Family Promise Ministry: Providing Compassionate Service and Opportunities for Fellowship

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on everyone, but it’s been especially trying for those already facing difficulties. Prior to the pandemic, Family Promise of Sacramento carried out its work of placing families, who are experiencing homelessness, into churches throughout the year. However, with the onset of COVID-19, that model isn’t safe for virus prevention, so the organization has instead been using hotels for housing.

In normal times, host churches have signed up to house families for a week at a time, about three times per year. The Our Lady of the Assumption Family Promise Ministry acts as a support congregation, serving meals for four area host churches, once per week during their assigned weeks. The goal of Family Promise of Sacramento is to help families experiencing homelessness find permanent, stable housing. They also offer counseling and support once families have secure housing. This organization operates thanks to the support of so many churches that provide safe and secure shelter. Through this organization, families can dream and work toward becoming independent. Donna Blaschke has been involved in Family Promise at OLA for about 16 years — coordinating the ministry along with Chris Hine and Maggie Schlesinger — and she enjoys doing her part to help those experiencing homelessness. Serving meals to the families gives them a sense of dignity and provides an opportunity for fellowship.

(From left) Family Promise coordinators Maggie Schlesinger, Donna Blaschke and Chris Hine

St. John’s Lutheran, Carmichael Presbyterian, Fremont Presbyterian, and St. Mark’s Methodist are the host churches for which OLA provides meals. Thanks to a large group of volunteers at OLA, members of the ministry need not provide a meal or side each time there is a need. Members choose a side, dessert, or main dish that they want to bring, only when it works for them.

“This is a really flexible ministry,” Donna says. “You never have to provide a meal or side. It’s only when you can.”

Donna often goes to the host church to help serve the meal to the families. Most times the other volunteers just drop off their items to be delivered by Donna and other ministry members. Donna spent her career as a social worker at a hospital, so this cause is dear to her heart.

“If you have a place in your heart for the homeless, especially homeless children, this is a great way to help,” she says.

Donna invites anyone to get involved in this compassionate ministry of service. It’s not about giving a handout, it’s about giving a hand up. More volunteers are always welcome!

If you would like to get involved as a volunteer for Family Promise at OLA, please contact Donna Blaschke at 916-622-2769 or dsblaschke@outlook.com.