Sham and Joe, members of Holy Cross United Methodist Church and regular volunteer van drivers, truly model Family Promise at its core. Family Promise thrives when the community feels passionate and is willing to play a role in helping children and their families who are experiencing the most difficult period of their lives.
When asked why they volunteer for Family Promise, Sham felt passionately about sharing her story. This is her story in her own words:
“My husband Joe and I volunteer to drive the Family Promise van whenever we can. This is a way we know we can help and do this together as a team. We transport the families to and from the Family Promise Center to the congregation that is hosting for the week. We are humbled to be a part of this program.
When we first volunteered, we learned that during the 2020-2021 school year, the San Joaquin County Office of Education reported that 4,154 students were experiencing homelessness – a number that did not include children too young to be enrolled in school! This number has since increased. Wow! Just wow! Can you believe this?
I can because 20 years ago in 2003, my 2 children and I were homeless after the house I was renting was red tagged for mold. I was evicted. I had a car, a job, and my kids were in school. I had no savings and nowhere to go; I was devastated. I was calling shelters that were always full, sleeping here and there, including our car and had no home in sight. After a couple of months of being homeless, my uncle was diagnosed with cancer and my family moved in to help. This tragedy became my blessing. It took away the daily worry and anxiety of where we were going to sleep and what we were going to eat — all concerns that consumed me. I was given the opportunity to focus on my children and my employment and get back on my feet, much like the opportunity Family Promise provides.
20 years later and homelessness continues to be a growing problem. Family Promise is a big step in the right direction to help these families and it is up to us to help make this program a reality.”
In closing, Sham asked this question, “How could we not volunteer?”
Finding reliable volunteer van drivers is difficult. We are especially appreciative that this is the way Sham and Joe choose to volunteer their time with Family Promise.
