Family Promise History
Family Promise of Lawton, Inc. became incorporated in 2009 and began hosting families in 2012. We provide shelter for families by utilizing the community as a network of support.
THE BEGINNING
Karen Olson was rushing to a business meeting when she passed a homeless woman on the street. On impulse, Karen bought her a sandwich.The woman, Millie, accepted the sandwich but asked for something more — a chance to be heard. Karen stayed with Millie and listened. What she heard made her understand that homelessness brought profound feelings of diminished self-worth and disconnection from society. Soon after, Karen and her two sons began delivering lunches to homeless people on the streets of New York.
1986: THE FIRST NETWORK
When Karen learned that homelessness was affecting families right in her own New Jersey community, she knew she had to do something. But this was much more than giving sandwiches. She brought together people in need and people who wanted to help. Existing community resources could provide shelter, meals, and housing. Volunteers could use their skills, knowledge, and compassion to help their homeless neighbors find employment, reconnect with society, and restore their dignity.
She approached the religious community. Congregations offered hospitality space within their buildings. The YMCA provided showers and a family Day Center. A car dealer discounted a van. The first interfaith hospitality network opened on October 27, 1986.
1988: THE NETWORK GOES NATIONAL
As word spread, more New Jersey congregations formed a second network inspiring other congregations to develop similar programs. In 1988, we formed the National Interfaith Hospitality Network to bring the program nationwide. In addition to shelter, meals, housing, and job-seeking support, our Affiliates began developing programs for transitional housing, childcare, and homelessness prevention. Nationally, we added programs like Just Neighbors and Family Mentoring.
1992: POINT OF LIGHT
Family Promise was awarded one of 21 Points of Light, out of a field of more than 4,500 nominees, by President and Barbara Bush, signifying Family Promise as one of the top volunteer agencies in the country. The award recognizes how one neighbor can help another, and calls upon the nation to take action in service to our fellow citizens.
2003: WE BECOME FAMILY PROMISE
We changed our name, from the National Interfaith Hospitality Network to Family Promise, to reflect our broad range of programs and our vision of ending family homelessness. The name refers to the promise, in the sense of commitment, which communities make to families in need. But it also refers to the promise, the potential, inherent in every family.
2006: A BRIGHT IDEA
Reverend Doctor Howard, Pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Lawton, brought the idea of organizing a Family Promise network in Lawton.
2010: BRINGING IT HOME
Lawton became the second Family Promise affiliate in Oklahoma. The fitst was in Shawnee.
2013: COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
Family Promise received the first of its current run of eight comsecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator. This rating acknowledges Family Promise's commitment to effective governance, careful use of resources and transparency.
2016: FINDING A HOME
About
The Comanche County Board of Commissioners agreed to lease the former Lawton Children's Shelter to Family Promise of Lawton. The lease runs from August 1st, 2016 to July 31st, 2036.
2020: STAYING PUT
Family Promise of Lawton changed from a host church rotational model to a static site site model. Families now stay overnight at the Family Promise facility rather than churches
