In 1986, Karen Olson, founder of Family Promise National, had a vision to help homeless children and their families. Friday, May 12, she will be participating in the Family Promise NI Golf/Walk fundraiser and speaking at the 6pm dinner at the Links Golf Course, 10623 N. Chase Rd., in Post Falls, Idaho. Her talk will lead attendees through the years prior to 2003 when Family Promise became a non-profit with “promise” in the sense of the commitment communities make to families in need. “Promise” also refers to the potential inherent in every family.
Family Promise of North Idaho became an affiliate in 2008. Since then, the mission of transforming lives for homeless children and their families has been the primary driving force. Over the past eight years, Family Promise has provided and cared for 131 families; 452 individuals—231 of which are children. At any given time, they may be providing for up to three families simultaneously, with an average 48-day stay per family. The guests are referred to FPNI through various channels. These methods are tracked through a call log kept by an office volunteer. Some of the call logs reflect referrals from St. Vincent DePaul, Health and Welfare, Veteran’s Services, Coeur d’Alene School District’s Homeless Liaison, churches and many more.
The vision for Family Promise of North Idaho is to serve our community through partnerships so every child and their family has a home, a livelihood and the chance to fulfill their dreams. You can be part of that partnership by donating, attending fundraising events, volunteering, serving on a committee or applying to become a board member.
Mark your calendar for the Golf/Walk fundraiser. The cost is $100 and includes an 18-holes round of golf, range, cart, prizes and dinner. For those just walking the course, the cost is $35 per person. Tickets are available for purchase at the Family Promise North Idaho office or online at FamilyPromiseNI.org.
