We are so proud of our Executive Director Elise!

In the News

 

Elise Chesson has High Hopes for Family Promise of Berks County
by Susan Shelly

“Elise Chesson firmly believes that caring for those who have the least is a strategy that, in the long run, strengthens communities and makes everyone better off….. If we come together and embrace our differences, and recognize all the wealth and resources that we have, right here, that’s the point that this area will start to turn around. And that’s something everyone would benefit from.”

Read the rest of Family Promise of Berks and Executive Director Elise Chesson’s recent feature in Women2Women‘s “Women2Know” Winter 2018 Magazine.

Family Promise said:  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Family Promise has been serving homeless families in Berks County since 2006!  Thanks to the many communities of faith that regularly share their facilities and the volunteers who are willing to share their gifts of time and treasure by serving as overnight hosts and providing meals and hospitality to our guests, we have offered hope to many families and strengthened our community.

We had a wonderful Pastor and Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast in the picnic pavilion at Schwarzwald Lutheran Church on a lovely June morning. About 100 folks who have volunteered with Family Promise over the years attended. We shared stories and statistics that helped remind us that this is important work we are doing together!  We are making a difference in the lives of the families we touch.  Some coordinators and pastors shared how this program has made a difference to them and their sense of ministry. Five of our graduate and current families shared their stories. One former guest said she did not know what a family was supposed to be like until she experienced the respect and caring of the many volunteers. Another former guest is soon ready to graduate from Bloomsburg. Another family is finally able to have all their children living together in their own place. It was inspiring to hear of their successes! We thank God for all of the volunteers that make this success possible!

Family Promise commended for 10 years of Hope and Promise

Presentation of Congratulatory Citation for Family Promise of Berks 10 years of service from the PA Senate by Senator Judy Schwank to Executive Director Gwen Didden.
Senator Judy Schwank presents PA Senate citation to Gwen Didden
Presentation of Congratulatory Citation for Family Promise of Berks 10 years of service from the PA House of Representatives.
Chris Winters presents PA House of Representatives citation to Gwen Didden

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania Senate presented Executive Director Gwen Didden with congratulatory citations at the 2015 Taste of Hope gala on September 16. Republicans and Democrats agree on the benefit Family Promise provides to the community.