MORRIS COUNTY — Supporters of Family Promise of Morris County gathered at the Kellogg Club for Fall Into Giving, an evening of music, art and community in support of the organization’s work with individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Guests enjoyed live music from Second Groove Jazz, artwork by local artist Patti Kaufman, and food and drinks from Redwoods Grill and Bar. Family Promise also shared updates on its programs, and guests heard from Sarah*, a former Family Promise participant, about her family’s journey from homelessness to stable housing.
After losing her job and being evicted, Sarah and her two children were unable to remain together. Family Promise provided temporary shelter and ongoing support as she worked toward stability. Earlier this year, she and her children moved into a home of their own.
“They didn’t just help me find housing. They helped me rebuild my life,” she told guests. “Most importantly, Family Promise helped keep my family together.”
Support from Fall Into Giving will help expand hours at the Our Promise Drop-In and Resource Center in Morristown, allowing it to open at 9:30 a.m. instead of 11:00 a.m. Visitors will have earlier access to basic needs, case management, benefits assistance and housing resources.
“For someone with nowhere else to go, that hour and a half is a lifetime,” said Joann Björnson, Chief Executive Officer of Family Promise of Morris County.
Family Promise thanked its sponsors, volunteers and event committee — Lori Wilson, board member Karen Hawkins, Patti Kaufman and Ann Marie Russo — for the time, energy and care they put into making the evening a success. The organization also thanked photographer Nick Russo of Full Bleed Photography and videographer Bryan Chavez of Chavez Creative Media for capturing the evening.
“To everyone who attended, donated, or helped bring the evening together: thank you,” the organization said. “Your support helps us continue to be there for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing instability throughout Morris County.”
*Name has been changed to protect the individual’s privacy.
