for assistance. Family Promise stepped in to provide crucial support, covering the first and last month's rent to help Erin and her children move into a new home and regain stability in their lives. Additionally, Family Promise offered pantry assistance, providing essential items like personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and household goods to ease their transition.
Expressing her gratitude for the support received, Erin emphasized the invaluable role of her case manager at Family Promise. "Our case manager was a fantastic communicator and was very quick to obtain assistance for myself and my family," she shared. "We definitely wouldn’t be moving in without the help!" Erin's experience highlights the vital impact of community organizations like Family Promise in providing much-needed assistance and hope during times of adversity.
Kayla and her two children have made Sarasota County their home. In 2019, Kayla received the devastating news of a bone cancer diagnosis. Despite her battle, she managed to sustain her job and cover expenses for over two years. However, in October 2021, a significant setback arose when doctors discovered a large mass in her femur, prompting her resignation from work to focus on treatment. Facing financial challenges, Kayla applied for social security disability benefits, but the process, even expedited, could take 3-4 months. As a final resort, she turned to Family Promise of South Sarasota County for assistance during the first three months of 2022 while awaiting the processing of her disability application. Thankfully, FPSSC stepped in, providing $1500 in financial aid, complemented by $1800 from Season of Sharing, ensuring housing stability for Kayla and her children until April 2022.
Gratefully reflecting on her experience with Family Promise of South Sarasota County, Kayla shared, "I cried for hours. I forgot how kind people could be. It’s been amazing. I’m so grateful." With the financial burden lifted, Kayla recognized, "I was very blessed with this assistance; I will be able to stress less. Thank you!" This support has provided Kayla with relief and renewed hope during a challenging time.
Yenna Family
In the fall of 2021, Cierra Harris faced the unraveling of her marriage and made the tough decision to leave, only taking her children and $20. They bounced between friends' couches and occasional hotel stays, struggling with high expenses and uncertainty. Unable to afford the steep rents and hefty deposits required for an apartment, Cierra turned to Family Promise of South Sarasota County as a last resort.
Through the Bridge Housing Shelter Program, Cierra found stability and support. With Family Promise's assistance, she secured a three-bedroom apartment at an affordable rent. Although faced with the challenge of coming up with first and last month's rent, Cierra diligently pursued financial counseling and case management requirements, ensuring she was ready to move in by late December. Now, with a place to call home, Cierra looks ahead with hope, aiming to save for a house and complete her bachelor's degree. Her journey is a testament to resilience and the invaluable support of community organizations like Family Promise.
“I remember thinking, ‘God is good,’” she said. Looking ahead, she hopes to save money, buy a house, and finish her bachelor’s degree. “Seven weeks ago I didn’t even know where I was going to sleep the next night,” she said. “Now I have a place to come home to.”
Harris Family
Wilson Family
The Wilson Family, led by Dad Derek, who works at ADT, includes twins Koan and Jason, and the youngest, Kado, who has nonspeaking autism. Despite sharing custody with their mother, Derek faced a housing crisis when his landlord raised the rent and gave him a non-renewable lease due to plans to sell the home. Despite his stable job, finding affordable housing in the current rental market proved challenging. Fortunately, Derek discovered Family Promise while working on alarm systems for new housing units. Accepted into the program, he completed the Bridge Housing program and moved into Parkside Cottages as part of the Pathways Home program.
Reflecting on his experience, Derek expressed profound gratitude for Family Promise, describing it as a beacon of hope during challenging times. He praised the program's staff and volunteers for their magnificent support, particularly highlighting the assistance from the case manager and weekend staff at the Day Center. Derek's children have also found joy in making friends in their new neighborhood, bringing him immense happiness. Derek concludes with heartfelt thanks, acknowledging Family Promise for providing him and his family with hope and the opportunity to thrive once again.
Kayli, Austin, and Marleigh, the Stratton Family, moved from Michigan to Florida in October 2020. Since moving here, they have faced challenges finding a stable place to live. They stayed with a family member for a short time, and paid rent but the circumstances were less than ideal. There were six people squeezed into a three-bedroom house, including other adults - even one with a substance abuse disorder. It was crowded and there were many maintenance issues like sewage backups and the lease was drawing to a close. They were able to find a home to move into that was within their budget, but they found themselves without the required move-in costs.
