HOME IS WHERE THE

HEART IS
| A Public Relations Campaign |

IMPRESS
public relations

Jilli Ellis | Amanda Mitchell | Lindsay Reed | Mariah Ritterbush | Sloane Skinner

Cover Letter !
-2Dear Family Promise of Bradley County, Impress Public Relations would like to thank you for allowing us to help you in your endeavor to create a higher awareness of Family Promise in Bradley County. If a higher awareness is achieved, Family Promise will gain more volunteers from churches and the community. We believe that simply implementing a few strategies will solve Family Promises lack of community awareness and in turn produce more volunteers. During the last few months, Impress conducted both qualitative and quantitative research to gain insight into the level of community awareness of Family Promise and explored the reasons current volunteers became involved with your non-profit organization. Our firm has worked hard to develop a campaign that will most benefit your hopes for building a stronger and more successful organization. According to our research, the most pronounced issue regarding Family Promise of Bradley County is the lack of community awareness. After conducting several random surveys, we found that the majority of Bradley County is unaware of the existence of Family Promise. In order to find out how we could most effectively reach the community, we conducted in-depth interviews with people already affiliated with Family Promise. We found that most people prefer to receive information regarding non-profit organizations via traditional mail and word of mouth. We will use the information we learned from conducting the interviews to implement new strategies for reaching the community. We believe if our campaign is implemented Family Promise of Bradley County will see a greater amount of community awareness and in turn will gain more volunteers from churches and the community. Since this chapter of Family Promise is only a few years old, there is great opportunity for growth and improvement. Family Promises mission is one that has the potential to impact the community in a positive way. We are excited and hopeful that Family Promise will become a well known and flourishing non-profit in Bradley County.

Respectfully, !

IMPRESS
public relations

Table of contents !
-3Situation Analysis.............................................................................................4 Research ..............................................................................................................6 Campaign Goals ................................................................................................10 Key Publics.........................................................................................................11 Theme and Messages .......................................................................................12 Objectives, Strategies and Tactics .................................................................13 Logistics ..............................................................................................................16 Evaluation...........................................................................................................19 Other Recommendations.................................................................................20 Appendix:
Survey Form......................................................................................................................... 21 Survey Results ..................................................................................................................... 22 Interview Questions ............................................................................................................. 26 Radio Contacts ..................................................................................................................... 27 Newspaper Contacts............................................................................................................. 28 Wix Website ......................................................................................................................... 29 Brochure ............................................................................................................................... 30 Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................................ 32 About Us .............................................................................................................................. 33 Promise Stories..................................................................................................................... 34 Community Events .............................................................................................................. 35 How You Can Get Involved ................................................................................................. 36

Situation analysis !
-4Background Information Family Promise of Bradley County (FPBC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and a local affiliate of the national organization offering aid and support to area homeless families. By providing shelter and care to eligible families through host congregations and the organizations Day Center, FPBC works towards reestablishing the families independence. The national organization was established in 1986 and is made up of 174 networks in 43 states. FPBC consists of 10 host congregations, 10 support congregations as well as a committed team of volunteers. SWOT Analysis Strengths: FPBC has a strong network of host churches and volunteers as well as a lot of informational materials. Weaknesses: FPBC needs a more organized way to distribute their informational materials to their target audiences. The size of the internal staff able to maintain PR is another weakness. Opportunities: Family Promise is a unique organization, the only one offering the type of support for Bradley County families in need. Threats: Unfortunately, there are other ministries in the area taking up churches time and resources which is taking away potential hosting opportunities. Current Situation Family Promise is the only nonprofit in Bradley County offering homeless families rehabilitating care and support. FPBC has a strong network of host and support congregations but they are having trouble reaching new audiences. Other churches havent been interested in getting involved because of commitments to other ministries. While FPBC has a lot of information to hand out, their materials are really out of date and dont grab the readers attention. They have started a Facebook page, Twitter, and website but all their social media needs to be revised and updated consistently.

