Family Promise Of Collin County

Homelessness can seem to be an overwhelming problem. Many people wonder what one person or one congregation can do to truly make a difference.

The Family Promise Network provides a way for religious congregations to work together to help homeless families. Each congregation participating in the Network provides overnight lodging and meals for three to five families (up to fourteen people) for one week each two or three months on a rotating basis. Homeless families which we prefer to call our guests, stay at the house of worship from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily. Each morning, guests are taken by van to a day center where they meet with the Network director, care for preschool children, look for housing and employment, or go out to school or work.

The Family Promise Network enables religious congregations to meet the important basic needs of homeless families, who represent the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. Usually, more than half the guests in the Network are children and most of the children are less than five years old. Nationally, more than 3,500 congregations participate in Family Promise Networks, also known as Interfaith Hospitality Networks – where many thousands of volunteers help families regain their independence.

Volunteers are the foundation of the Network. There are many ways that you can volunteer to help. As a Family Promise volunteer, whether you prepare a hot meal, read to or tutor a child, help a parent write a resume, or stay overnight with guests, you will make a difference in the lives of families that have suffered the loss of their homes.

To find out how you or your congregation can be involved, please come to the next meeting or contact one of the development board members on the other side of this form for more information.


Meetings are scheduled for alternating fourth Monday or Thursdays. There is a pre-meeting which will include a Family Promise video and a brief question/answer session for newcomers starting at 6:30 p.m. and the regular meetings start at 7:00 p.m.

For immediate release:

CRUISE PLANNERS & FAMILY PROMISE MAKES A DIFFERENCE VIA FUND RAISING PROGRAM

Allen, TX November 1, 2009- Tom Shanley, owner of a Cruise Planners franchise in Allen, TX loves to help people plan their perfect cruise vacation. His customers come from all walks of life and interests and seek information about cruises ranging from a short 3 night get away to an exotic around the world voyage.

Recently, a new program from Cruise Planners known as “Cruise for the Family” created an opportunity for Cruise Planners to combine the popularity of cruising with fund raising that benefits a worthwhile organization. Cruise for the Family was developed by Cruise Planners in partnership with Family Promise of Collin County to raise funds that will provide food, shelter, and support services to Collin County Families with children as they regain sustainable independence.

According to Shanley, “This is truly a win-win for everyone. When one of my clients sails, 100% of the profit will be donated to Family Promise. Family Promise (www.familypromiseofcollincounty.org) provides a way for religious congregations to work together to help homeless families, and the Cruise for the Family program believes in bringing positive impact to our industry, customers, and the community that we all home.”

Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Service Representative is the largest home-based travel agent network in the cruise industry with more than 700 franchise owners across the country that independently book cruises and associated travel. Founded in 1994, Cruise Planers has achieved the highest industry awards year after year; Royal Caribbean’s Home-based Partner of the Year (2007 and 2008), Carnival’s Pinnacle Club (10 years in a row), American Express Travel Services Rep Excellence Award (2004-2009) and Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 ranked #1 cruise agency franchise (2004-2008), to name a few.

For more information, please visit www.seahorsecruising.com or www.familypromiseofcollincounty.org.