Our Story
History of Family Promise of Summit County
Since 2004, Family Promise of Summit County has helped homeless families with children stay together and achieve sustainable independence. We offer families a bridge out of despair into hope as they battle one of the toughest obstacles of their lives. One of more than 200 affiliates of the national Family Promise organization, we take an innovative, integrated approach to serving families experiencing homelessness.
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Always at capacity, we are the only facility in Summit County that houses the entire family together regardless of age, gender, or marital status. In fact, we are the only program with an ability to serve single fathers with children and families with male children age 12+ regardless of parental structure. Family Promise serves a growing segment of the homeless population who would otherwise be without services.
Family Promise is more than a homeless shelter. We help families achieve lasting independence by addressing the root causes of their poverty and homelessness through trauma-informed case management, financial literacy education and Open Table Mentoring in addition to comfortable shelter, meals, vouchers, and essential supplies.
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The efficacy of the organization is measured by the success of families served. Family Promise’s most important outcome is a guest graduation rate which signifies completion of services, secure housing, at least one employed adult, and establishment of a plan for stability and independence.
Our work is made possible through financial and in-kind donations, collaborations, and our amazing volunteers. Our families may be temporarily homeless, but because of Family Promise, they will never be hopeless.
2003:
Our founders established the Interfaith Hospitality Network to serve families experiencing homelessness in Summit County. Thank you to all of the Congregations and Volunteers that have made a difference in the lives of these families for 20 years!
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2004:
• Family Promise began serving families with children experiencing homelessness.
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• Staff consisted of 1 full time and 1 part time employee.
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• No more than 4 families could be served at a time.
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• Eleven families served first year.
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2010:
Adopted the new national name of Family Promise becoming Family Promise of Summit County.
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2013:
3 Full-time staff.
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2014:
Family Promise moves to Voris Street and opens the day center.
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2015:
Family Promise partnered with PetSmart to serve the pets of families.
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2020:
COVID hit. Due to decrease in need for family day center at Voris Avenue site, Family Promise moved to the Ohio Means Jobs Center at 1040 E. Tallmadge Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44310 to right-size the program.
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2021:
• Family Promise expanded into the 10-unit Glendora Apartment Building expanding capacity to 10 families at a time.
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• Family Promise developed the Survive-to-Thrive Destination Homeownership program to offer qualified families a chance to become home owners.
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When a family reaches homeownership, that is when family generational wealth begins.
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2023:
Family Promise cut the ribbon on the first home in the Survive-to-Thrive Destination Homeownership program—the first of many to come.
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