Situation analysis !
-5FPBC has an extensive contact list (about 400 people) but the database consists of anyone who has ever signed up for information. FPBC has several opportunities to achieve their organizations PR goals (to increase the number of churches involved and create a larger media presence) that they havent been utilizing effectively. For example, they have purchased a section in the Cleveland Daily Banner but the ad isnt attention grabbing. Problem/Opportunity Statement: After meeting with Family Promise of Bradley County it is clear they are looking to reach out to new, active audiences. Even though FPBC has the tools needed to increase their visibility in the community, they need assistance utilizing their media effectively. ! !

Research
-6In order to better understand Family Promise of Bradley County (FPBC) and assess their current situation, we conducted two types of research: secondary and primary. By conducting these kinds of research we were able to analyze whether any of FPBCs current public relations strategies were working and what types of recommendations needed to be implemented. Secondary Research For this portion of our research we gathered existing data. We gathered information from FPBCs website and Facebook page as well as from their various organizational materials, such as brochures and newsletters. Findings Family Promise of Bradley County is part of the Interfaith Hospitality Network, which was started in 1986 and is composed of 174 Networks in 43 states. FPBC currently consists of 10 host congregations and 10 support congregations. The Cleveland City Schools system reported 34 homeless children in city schools. Families involved with FPBC must be composed of a parent or guardian with children between the ages of 0 to 18. 76 percent of families involved with FPBC are successful in finding permanent and transitional housing enabling their independence. Homeless family statistics: Two parent families: 27 percent Female single parent: 62 percent Male single parent: 7 percent Other family composition: 5 percent

Research
-7-

Primary Research Our primary research consists of information we gathered through surveys and interviews. Impress PR chose these methods to get a better idea of how much the Bradley County community knows about Family Promise and what draws people to become involved with non-profit organizations in general. Surveys Surveys were conducted on three different occasions at the Village Green and the Cleveland/Bradley County Green Way. A total of 47 were collected. See Appendix for survey form. Findings Out of the surveys collected only seven had heard of Family Promise and the majority of those were either not familiar at all or a little familiar with what FPBC does. All seven respondents heard about FPBC through a friend or family member or through their church. Only one of the seven is involved with FPBC in a volunteer capacity and only two of the respondents are involved with a non-profit other than Family Promise. Three respondents stated their churches are involved with a non-profit other than Family Promise. The majority of the respondents said they are drawn to the mission of a non-profit organization. A total of 40 people surveyed had never heard of Family Promise of Bradley County. The respondents were equally divided on their involvement with other non-profit organizations. The majority heard about the non-profit they are currently involved with through a friend or family member. Twenty-three of the respondents said their churches arent involved with other non-profits, while fourteen of the respondents churches are involved in some capacity. Even though some respondents had multiple reasons for being drawn to a non-profit, the majority stated the organizations mission entices them to become involved. See Appendix for demographics and complete survey results.

Research
-8-

Interviews Impress PR conducted interviews with eight board members and two volunteers of Family Promise of Bradley County to gain a better understanding of why they were involved with the organization. Our goal was to apply the information we acquired to achieve our objectives. See Appendix for interview questions. Board Member Interview Results The board members interviewed heard about FPBC either through their churches or by invitation to an initial planning meeting. Besides being board members, they are also donors, part of host congregations and act as volunteers for FPBC. The board members became involved with FPBC either because of their connection through their church, or their conviction to take care of the poor as it is commanded in the Bible. One board members reason to be involved was because their family was homeless at one time and did not want children and families to have to go through such an awful time in their lives. They all firmly believe that FPBC is a great solution to help keep families from falling back into the rut of homelessness and feel it gives kids the confidence they need to make something of themselves. All of the board members interviewed are also involved with other non-profit organizations. They became involved with other organizations through their churches. The board members receive information about non-profit organizations through mail and word-of-mouth. Overall, their preferred way of receiving information about these types of organizations is by word-of-mouth, email and newspaper. The board members involved with FPBC decided to become involved because it is a credible non-profit organization with a clear mission and plan. It was a unanimous agreement that the success and recognition of a non-profit affects their decision on whether or not to be involved.

