Family Promise 2026 Update

By Charles S.

Westside supports First Farragut in the Family Promise program. Family Promise provides temporary shelter assistance for families currently unhoused. First Farragut provides the facilities, and Westside provides overnight support for one of the nights the First Farragut facilities are used. Volunteers provide dinner, set up, and clean up for the family, and two volunteers stay overnight. The morning volunteers ensure any overnight needs are met and that the children are up and ready for school.

Westside has completed one Family Promise event in 2026 and is scheduled to support the program again in November. This session we supported three families, thanks to the volunteer efforts of Wetsiders. We provided a spaghetti dinner along with overnight support at the First Farragut facility. Thanks to Eileen W. and Chris E. for providing overnight support.

Family Promise gives me an opportunity to practice my belief that each individual, regardless of societal status, is deserving of dignity, respect, and love. I'm genuinely proud that Westside shares these beliefs and gives me and other church members a vehicle to exercise them as a community. I've mentioned before that when I was young, my family benefited from organizations like Family Promise to help us through a difficult time after my parents divorced. First Farragut generates a welcoming environment for both the clients it serves and us as volunteers, and getting to participate with Westside to support this organization means a lot to me.