Family Promise
a nonprofit organization committed to helping low income families achieve lasting independence
Since its inception in 1986, Emmanuel Baptist Church has been working with Family Promise (formerly the Interreligious Fellowship for the Homeless). Family Promise is the only organization in Bergen County dedicated to sheltering and supporting homeless working families. Sheltering is provided by a network of local houses of worship throughout Bergen County.
Currently, Emmanuel works in a group with Ridgewood United Methodist Church, Ridgewood First Presbyterian Church and the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood. For two weeks each year, families are housed at the Methodist church. Emmanuel and the other members of the group provide support by cooking meals, interacting socially with the families in the program, and providing overnight hosts. Both adults and youth from Emmanuel volunteer to help these two weeks.
Family Promise also has a Youth Council for high school students, and a summer camp. Students from Emmanuel support the program through these activities.
Contact Anita Powell-Byrd at [email protected] for additional information.