Research
-9Volunteer Interview Results The volunteers interviewed heard about FPBC through their churches, or by word-ofmouth. Both of the volunteers decided to become involved with FPBC because they have a heart for the homeless and wanted to do more within the church. Their main reason for becoming involved with FPBC is because it is an organization that helps benefit the community. The volunteers enjoy being able to work with families within their community and see them grow together. The volunteers interviewed were involved with other non-profit organizations. Their decision on whether or not to become involved with other organizations was affected by the organizations mission and success. The volunteers also prefer to be involved with organizations that benefit the local community. They receive information about the other non-profit organizations their involved with by word-of-mouth. Although, they believe the most effective way to receive information about non-profit organizations is by word-ormouth, social media and radio. Their preferred way of receiving information about the organizations they are currently involved with is by email, newspapers or direct mail. ! !

Campaign goals
- 10 Based on our collected research, we have concluded that Family Promise is in great need of community awareness. In gaining community awareness, the current volunteer count will increase and Family Promise will be able to be more effective in their efforts. Below, we have aligned our campaign goals with the needs at hand. Goal 1 To increase the number of Bradley County churches involved with Family Promise. Goal 2 To create awareness of Family Promise in Bradley Country through a stronger media presence. !

Key publics
- 11 Bradley County Churches We have selected Bradley County churches as a key public because Family Promise cannot function without host and support congregations. After meeting with Family Promise board members and director, secondary research showed that a greater amount of churches was needed. Bradley County Community After conducting our primary research, it was evident that community awareness was lacking. Therefore, the Bradley County community became our second key public to target in our campaign. We will target the community in hopes to increase the number of volunteers and supporters. ! !

Theme & messages

- 12 Campaign Theme Home Is Where The Heart Is Logo

HOME IS WHERE THE

HEART IS
Messages Bradley County Churches More than just brick and mortar: Join Family Promise and Be A Home. Bradley County Community Keeping Families Together Since 1986. !

Objectives, Strategies, & tactics

- 13 Goal 1 To increase the number of Bradley County churches involved with Family Promise. Key Public Bradley County churches Objective To increase the number of Bradley County churches involved with Family Promise from 20 to 30 by June 2013. Strategy Increase total number of churches involved with Family Promise by raising overall awareness and inspiring to action, by means of an information kit, updated campaign PowerPoint and host congregation open house event. Tactics Information Kit The information kit would be given to potential host congregations and support congregations. The information kit would provide all the necessary information and would answer any possible questions a potential supporter might have. Below is a list of the different components within the information kit. About Us FAQ How You Can Get Involved Events Promise Stories Brochure, including a Club 180 card

Objectives, Strategies, & tactics

- 14 Host Congregation Open House Event A host congregation open house would be an event open to potential host and support congregations. This event could be held at a current host congregation church who would sponsor the event for Family Promise. Below is a potential itinerary for a host congregation open house event. Appetizers and booths featuring Promise families Dinner and Family Promise slide Show/video A Word from the director, Brian Stewart Coffee and cake along with a message from a Promise family Get involved push and good night

PowerPoint Presentation An updated PowerPoint aligned with our Home Is Where The Heart Is campaign would be used and shown to potential host and support congregations. Goal 2 To create awareness of Family Promise in Bradley Country through a stronger media presence. Key Public Bradley County community Objective To increase the Bradley County communitys awareness of Family Promise by 15 percent by June 2013.

Objectives, Strategies, & tactics

- 15 Strategy Increase community involvement of Family Promise by utilizing Clevelands media outlets and social media. Tactics Radio Sponsor In order to gain a stronger media presence, Family Promise would partner with a local radio station within Bradley County. They would submit PSAs to be broadcasted to the community. See appendix for list of potential radio contacts. Newspaper Contact Family Promise would utilize the media by creating a contact with a local newspaper in Bradley County. They would submit stories about various events, current Promise Families, or other activities taking place within the organization. This would allow the community to become more aware of Family Promise. See appendix for list of potential newspaper contacts. Newspaper Ad Impress PR recommends updating Family Promises current advertisement in the Cleveland Daily Banner in order to gain community awareness in Bradley County. The new advertisement should focus on the campaign Home Is Where The Heart Is. Social Media Family Promise would utilize social media in order to increase awareness among the Bradley County community.

! !

