The structure is a beautiful two story wood frame house that was built in 1873, formerly used as the church "manse." The building is solid and well built, but following a professional energy audit, it was discovered that the heat loss was "phenomenal.” 

Thanks to our friends at NORWESCAP’s Housing and Energy Services, we were able to have 6 inches of insulation blown into the sidewalls and attic floor and also replacement of the primary windows. 

Not only will this reduce our energy expenses, but it will increase the seasonal comfort for the families and children who are helped through our Family Promise/Interfaith Hospitality Network. This help was possible because of our mission as an emergency housing and homelessness assistance provider. At today’s oil prices, this could not have come at a better time! 

On behalf of the families and children we serve, some of the most vulnerable folks in Warren County, we thank you!

 This was an open host week, and we were able to collaborate with Sussex County Interfaith Hospitality Network to host both IHNs at the camp. The facilities are great and the guests loved it. Our thanks to Karen, Kurt and everyone at the camp. 

 Also thanks to Julie Schuldner, the new Sussex IHN Executive Director and her Case Manager, Ashley Bellis and all of the volunteers who pitched it to make it a successful week. It was a pleasure working with all of you and we look forward to returning to Johnsonburg Camp!

Johnsonburg Camp is located at 822 Route 519 in Johnsonburg, New Jersey.

Karen Savacool of Host Congregation Old Greenwich Presbyterian Church recently donated all proceeds from their very successful Christmas craft fair to Family Promise/WCIHN. Both Karen and Old Greenwich have been huge supporters for WCIHN, and we greatly appreciate their continued involvement. 

The Voitek Family makes hand knitted items, pressed flower art, headbands and cards. These items are then sold at North Warren Pharmacy, with ALL proceeds going towards charities such as Family Promise. The Voitek’s creativity and generosity are truly selfless acts, and we thank them for their support. 

To purchase one of these great handmade items by the Voitek’s, please stop by: 

                                                 

It is with great pleasure that we introduce “In Our Own Backyards” by Michael N. Healey (shown at left) of Belvidere, NJ. Michael is with Boy Scout Troop 146 in their Pahaquarry district of the Central New Jersey Council of Scouts. I met Mike over a year ago at a function with Leadership Warren Youth, another great organization. He was struck by the grassroots efforts of our program and the struggles of a small, nonprofit organization with little funding and staff, but a lot of heart. 

Mike understood that except for the hotels, motels, domestic violence shelter and rooming houses, Family Promise is the only Warren County homeless assistance program that provides the basics of food and shelter for families and children in transition. We discussed our need for greater community and individual support so that we can continue to keep our doors open. So after approval from the Eagle Scout Leadership, it was decided that he would embark on producing a video specific to Warren County and our agency. This video will be used as an outreach tool to gather additional support for our IHN program and to raise awareness of homelessness in Warren County.

Well…. we have to tell you that we were impressed by the enthusiasm and attention to detail that Mike and his crew gave to this project. And we must admit that this greatly exceeded our expectations. Mike, his friend, Allie Lott, his fellow scouts and Bill Eppell and Mick Ennis his troop leaders are to be commended for the production of this fine video. Please watch and enjoy “In Our Own Backyards.”   [Note, depending on browser and internet connection, the video may take a few moments to load.]

Also, please feel free to share this link with everyone you know. If you would like to stop by the Day Center for a tour or to learn more about our program, please call Bob or Deanna at 908-453-2194.

Thanks for all of your support!

Bob Frankenfield

Executive Director

1. Stewartsville Presbyterian Church recently announced that it wishes to be promoted from "support church" for Harmony Presbyterian Church to "host church" status. Cindy Bowman will be the coordinator, and we all look forward to meeting and working with Pastor Stephen Choi, Cindy, and everyone at Stewartsville Presbyterian. 

Their first host week will be May 13 – May 20, 2012. Special thanks to the United Presbyterian Church of Belvidere, who was kind enough to switch weeks to accommodate Stewartsville Presbyterian’s schedule. 

Washington Flooring is a family owned and operated business located at 2 East Washington Avenue, and provides a wide variety of floor covering options. You can find out more about them at their website You can shop at home by calling 

Creature Comfort Pet Therapy, our new not-for-profit partner,  provides the nourishment, companionship, and of course comfort to individuals who could use a little extra TLC. The benefits to therapy involving certified pets range from lowering ones blood pressure and decreasing depression and anxiety, to encouraging healthy communication and assisting children with learning skills. 

We feel that our guests here at Family Promise will thoroughly enjoy receiving visits from these special animals and are excited to begin our partnership!  You can check out Creature Comforts online Or contact them at info@ccpettherapy.org  or 973-285-9083 for more information.

Families and volunteers gathered recently for the 4th annual Family Promise/WCIHN Holiday Party and Dinner, held at the Fellowship Hall of Faith Discovery Church in Washington, NJ.

A highlight of the evening was a special appearance by Santa, who brought gifts for the children. 

The dinner was made possible through the generosity of the Elizabethtown Gas Company, and co-sponsored by Maschio’s Food Services Inc. Special thanks also to Gayle Winzenreid, Joanne Untamo and Pastor Jerry Scott.

Our thanks to Senior Girl Scout Troop #94269 and co-leaders Thia McLean & Debbie Handley for their generous contribution to Family Promise following their recent Neighborhood Food, Baby Bundle and Toiletry Drive. 

Though the troop has just five girls (2-8th graders, 2-9th graders and 1-10th grader), they collected and delivered 35 boxes of donated items to four locations (Phillipsburg, Oxford and Washington).

In addition to Family Promise, the Scouts collected for

the Backpack Program (NORWESCAP), Baby Bundles, and the Washington Food Pantry.

From left to right: Scouts Kathryn, Gianna, Melinda, Abby and Emily.