Family Promise of Northern New Castle County helps local communities coordinate their compassion to address the root causes of family homelessness. We address the issue holistically, providing diversion services to divert families from shelter altogether, shelter and case management when they become homeless, and stabilization programs once they have secured housing to ensure they remain independent. We tap existing local resources to empower families towards economic stability. Families come to us in crisis; we help them rebuild their lives with new skills and ongoing support.

Your support helps us assist homeless families in need in Delaware, families like Tanya's.

Tanya has always been a woman of morality, character, and determination. She was married, had two beautiful children, a stable home, and job. To her neighbors and family, Tanya had a picturesque life, but beneath the surface, not everything in Tanya’s life was as perfect as it seemed. Tanya was the victim of domestic violence, and knowing the impact that it would have on her two children, it started to break her down as she struggled to escape.

She knew she had to make a change and prepared herself to make the hardest decision of her life, leaving her husband and world behind to start anew and create a better life for not only herself but her children as well. On March 4th, 2021, she took that leap of faith, packed up all her kids and her belongings, and traveled south to Delaware.

It wasn’t easy, but Tanya persevered and held her head up high, knowing she was on her way to creating the life she had always imagined, with her kids safely by her side. Through her determination and strong will, she was soon connected with Family Promise this past summer, which she said: “was one of the most important stepping stones I had the opportunity to receive while looking for guidance on my journey towards regaining my family’s normal life.”

When she met with her assigned Case Manager Kawanda, she immediately knew she was in great hands. Kawanda had genuine compassion, hospitality, and experience with the issue at hand, as Kawanda herself is a graduate of our program. Tanya worked closely with Kawanda who become like a sister to her and was her biggest supporter. Kawanda helped motivate and reassure Tanya that she was on the path to success and would soon be able to claim her independence in her new chapter of life.

At times when Tanya felt too overwhelmed, and that the unknowns she was facing was just a little too much, Kawanda would console her and act as family to her in her time of need. Going through the experience of homelessness can make someone feel at their most vulnerable, especially while trying to keep their family safe, so compassion and empathy are key. Tanya could finally rest easy and gain the confidence she needed, knowing Family Promise had her back and advocated for her all while providing her family with shelter, food, and resources to succeed.

Tanya secured housing in no time and soon started a crew member position at her local McDonalds. This job helped Tanya gain back her financial independence while striving for new professional goals and utilizing her personable people skills to brighten other's days. We are excited to share that Tanya was recently promoted to Manager at her McDonalds store! Tanya is on her way to continued success personally and professionally, and we could not be prouder of her!

 

Sometimes, all someone needs is a helping hand. Family Promise is that helping hand for Delaware’s families like Tanya's.