Logistics: timeline
- 16 The timeline below is an ideal model for Family Promise of Bradley County to follow in order to implement all campaign tactics. This timeline can be altered and changed to fit the current conditions within the organization in regards to funding and time. Month 1 Place Home Is Where The Heart Is campaign ad in newspaper Make radio and newspaper contact Send out PSAs and press releases Implement social media tactics: Facebook, Wix Month 2 Make contact with area churches Visit and meet with four churches, distribute information kits Start making plans for open house event Continue to update and maintain social media tactics Month 3 Visit and meet with four churches, distribute information kits Plan open house event Continue to update and maintain social media tactics Month 4 Visit and meet with four churches, distribute information kits Finalize open house event details and logistics Continue to update and maintain social media tactics

Logistics: timeline
- 17 Month 5 Host open house event Visit and meet with four churches, distribute information kits Continue to update and maintain social media tactics Month 6 Evaluate awareness of Family Promise in the Bradley County area via surveys Evaluate increased involvement among church congregations ! !

Logistics: budget
- 18 Below is the budget for the Home Is Where The Heart Is campaign. The budget is divided according to tactics and has been tapered to fit the needs of Family Promise of Bradley County, keeping in mind that finds are limited. ! **Printing Quotes From Staples**! Information Kit! Paper: $30.00! Folders: $10.00! Printing: $10.00 ! Brochure: $4.00 (.50 per Brochure)! Club 180 Card: $2.00 (per 4)! Envelopes: $3.50 (per 6)! Buttons and Burlap: $10.00 (buttons per 8)!

! Open House Event Costs!

Venue: The open house event will be sponsored by a current FPBC host congregation. Therefore, there will not be a venue cost, as the host congregation would supply the space needed.! Food: The host church congregation will donate refreshments and services.! Invitation Cost: $25.00 (per 20)! PowerPoint Presentation ! PowerPoint software comes standard on most computers. ! Newspaper Ad ! Cleveland Daily Banner Ad: $11 ! Social Media ! Social media is a new tool that can be used for advertising and public relations. Social media is great for non-profit organizations as there is typically no cost involved for social media venues such as; Facebook, Twitter, Wix or Instagram.

Evaluation
- 19 Objective 1: To increase the number of Bradley County churches involved with Family Promise from 20 to 30 by June In order to evaluate the increased church involvement, Family Promise should measure any increase in support from churches. This can be measured by comparing a list of host and support churches from before the Home is Where the Heart Is campaign to a list post campaign. Objective 2: To increase the Bradley County communitys awareness of Family Promise by 15 percent by June 2013. There are several ways that Family Promise can evaluate the effectiveness of the Home is Where the Heart Is campaign, First, conducting a post survey would show whether or not the campaign increased awareness by 15 percent. This survey would use the same questions asked during the research stage of the Home is Where the Heart Is campaign. Results from this survey would be compared with the results from previous surveys in order to measure a growth in community awareness. Another method of evaluation would be to calculate any increase in Friends or Likes on Facebook. A calculation of increase in hits on the Family Promise website is another method to determine effectiveness of the campaign. See Appendix for survey form. !

Other recommendations
- 20 -

Newsletter An updated newsletter altered to go along with the Home Is Where The Heart Is campaign would keep current host congregations, support congregations, individual donors and volunteers in the loop. Updating the newsletter would keep all copy streamlined and clean. PowerPoint Updating the current PowerPoint presentation presented to potential sponsors would also keep current copy streamlined and clean. Aligning the PowerPoint with the Home Is Where The Heart Is campaign would be beneficial for clear understanding to potential sponsors. An updated PowerPoint would then coincide with the Home Is Where The Heart Is information kit. Intern Hiring an intern, paid or unpaid would be a valuable asset to Family Promise of Bradley County. Many non-profit organizations utilize interns to assist in several areas. The intern would assist in several tasks and daily needs within the organization. Family Promise can advertise for an internship position by way of social media or word of mouth. Utilizing surrounding colleges to find an intern is also highly suggested. !