When asked about their experience, the family shared: “Thanks to generous donors like you, Family Promise provided us with the first and last month's rent, allowing us to move into our first home together. We've been stably housed in South Sarasota County for over a year now, without needing additional assistance. We're incredibly grateful for the support that has helped us establish a safe and stable living environment for our family.”
Stratton Family
Tiffany Wright and her son had high hopes for their new place. Tiffany shared with us her story:
“I thought I was moving into my new beautiful place on July 31st, but that was not the case. Very stressful time. The move in date got pushed to August 6, 14 and then to August 20th when we finally moved in.
Before, we get to the good part, Let me back up some...
On July 31st my 2 year old and I were at [a local motel] and its was not the best, we both got sick with sinus infection and missed work and school. On top of that, paying for the hotel room was breaking the bank; eating out was breaking the bank. So I reached out to family Promise and my case manager was awesome and on point with me. I didn't know when I was moving in and I now didn't have the money to move in due to paying for the motel. Family Promise kept their promise and helped us with our move-in fees, new beds and more.... coming from such a stressful situation for two years, Family Promise helped provide a way for us.
Thank God for your organization making real changes in our community of Venice, FL.”
Wright Family
We had the joy of working with the Berry Family. When asked about their experience, Shantel shared:
”My name is Shantel. Back in 2015, I got into some financial trouble and lost my job, and then my apartment. For the next 3 years, my daughters and I would stay a couple months at a time in different places with other people but it always ended up not working out long term. At one point, we were even staying in a camper in someone’s driveway for 3 months. When we had to leave there, we ended up sleeping in my car and living on the only income that I was getting which was child support. This was over a weekend. So, the following Monday I decided to call Family Promise.
Luckily, they just had a family move out and they had space for me and my little family. While staying with Family Promise we had the best experience. I got one-on-one assistance from my case manager. They still keep in touch with me regularly and helped me with resources to find a job. They provided meals, shelter, and assistance with gas. Toward the end of my stay an opening at a program called New Paradigm came up and I was assisted with filling out the applications to get into that program for a two-year transitional housing program.
Family Promise is still in my life and helping with after care, I appreciate that they don't just kick you out and cut you off. I can always reach out to Family Promise if I need any help with anything. They are truly there to help you succeed so you don't end up in the same situation again. Today, January 7, 2020, I am working towards buying a home. With Family Promise’s help I have been able to save money and will continue to be able to save money. I am appreciative on a daily basis for EVERYTHING that Family Promise has done for me and feel confident that they will continue to be part of my life even after I am completely finished with the program. Family Promise is truly FAMILY to me.”
Berry Family
We had the joy of working with the Hodge Family. When asked about their experience, Curtis, shared:
“On behalf of my family, I'd like to thank everyone involved in assuring a sense of security and stability for my sons and I.
It's hard to find the words to express my appreciation and gratitude. Thank you is truly not enough! So, with love and admiration in my heart for those involved both remotely and more intricately in providing for our daily needs, I thank God for you.
Thank you for allowing God to sow the seed of giving within your hearts. The contributions you have made to Family Promise for me and my family has been tremendous! Our lives would not be the same without you.
Thank you for living up to your foundation's name... and keeping my family together.
Blessings always,
The Hodge Family”
Hodge Family
Tamara reached out to Family Promise. We were grateful to be able to help her and her young children. Tamara shared this about her experience:
”My name is Tamara Joseph and I am the single mother of two beautiful children, 4-year-old Malachi and 5-month-old Angel. We found ourselves in a housing crisis due to a bad relationship. The last stable housing we were in was in 2019, since then we had been bouncing around, living with friends and sleeping on their couches. We had lost everything. I had lost my job and childcare and it was difficult trying to stretch the little money I was receiving from the government. Sometimes we went without food.
I received information on the Family Promise Program from a friend. I called and talked with them and then had an interview and was admitted to the program, just before I had to be out of the place I was currently staying in. Family Promise has helped my family tremendously, they provided my family with a place to stay, food to eat and necessities for daily living. I received Case Management Services, which included the New Beginnings financial education (which I intend to continue working on). They immediately helped to get my kids in daycare so that I would be able to work when I found a job. I found a job pretty quickly, and now we have a place of our own, and I can concentrate on furthering my education in nursing.
For anyone out there struggling with housing insecurity, just know that that is not where your story ends. There are people with resources ready to assist you. Thank you, Family Promise, I am truly grateful!”
