Family Promise Garden of Hope Party Features Founder Karen Olson

Family Promise, the Summit-based national nonprofit helping homeless and low-income families achieve financial independence, will host its first Garden of Hope Party at Reeves-Reed Arboretum on May 10, 2018, from 12-2 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to hear from Family Promise founder Karen Olson, and from a graduate guest who published a book while in the shelter program in Union County.

“Karen’s story demonstrates the power of one person to make a difference in the lives of thousands of others. She turned a local solution to family homelessness into a national movement,” said Cara Bradshaw, Chief Impact Officer at Family Promise. “We believe in the power of every individual to make real change, and the guests at our garden event will have the opportunity to do just that— because one homeless child is too many.”

Nichole, a graduate of the Family Promise program in Union County, was studying for her teaching degree and working full-time to support her son, Zion. Just six credits shy of graduating, she was laid off and had to leave school. She found a new job, but it couldn’t cover expenses. With the help of the Family Promise-Union County program, Nichole earned her substitute teaching certification, secured a living wage job, and found a new home.

“These two women embody the spirit of Family Promise: compassion, drive, and a commitment to providing children with a home and the chance to thrive,” Bradshaw said. “Because of what Karen started thirty years ago, Nichole and Zion were offered the life-changing resources for sustainable employment, education, and housing.

This year, Family Promise is celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of its founding on the belief that Americans are compassionate people who want to make a difference. Today, Family Promise comprises more than 200 Affiliates in 43 states and engages 180,000 volunteers nationwide, aiding more than 60,000 family members annually.

Since inception, they have served more than 750,000 people; their holistic, community-based response delivering a comprehensive set of solutions through prevention, shelter, and stabilization programs nationwide.

This year, Family Promise was awarded Charity Navigator’s coveted 4-star rating for the fifth consecutive year, a top distinction from America’s largest independent charity evaluator. The rating demonstrates a commitment to accountability and transparency—an honor only 9% of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive.

In addition to meeting Karen and Nichole on May 10, guests will be offered a tour of the gardens at Reeves-Reed. To purchase tickets, or for more information, click here.