Appendix: survey form

- 21 Demographics: Sex: Age: M/F 20-35 <$20,000 Caucasian 36-45 $20,000-$35,000 African American 46-55 $36,000-$50,000 Asian Other: 56+ >$51,000

Income: Ethnicity: If yes:

Have you heard of Family Promise? 1. How did you hear about Family Promise? News media Church Family/Friend Online source Other: Very familiar 2. How familiar are you with Family Promise? Not familiar at all Yes A little familiar No Volunteer Through church Donor Other: Neutral Somewhat familiar 3. Are you involved with Family Promise? If yes, in what capacity: Yes Yes Its mission If no: 4. Are you involved in any other nonprofit organizations? Yes News media Yes Its mission ! No Church No Family/Friend Online source Other: 1. How did you hear about the nonprofit organization you are involved with? 5. Is your church involved in any other nonprofit organizations? List them: Success Peer pressure Personal 6. What draws you to a nonprofit organizations? Integrity of the organization No No List them: Success Peer pressure Personal

4. Are you involved in any other nonprofit organizations? 5. Is your church involved in any other nonprofit organizations? 6. What draws you to a nonprofit organizations? Integrity of the organization Have you heard of Family Promise?

Appendix: survey results

- 22 Demographics! Sex Male Female No answer Total 24 20 3 47 Ethnicity Caucasian African American Asian Other No Answer Age 20-35 36-45 46-55 56+ No answer Total 30 5 10 1 1 47 Income <$20,000 $20,000-$35,000 $36,000-$50,000 >$51,000 No Answer Total 15 11 2 2 17 47 Total 41 2 3 1 0 47

Appendix: survey results

- 23 Have you heard of Family Promise? Yes How did you hear about Family Promise? News media Church Family/Friend Online Source Other Total How familiar are you with Family Promise? Not familiar at all A little familiar Neutral Somewhat familiar Very familiar Total Are you involved with Family Promise? Yes No Total If yes, in what capacity: Volunteer Through church Donor 1 0 0 1 6 7 2 3 1 0 1 7 0 3 4 0 0 7 7

Appendix: survey results

- 24 Other Are you involved in any other nonprofit organizations? Yes No Total Is your church involved in any other nonprofit organizations? Yes No Total What draws you to a nonprofit organization? It's mission Integrity of the organization Success Peer pressure Personal No Answer Total Have you heard of Family Promise? No Are you involved in any other nonprofit organizations? Yes No No answer Total 20 19 1 40 40 5 1 0 0 1 1 7 4 3 7 2 5 7 0

Appendix: survey results

- 25 -

How did you hear about the nonprofit you are involved with? News media Church Family/Friend Online Source Other No answer Total Is your church involved in any other nonprofit organizations? Yes No No answer Total What draws you to a nonprofit organization? It's mission Integrity of the organization Success Peer pressure Personal No answer Total ! 27 7 4 3 7 1 49 14 23 3 40 3 3 14 1 4 15 40

Appendix: Interview questions

- 26 1. In what capacity are you involved with Family Promise? a. Volunteer b. Donor c. Host congregation 2. How did you first hear about Family Promise? 3. What made you want to become involved? 4. What is your favorite part about being involved with Family Promise? 5. Are you involved with any other nonprofit organizations? a. If yes, what drew you to become involved? 6. How do you receive information on nonprofits? 7. What do you look for in a nonprofit organization? 8. What is the best way to reach people to become involved? 9. What is your preferred way to receive information? (Newspapers, televised news, radio, email, friends, etc.) 10. What are some reasons you wouldnt want to be involved with a nonprofit organization? !

Appendix: radio contacts

- 27 WCLE Mix Bethany McCoy, Publications Editor 423.614.6499 WOOP FM onair@woopfm.com 423.614.5553 WDYN Radio wdyn@wdyn.com 423.493.4382 Freedom Radio FM connect@freedomradiofm.com 1.888.533.3551 WAY FM 1.888.339.2936 WBAC, WAYA, WXQK 423.472.4053 !

Appendix: newspaper contacts

- 28 Cleveland Daily Banner William Wright, Lifestyles Editor news@clevelandbanner.com 423.472.5041 The People News Pete Edwards, Editor 423.559.2150 !

Appendix: Wix Website

- 29 !

http://golfchicky103.wix.com/family-promisebc

Appendix: Brochure
- 30 -

Family!Promise!!
of!Bradley! County!

