Meet Our Board Member: Jared

1. Why are you on the Family Promise board?

I initially began volunteering with Family Promise in Johnson City, Tennessee, years ago and have sought to continue assisting the organization however I can since then. I continued volunteering and eventually joined the board of Family Promise in Roanoke, Virginia, when my wife and I lived there while she was in PA school. As soon as I knew we would be moving to Chattanooga (and back to Tennessee), I reached out to the local Family Promise and wanted to see how I could assist. I was given the opportunity to join the Executive Director Search Committee and was invited to join the Board once that search was completed. I believe in the mission of Family Promise and its work that is done throughout many communities across the country.

2. Why do you believe in Family Promise’s mission?

Family Promise's mission is all about grace and giving individuals and families a chance at making their lives better. Through sheltering families and collaborating with local community and religious organizations, Family Promise allows individuals to live with dignity and assists in their goals of obtaining employment and providing for their families.

3. How can others join you and support the Family Promise mission?

Whether it is through volunteering and making a meal for the families or donating to support the operations of Family Promise here in Chattanooga, there is no shortage of ways for others to get involved and assists these families.

Q&A with Lakais Delaine

Q: Why are you passionate about family homelessness?

A. I grew up very similar to a lot of our clients. I got to where I am because people assisted me. That's where my passion grew from and why I do what I do. I believe in paying it forward, and I believe everyone should have the opportunity to live a sustainable life - even if they need assistance.

Q: What are you excited to bring to the Family Promise Team?

A: New ideas. Also, continuing to do the traditional core work that Family Promise has been doing since 1998 in this community. I'm excited to bring best practices and fresh ideas to Family Promise that can help us generate our income and continue to allow us to serve the clients that we've been tasked to serve.

Q: What are you liking about Chattanooga so far?

A: I like the cultural diversity I've noticed in the city and businesses. I like that it has a small-town, welcoming feel even though it's a big area.

Q: What else do you want people to know?

A: We're opening up our home satellite shelter soon for families. We're going to start small with under 10 families. The community has rallied around us with gracious donations and support. We want the community to know we're still here and serving the clients, but we can't do that without their generous donations and help.

Meet Our Volunteer: Angela

Meet Angela, one of our volunteers! As a former Family Promise client, Angela has a first-hand experience of what it means to experience homelessness. She has been self-sufficient for two years and wants to give back to the community.

Q: How long have you been volunteering?

A: This is my second week volunteering here. I’ve always wanted to do some type of volunteer service. I had seen the Family Promise building but didn’t know what it was.

Q: What drew you to volunteer with Family Promise?

I was really drawn to volunteer because I used to be homeless. I was connected with Family Promise after running into Mayor Andy Berke down the street from the shelter I was staying in. I talked to him about my situation, and I was connected with Family Promise of Greater Chattanooga. Family Promise paid the deposit, application fee, and first month of rent for my new home.

Q: What is your favorite part about volunteering?

A: Volunteering motivates me to get up and be on the other side of the phone to help people when they ask questions. I can explain the process to people because I’ve done it myself. I know that Family Promise makes a difference. I know how I felt when the person answered the phone when I called Family Promise. I want to make sure when the phone hangs up they’re not disappointed, and they finally have hope.

Q: Why do you believe in Family Promise’s mission?

A: Because they helped me. I’m a firsthand witness that they helped me. I know that Family Promise is 100% what they say they are. Many people don’t realize that homelessness happens to women and families when someone loses a job, can’t afford to pay rent, got divorced, or was affected by COVID-19. Family Promise helps those people.

Q: How can others join you and support the Family Promise mission?

A: People can help through volunteering and donating. Family Promise can help as long as they have the funds. I know firsthand that they make a difference as long as they have the support to do so.

Q: Is there anything else you want people to know?

A: No matter who we are, we're no better than the next person. We’re all one step or one job away from possibly ending up homeless. It’s important to never give up hope in bad situations.