Families Moving Forward

“Reviewed and approved by finance committee.”

“Officers and board members are asked to annually self-report conflicts of interest whenever they arise.”

“Documents are available to the public upon request.”

“Families moving forward offers a temporary home to families with children in the crisis of homelessness. Working together, we create a path to stability and self-sufficiency through personalized services and ongoing community support.”

“The nest (neighbors experiencing success together) stability for homeless families is our number one goal. We know that moving families into permanent housing quickly yields better results and makes better use of limited budgets. The government and private funding sources on which we depend expect us to meet the challenge and we are now structured to do just that. Our programming has been restructured to focus on developing the life skills necessary for self-sufficiency from the minute our guests walk through the door. Staff helps our guests find employment and become active members of society. Alongside our partners we assume the role of champion, encouraging and inspiring guests in a non-judgmental, loving space. Relationships are based on mutual respect and a firm belief in the inherent value of every human being. The nest is our core program that transitions families to stability and self-sufficiency. It helps our guests identify and overcome the root causes of homelessness while teaching essential life skills like financial literacy, employment strategies, and family health and wellness. We work with parents to find jobs and to secure and sustain affordable, permanent housing. In july 2016, fmf transitioned to an emergency shelter model with a goal of families exiting in 90 days. The nest accommodates 21 families (serving 80-100 families per year) in our safe and secure residential environment for up to three months. Fmf offers intensive case management and a variety of programs run by our collaborative group of staff, volunteers, faith-based organizations and partner agencies throughout the community. Volunteers play a crucial role by providing warm hospitality and loving support, serving meals and hosting evening programming for both adults and children. In 2019, fmf served 81 families through the nest.”

“Branching out encompasses the second phase of support we provide after guests move into their own homes. We deliver services for up to 12 months after our families exit our emergency shelter program, making us better able to ensure our guests long-term stability and prevent returns to homelessness. Families moving forward offers a professional support network including highly trained staff and strong community partners. Case managers develop customized action plans for each family and maintain ongoing support in person and by phone. Through our network of committed staff, partners, and volunteers, including volunteer-driven circles of support, we help to empower families with the life skills and tools they need to become self-sufficient. Self-sufficiency is the ultimate goal for our families. Our branching out aftercare program helps make that goal a reality. In 2019, fmf served 86 families through branching out.”