Frequently!! Asked!! Questions!

Events!
Family'Event'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Annual!family!event!where!you!and! your!family!can!enjoy!free!food,! games,!prizes!and!live! entertainment.!Event!will!be!held!in! May!at!the!Bradley!County!Court! House!Square. Annual'Bed'Race!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The!annual!Family!Promise!Bed!Race! takes!place!in!September!at!Bradley! Square!Mall,!in!Cleveland.!The!local! community!is!encouraged!to!put! together!teams!and!bring!out!their! decorated!mattresses!to!race!for!the! title!of!Bed!Race!Champion.!! ! All'proceeds'go'directly'towards' benefiting'families'in'need'within' the'local'community.' What'does'Family'Promise'do?''''''''''''''''' Family!Promise!is!a!nonprofit,!nonH denominational!organization!that!brings! shelter,!meals!and!support!services!to!families! without!homes.!Family!Promise!is!a!costH efficient,!effective!and!replicable!community! response!to!family!homelessness.!! How'long'do'families'stay'in'the'program?'' Families!are!welcome!to!stay!in!the!program! for!thirteen!weeks;!however!they!often!achieve! housing!and!employment!goals!before!then.!' What'facilities'do'Host'Congregations'need' to'have'for'the'families?''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Facilities!must!include!a!lounge!area,!dining! area,!kitchen,!bathrooms!and!sleeping! accommodations.!'

HOME IS WHERE THE

HEART IS

Network!Director!

Mr.'Brian'Stewart'
423H650H4106! PO!Box!5703!Cleveland!TN!37320! ! director@familypromisebradley.org!

Appendix: Brochure
- 31 -

Family! Promise!
Our'Mission'is!to!help!families!with! children!achieve!and!sustain! independence!through!community! partnerships.! Our'Vision'is!to!create!a! community!where!every!family!has! a!home,!sustainable!income,!and! the!chance!to!build!a!better!future.!! We'are!the!local!affiliate!of!Family! Promise,!a!nationwide!nonHprofit! interfaith!organization.!Family! Promise!seeks!to!help!homeless! children!and!their!families!by! sheltering!and!feeding!them!in! church!congregations!and! providing!them!with! comprehensive!support!services.!! !

How$You$Can$Get$Involved$with$Family$Promise$
Be'A'Home'!Host!congregations!open!their! church!doors!four!times!a!year!as!a!temporary! home!for!families.!Host!congregations!will!host! families!in!the!evening!and!provide!meals!and! volunteer!support!for!the!families.!! ! Be'A'Heart''Support!Congregations!provide!basic! supplies,!volunteers!and!finances!when!needed.! These!congregations!keep!Family!Promise!alive! and!provide!sustainable!resources!to!aid!in! everyday!care.!! ! ' ' ' '
!

Be'A'Hand''Volunteers!work!hands!on!with! families!in!their!community.!Their!various!roles! include:!transportation,!childcare,!event!support! and!more.!! ! Be'a'Part'of'Club'180'H!By!Partnering!with!Family! Promise!and!giving!to!Club!180!you!can!help! families!make!a!180!turn!in!a!new!direction.!Club! 180!is!designed!for!those!who!arent!able!to!be! hands!on,!but!who!would!like!to!help!benefit!these! families.!Club!180!is!a!way!to!make!a!general! donation!to!Family!Promise!to!directly!benefit! families!in!need.!!

Appendix: Frequently Asked Questions

- 32 What does Family Promise do? Family Promise is a non-profit, non-denominational organization that brings shelter, meals and support services to families without homes. Family Promise is a cost-efficient, effective and replicable community response to family homelessness. What are the responsibilities of a host congregation? The hosting of families rotates weekly among the Host Congregations in the Family Promise Network. In turn, each congregation provides lodging, three meals a day and caring hospitality, three to four times a year. What is the day center? The day center is a home-based facility where families receive case management services from the Family Promise Director and a professional social worker. The day center is in use from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Families are provided assistance to pursue employment, tend to pre-school children, shower and do laundry. The day center provides families with a mailing address and a base for housing and employment searches. Many parents are employed during the day, while older children attend school. What facilities do host congregations need to have for the families? Facilities must include a lounge area, dining area, kitchen, bathrooms and sleeping accommodations. Can families belongings be moved during their stay at the host congregations? The sleeping accommodations need to be dedicated to the families for the entire host week. The beds and the families belongings must not be moved in the morning and put back in the evening. How are the families transported to the host congregations? Family Promise transports the families to and from the day center. Family Promise also transports the families bedding and luggage to each host congregation. How long do families stay in the program? Families are welcome to stay in the program for thirteen weeks; however they often achieve housing and employment goals before then.

