TLC Chosen to Host Homeless Families in Family Promise Network

With the recruitment of 10 supporting churches, the Family Promise of North Idaho Network (see earlier story, below) is poised to support its first homeless families in Kootenai County. Trinity Lutheran Church has been chosen to be the first member church to host Family Promise guests. This is an on-going mission.

'We are so excited to see this network come into being," says Jill Jurvelin, TLC's Family Promise Coordinator and a member of tbe board of trustees for Family Promise of North Idaho. "It's so needed, and all the great folks at TLC will be such a blessing in the lives of these families."

TLC volunteers were recently given two training sessions for host churches. A representative from the national Family Promise organization, along with Cindy Wood, Executive Director of Family Promise of North Idaho, instructed us on the various policies and preferred methods of hosting families. We were pleased to host the 10 church coordinators at these meetings.

It is never too late to get involved, whatever the capacity. To get started, ask the church office for the participation/support forms for volunteers. For more information about the training session, or about TLC's part in the process, please call Jill Jurvelin at 640-9048 or Jill Dougherty at 818-5465.

Trinity Lutheran Joins Family Promise of North Idaho Network

A group of enthusiastic TLC members met Sunday, November 4th, to learn more about the Family Promise of North Idaho network and the long history of this organization in the fight against homelessness in America.

Jill Jurvelin and FPNI board member Earl Kendle answered questions about how TLC will be called to provide our fellow citizens with shelter as they work toward finding a home and a means to provide for their families. Jill talked about the other church networks involved. As a member of the Family Promise of North Idaho church network, TLC will host up to 14 individuals for a week every 3 or 4 months for room, board, friendship and encouragement. A second meeting on Sunday, November 11, will better detail how our congregation can step up and get started in this important mission. (Read Jill's Heartbeat article HERE.)

Here is the Mission of the Family Promise of North Idaho: "The mission of Family Promise of North Idaho is to empower homeless families to become self-sufficient.  We assist families faced with homelessness by providing temporary shelter, employment and housing assistance, as well as individual and family counseling."

For more information, call Jill Jurvelin at 640.9048. Click HERE for statistics about homelessness and unemployment in North Idaho.

Family Promise of North Idaho needs generous response from our congregation. Volunteer pledge sheets are on the small table under the church office window next to the office door. If you have any questions about the program contact TLC members, Jill Jurvelin or Paula Moore.

Volunteer with Little Ones at Monthly MOPS Meetings

MOPS Mission Statement: Mops INternational exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ.

Trinity is a host church for this interdenominational gathering of young mothers who meet the first Friday of the month. While the moms are meeting and learning, members of Trinity keep the children safe and encourage age appropriate activities.

Do you have room in your life - one morning a month - to be with these children? You will be rewarded with the miracle of these little ones learning first lessons in life. You will be part of shaping the future generation. Plus, we have a lot of fun! You can choose to be with under 3 year olds or over 3 year olds.

Call Kay Wardell, 762-2748 with questions or to sign up.


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