Veteran Family Promise of Summit County board member, attorney Chris Godios, becomes new Board Chair effective January 1, 2022! Chris has served on the FPSC board since 2017. He was a member of the Housing/Program Committee from 2017 – 2019, the Bylaws/Ad Hoc Committee in 2019, and was Treasurer/Finance Committee Chair from 2020-2021.
“I am very excited for the coming year at Family Promise, said Chris. We have a great Executive Director, an excellent staff, a dedicated Board of Directors, and wonderful volunteers.”
Launching Survive to Thrive
The out-going Board Chair, Jim Strang, has set Family Promise up to do some really great things in 2022. “I am really looking forward to seeing Family Promise place its first family into a permanent home that they will eventually own through the new Survive to Thrive program,” notes Godios. Over the last few years, Family Promise has had tremendous success in rescuing families from homelessness, placing them in temporary housing at our Glendora House, and preparing them to enter a stable rental situation. However, the opportunity for home ownership will truly heighten the way in which we can contribute to the well-being of the homeless population in a unique and life-changing way. “I am very happy that Jim Strang will be continuing his involvement with Family Promise to help see his idea come to fruition,” said Chris.
Since 2006, Chris has been a Social Security disability lawyer advocating for the disabled. In his law practice, he has represented many individuals in Summit County who became homeless as a result of their medical disabilities and subsequent unemployment.
In late 2016, Godios took a course through Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU) aimed at teaching volunteers how to serve on non-profit boards. This agency also helps to link students with compatible organizations. BVU recommended Chris consider serving on the Family Promise Board.
“I sought board membership at Family Promise because of its mission to keep families, including pets, together during periods of homelessness. I was also very impressed with the mentoring and social work services that Family Promise provides to its families. I saw this organization as one that not only temporarily helps homeless families get by, but one that helps families develop the tools and find the resources to be successful on their own. From my first meeting, I could see the dedication and enthusiasm that the Executive Director, Jeff Wilhite, had toward achieving Family Promise’s goals and mission. Knowing that Family Promise had great leadership and a great mission made me want to be a part of this organization.”
Chris was born and raised in Hamburg, NY. His parents, identical twin brother, and sister still live in Hamburg. In 2002, Godios received a bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. He came to Akron in 2003 to go to law school at the University of Akron.
He became a lawyer in 2006 and has practiced law at Smith Godios Sorensen, Inc., Shifrin Newman Smith, Inc. since that time. Throughout his career, he has focused on Social Security Disability and SSI claims/appeals. Chris represents disabled individuals who are seeking Social Security benefits from the federal government.
Chris, his wife, Rhianna, and their dog reside in Fairlawn. Rhianna is a pharmacist at Summa Health System. She is also originally from the Western New York area. In his spare time, he enjoys kayaking, taking his dog on long walks on the towpath, traveling, and visiting with family.
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