Family Renew Community based in Daytona Beach Florida, supporting only families with children, is celebrating it's 25 anniversary in 2014. It is funded in a very small part by the local United Way Organization. This establishes the credibility of Family Renew Community, Inc. by the fact that a recognized creditable umbrella organization provides annual financial oversight and review. Family Renew Community is a stellar example of how the United Way of Volusia and Flagler County Florida would like to have its member agencies conduct their work. A large board, representing 18 of the 20 founding churches, synagogues, and other faith based organizations supervise the operations at their monthly meetings. Additionally new churches are being recruited to expand the reach of this program. There is no religious component imposed upon the recipients of the program. Additional ongoing fund raising support is provided by these founding organizations, Additionally, a thrift store is operated that provides furnishings and personal items for the recipients at 32 apartments in three locations. Each family unit receives ongoing counseling and support to help guide them to their goal of housing independence through successful choices. The program boasts a 74% graduation rate since it's inception in 1989. It's motto " A hand up, not a hand out" continues to be the mantra of its supporters.
The challenges currently being faced include old properties with high maintenance costs and expensive child care that is provided to allow the program recipients to a save enough money for rental and utility deposits for their own homes.
I have enjoyed being the representative from Christ Presbyterian Church in Ormond Beach, Fl, for the past 5 years. Bill Partington
Review from Guidestar