Appendix: About Us
- 33 Our mission The mission of Family Promise is to help families with children achieve and sustain independence through community partnerships. Our Vision The vision of Family Promise is to create a community where every family has a home, sustainable income, and the chance to build a better future. Boilerplate Family Promise of Bradley County is the local affiliate of Family Promise, a nationwide nonprofit interfaith organization. Family Promise seeks to help homeless children and their families by sheltering and feeding them in local church congregations and providing them with comprehensive support services. While most shelters separate families during their stay, this interfaith organization strives to keep homeless families together. Family Promise provides a day center, offers the families a place to stay during the day. The day center is a home-based facility set up with equipment and staff to provide the families with the help they need to be equipped with independence. Family Promise focuses on teaching parents how to move their families out of the homeless cycle to a brighter future. For more information about Family Promise, contact Brian Stewart, Network Director of Family Promise of Bradley County. PO Box 5703 Cleveland, TN 37320 (423) 650-4106 director@familypromisebradley.org Find us on Facebook.

Appendix: Promise Stories

- 34 Promise Stories After a family graduates from Family Promises program, why not show off their success? By highlighting success stories of real people in the community, Family Promise will be able to make a personal connection to potential volunteers and donors. This concept is already demonstrated on the website, but this would be a great addition to the information kit, which will be distributed to local churches. A picture and short bio about the family and their progress through the program will help potential volunteers understand what Family Promise does in the community. Its important to demonstrate real ways in which Family Promise is making a difference. !

Appendix: Community Events

- 35 Family!Event! Join!Family!Promise!in!our!annual!Family!Event!where!you!and!your!family!can!enjoy!free!food,! games,!prizes!and!live!entertainment,!while!fellowshipping!with!your!local!community.!The! Family!Promise!Family!Event!is!held!in!May!at!the!Bradley!County!Court!House!Square.!! Annual!Bed!Race! The!annual!Family!Promise!Bed!Race!takes!place!in!September!at!Bradley!Square!Mall,!in! Cleveland.!The!Bed!Race!is!designed!to!be!fun!for!family!and!friends!within!the!community.!The! local!community!is!encouraged!to!put!together!teams!and!bring!out!their!decorated!mattresses! to!race!for!the!title!of!Bed!Race!Champion.!So!join!together!and!bring!your!bed!out!to!the!next! Annual!Family!Promise!Bed!Race.!! All!proceeds!go!directly!towards!benefiting!families!in!need!within!the!local!community.!!! ! ! !

! !

Appendix: How you can get Involved

- 36 Be A Home By partnering with Family Promise as a host congregation, you will have the opportunity to provide a home for a family in need. Host congregations will open their church doors four times a year as a temporary home, keeping families together. Host congregations only offer facilities to the families in the evening. During the day, families receive assistance at the day center. Not only will a host congregation be a home, but they will also provide meals and volunteer support for these families. Be a home for a family and change your community. Be A Heart By partnering with Family Promise as a support congregation, you will have the opportunity to provide basic supplies, volunteers and finances when needed. Support congregations keep Family Promise alive and provide sustainable resources to aid in everyday care. Be a heart and bring the home together. Be A Hand By partnering with Family Promise as a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to work hands on with families in your community. There are various roles among our volunteers such as; transportation, childcare, event support and more. Be a hand for Family Promise and see the change. Be A Part of Club 180 By partnering with Family Promise and giving to Club 180 you can help families make a 180 turn in a new direction. Club 180 is designed for those who arent able to be hands on, but who would like to help these families. Club 180 is a way to make a general donation to Family Promise to directly benefit families in need. Be a part of Club 180 and make a difference in your community.