Ninth National Conference

Celebrating Achievements, Renewing Our Promise

October 17-19, 2008

Morristown, NJ

Timely Topics and Dynamic Speakers Drive Family Promise’s Historic Ninth National Conference

At a time when more and more families are facing the kinds of economic crises that lead them to seek help, the directors, staff, and volunteers of Family Promise Affiliates nationwide gathered for Family Promise’s Ninth National Conference to exchange ideas and learn new ways of reaching out within their own communities to serve their neighbors in need.  The Conference was held October 17th through 19th in Morristown, New Jersey, just minutes from the some of the congregations that first opened their doors to families when the first Interfaith Hospitality Network was launched more than 20 years ago.

Family Promise President Karen Olson with New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine.

The Conference was highlighted by a trio of moving keynote addresses.  New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine spoke to the crowd Friday night, praising their dedication to “standing together to lift the common man.”  Governor Corzine is a member of Christ Church in Summit, NJ, one of the first host congregations.  In cooperation with policy challenges, the Governor called for “reestablishing the social contract” with neighbors, a concept that all Family Promise Affiliates embrace as part of their daily work.

In a rousing Saturday morning address, the Rev. Dr. James Forbes, Senior Minister

Rev. Dr. James Forbes, referring to the Family Promise 2007 Annual Report.

Emeritus of the Riverside Church in New York City, recounted reading the Family Promise 2007 Annual Report, about the families helped and the volunteers who give of themselves for others.  At Family Promise, he said, “Something is happening on earth that is reflective of what heaven is all about.”  Rev. Forbes reminded all of the conference attendees that the work they do restoring communities is spiritual, and that each of us has the power to heal.

Jonathon Kozol during his poignant keynote address.

Author and activist Jonathon Kozol, who has spent decades advocating for social justice and racial equality in the public education system, noted that education should be an avenue out of poverty, and that children in the inner cities need the same creative, enthusiastic schooling that their wealthy, suburban neighbors receive.  Familiar with the struggles faced by low-income families, and with the dedication of Family Promise’s staff and volunteers, Kozol said, “People like you who do this work, are the salt of the earth, in my belief, and this earth needs salting.”

Saturday’s plenary session convened a panel that included former IHN guest

Plenary panelists included (l-r) former IHN guests Cynthia Travis, CJ Blair, and Erika Ferguson, and moderator Tina Kelley.

families and housing policy experts to discuss the everyday struggles faced by low-income families.  Cynthia Travis, a former guest of the Madison, Wisconsin Affiliate and now coordinator for the Tenant Advocacy Program, remarked on the challenges presented even by the programs that are built to help families like hers.  “There’s a stereotypical vision of the way people in Section 8 [housing] just want to stay there and do nothing, but that’s not the way it is,” Cynthia said.  “It’s the way the system keeps you in there.”

On the lighter side, attendees enjoyed dance parties, a moonlit cruise around Manhattan, and a stirring interfaith worship gathering on Sunday morning that celebrated service, and the opportunities that Family Promise gives to people to make a difference in the lives of others. In her closing address, Family Promise President Karen Olson summed up what continues to bring so many people together after twenty years of serving families, and what brought everyone together for one of the best conferences yet.  She remarked that “their compassion and sense of mission make them go above and beyond every day, doing whatever it takes to get families back on their feet.  They listen, they care, and their door is always open for families…”

Just Neighbors Program Director Frank McCann leading a session entitled, “Our Children, Our Future”.

Rev. Forbes mingling with the crowd during his address.

Enjoying the music during the Saturday evening cruise around Manhattan.

Family Promise Board Member Reverend Dr. Karen Rezach opening Sunday’s worship service.

The Family Promise Choir leads the crowd in song.

Conference attendees listen during a Sunday workshop.