Families Moving Forward is program of Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative. Volunteers from St. Mary of the Lake and other hosting congregations throughout the Twin Cities provide overnight shelter, meals and hospitality for up to 4 families, or about 30 parents and children, every week of the year. We at St. Mary of the Lake welcome 3 to 4 families (not to exceed 16 people) three weeks a year.
Scheduling and routine is very important. Our families arrive each day by bus to enjoy a meal and have some time to shoot hoops, do a scrapbook project, play games, relax, etc. Sleeping rooms are provided for each of our families to share. In the morning, after breakfast, a bus takes our guests to the Families Moving Forward Program Center. There, children who are in school or child care leave for their destinations, and parents work with program staff to:
· pursue employment
· locate permanent housing
· enroll in financial literacy classes
· find transportation to and from school for school aged children
Our volunteers mingle with our guests, play with the children, do crafts, help to provide food, and set-up and tear down the sleeping rooms. Overnight volunteers stay in their own private room. For questions about the Families Moving Forward Program please email us or go to www.beaconinterfaith.org.