Dear Friends,
We are reaching out to share some important and exciting news with you. Over the course of the next six months, RAIHN (Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network) will be transitioning its name to Family Promise of Greater Rochester. Please be assured that while our name will change, our mission remains the same: to provide services to the most vulnerable families in the community, while recognizing the promise each family has to realize their potential.
The time is right to embrace the more recognizable, nationally-known Family Promise name, shared with the national office in New Jersey and the 200+ affiliates across the country. Family Promise began as a shelter program in 1986 amidst an emergent crisis of family homelessness, and eventually grew into a national leader in providing a holistic approach to homelessness. Likewise, RAIHN started as a shelter program in 2004 and has since expanded its programming to include a comprehensive aftercare program and eviction prevention program. As a 16-year affiliate of Family Promise, this is an opportunity to formalize our relationship, which will further enhance our services to truly reflect the five points of the Family Promise star: shelter, stabilization, prevention, community, and promise:
• The Shelter Program, begun in 2004, unites diverse faith organizations, volunteers and social services to provide shelter and food. The Shelter Program has grown to include a move to a new Day Center in 2017 and the addition of a transitional bridge apartment.
• The Aftercare & Stabilization Program, begun in 2010, provides case management services for each family as they transition from shelter to permanent housing and has an 85% success rate of keeping families housed.
• The Prevention & Rehousing Program, begun in early 2019, has provided 127 families with funding assistance to prevent an eviction, divert a homelessness episode, or regain housing. This program has been especially imperative during the COVID pandemic.
• Community – our 1,800 trained volunteers are the backbone of our work. This powerful resource of committed, compassionate, and capable volunteers is called to action to serve those with needs greater than their own.
• And finally promise, which indicates the promise we make to the community to continue to grow and address the needs of families holistically, while recognizing the promise that each family brings to catalyze their strengths into success.
It is time for us to proudly embrace the name Family Promise of Greater Rochester to accurately reflect our new reality. Please continue on this journey with us and know that the power of community can give families a chance to build a better future.
Thank you!
Kim Hunt-Uzelac, Executive Director
|Sharon Burke, Board Chair
Rev. Roderic P. Frohman, RAIHN Co-founder
Nancy Frank, RAIHN Co-founder