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Affiliate #157 Opens in Lycoming County, PA

Family Promise of Lycoming County is located in Williamsport, PA (birthplace of Little League and home of the Little League World Series). It becomes our 10th network in the Keystone State. Williamsport is not a large city, with 30,000 residents and Lycoming County overall has a population of only about 100,000. But a United Way study identified 76 homeless families in the county and no shelters to house them.

 

The network opened its doors with 14 host congregations, a beautiful Day Center at a house owned by Redeemer Lutheran, and more than $50,000 in the bank. One of their fundraisers was an Iron Chef competition between two host pastors, with local celebrity waiters. Melissa Magargle serves as Director, with extensive experience in social services for children and families, mental health and workforce development. And, in a Family Promise coincidence, Melissa's great aunt is our Toledo, OH Affiliate's Board President!

Messiah Lutheran hosted the first family, a group of eight across three generations. Mom and Dad and their four children moved to Williamsport to care for a sick relative. The depressed economy in Lycoming County made it impossible to find jobs and, when they lost their temporary housing, they came in to FPLC, along with two grandparents. After meeting the children at their congregations, people have been seeking opportunities to volunteer-in fact, the Day Center is completely booked for volunteer help.

Welcome, Family Promise of Lycoming County.

Article Posted: 
06/30/2010