I am the founder and Executive Director of Family Promise of Hall County (FPHC). I am a native of Dalton, GA however my husband Ward and our three children have called Gainesville home for 26 years.
I am graduate of Auburn University where I majored in landscape architecture. I was drawn to the mission of Family Promise when my family and I returned to Dalton for Thanksgiving one year and served dinner to several families who were experiencing homelessness. Seeing Family Promise in action that Thanksgiving inspired me to return to Gainesville and create a Family Promise affiliate in Hall County. My vision was shared with others, including a strong coalition of churches, and in 2012, Family Promise of Hall County opened its doors.

The number of programs offered by FPHC has expanded to six, several of which are open to clients of area nonprofits. This collaborative effort to solve problems without duplication is a hallmark of FPHC’s work.
Myself and the Board of Directors completed a successful capital campaign in 2019 to purchase The Homestead, a centralized campus providing families experiencing homelessness with both housing and needed wraparound services. As of December 2023 all renovations are completed and are now able to house up to 11 families compared to the three when first opened.

“The best part of my job is seeing families turn around their lives and regain their independence when the rest of the world says it is impossible.”

For the past twelve years at Family Promise, I have been dedicated to helping families and individuals regain independence and stability. With a background in clinical social work and training in EMDR therapy, I use a trauma informed approach to help families navigate complex systems, bridge gaps in support and ensure families' unique needs are met with empathy and respect.

I'm a native of Gainesville and graduated from Oxford College and Emory University. I earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and have been licensed in the state of Georgia as a clinical social worker for over twenty years.

As empty nesters, my husband and I enjoy travel, friends and anytime we can get with our three sons.

My name is Allison Borchert and I am a registered nurse. I am a graduate of the University of North Georgia and have worked in the Gainesville area for 25 years on and off. I worked at NEGMC for 15 years and at Good News Clinics as a volunteer and staff nurse for 22 years. My latest position at Good News Clinics was Executive Director. I also have a background in finance from working in the banking industry prior to becoming a nurse. These combined qualities enable me to serve as the Financial/Office Manager. I have a heart for non-profits and for serving those in need.

I am originally from Cleveland Ohio, but have lived in Georgia for the past 36 years. I recently moved back to Gainesville after a couple years in the Virgin Islands and Florida. Gainesville feels like home. I am married to a pastor and have 3 grown daughters and 6 grandsons. I enjoy spending time with family, hiking, kayaking and outdoor acitivites. I also have a passion for missions and have led many local and international mission trips to provide medical care to the underserved. I’m happy to be back in a ministry that addresses local needs and gives back to our community.

My name is Alondra Hernandez-Vega. I graduated from the University of Georgia with my bachelor's degree in social work in 2024. Most recently, I received my Master's degree in social work from the University of Georgia as well - Go Dawgs! During my time there, I interned as an MSW intern with Family Promise of Athens for a year. I fell in love with the organization & its mission so much that I applied to work at a Family Promise affiliate near my hometown of Buford, GA. I am proudly Mexican. My family is from Guanajuato, Mexico, a place I love to visit as often as I can to see my grandparents. Hablo español! I enjoy going to concert's, listening to music, & going on adventures with my kitty, Marceline. I love stars, singing, and being in bed. I am the textbook definition of a pisces! My favorite animals are cats or goats!

My name is Alejandra Luis-Cruz, and I am excited to join the team of Family Advocates at Family Promise. I am a Gainesville native and grateful to be in a position to give back to my community. I graduated from UGA with my Master of Social Work and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During my master’s program, I interned at Northeast Georgia Medical Center and Emory University Hospital. After graduation, I worked at Northside Hospital and Advantage Behavioral Health Systems. While at UGA, I volunteered for Meals on Wheels and participated in mutual aid efforts to feed unhoused individuals in Athens. In Spring 2024, I joined the team at Escuelitas on Buford Hwy. Escuelitas provides bimonthly programming in the Doraville/Chamblee area, where parents and their children learn Latinx Ethnic Studies. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, crafting, listening to music, and watching movies. I also speak Spanish!

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My name is Valerie DeLong and I am greatly blessed to be the new director at Little Steps Community Daycare at Family Promise of Hall County. I have been a resident of Hall county, mainly the Flowery Branch area since I was 9 years old. I have one grown daughter who is my best friend and my world.

My background in Early Childhood Education began with teaching 3 and 4 year olds. While going to school to obtain my degree in early childhood, teaching Georgia Pre-K, Head Start and other programs. In 2014 I took on my first role as a Daycare director and have loved and learned so much ever since.

My passions in life are spending time with my family, friends, outside in nature and traveling especially to Disney World. I am here because of God's timing and his perfect plan. I am so blessed to help and watch this program grow.