Our Families

The Success

In 2017, we helped 38 children and a total of 18 families. 89% of the families we served found employment and 67% of families found housing. We hold our families to a strict set of guidelines (no alcohol, meeting deadlines, finding employment, etc.) and dismiss families that violate these rules. Our program is voluntary, so families can choose to leave at any time. Every family that adhered to the guidelines and finished the program found housing in 2017.

Video Testimonies

At Family Promise, we believe that the greatest proof of our success is not in dollars raised or number of families served, but in the lasting impact of our program on the lives of our participants.

Family Spotlight: Amber Dilbeck

In May 2014, just five months after graduating from the Family Promise program, Amber Dilbeck received her Associates degree from UNG. This single mom has one daughter, Alexis, who is 8 years old. She works at Five Guys Burgers and Fries in Gainesville and is now pursuing a bachelor's degree from UNG. In the summer of 2015, she transitioned from a low-income apartment into a rental house downtown. We interviewed Amber about her time in the program, her success since graduating, and her greatest struggles.

FP: What helped you most while in the program?
AD: The amount of support I received from each of the volunteers was overwhelmingly powerful. I continue to think of and pray for each volunteer that helped guide me in the right direction and pray for my family.
FP: What are the long-term benefits you see from Family Promise?
AD: The networking through volunteers throughout the community is a great benefit. I feel as if I always have somewhere I can go to share any news
I have.
FP: What's your greatest success since graduating?
AD: My greatest success since graduating Family Promise is the completion of my associates degree from University of North Georgia.
FP: Greatest struggle since graduating?
AD: Financially providing for my family considering Alexis's father is in prison and I receive no financial support outside of my earnings at Five Guys. I still rely on the community for assistance in cleaning supplies and even food
at times.
FP: How has Alexis transitioned?
AD: Alexis is doing AMAZING!! She thrives in school, always eager to learn and help others. She is actively involved in the community and playing sports. She has transitioned well, but occasionally states that she would like to sleep at the church one night.

Amber shows us what hard work and support from the community can accomplish. She also reminds us that there are still very real, physical needs that our families have after they graduate. By continuing to partner with them, we're able to help meet those needs.