Amanda Gray and Kesha Gibson-Carter,

Georgia IHN directors and Conference local coordinators, enjoy the fruits of their labor

Over 250 IHN leaders braved puddle jumpers, a tropical storm and a hungry alligator to share and learn at the Seventh National Conference. From techniques on accessing local resources and accounts of how IHNs responded in the aftermath of Katrina to a lively debate on the implementation of local Ten-Year Plans, participants gained valuable insights that will inform the work of IHNs throughout the next 18 months and beyond.

The conference set off with intensive workshops and roundtables geared toward building on the accomplishments of networks across the country. Attendees participated in a range of sessions geared toward sharing IHN best practices-from fundraising and board development to case management and recruiting. As a participant in one workshop, "Developing Winning Grant Proposals," commented: "I've attended other workshops on grant writing; however, this workshop has been the most informative and enjoyable. It exceeded my expectations!"

Of particular note was the blending of many different backgrounds among the affiliates. Represented networks ranged from the original IHN in Union County, NJ to the newest networks (twenty-one new affiliates have opened since the last Conference) and included not just directors and board members but coordinators and developing IHNs as well. A new workshop for coordinators garnered rave reviews from participants. And the sharing among networks was as valuable to attendees as the workshops. A Board President from a newly opened network commented about being "overjoyed at the information we received and the personal contacts with other networks."

Among the highlights of the conference was Dr. Robert Michael Franklin's keynote speech titled "Faith's Work: Rebuilding Communities, Renewing Hope." Dr. Franklin spoke compellingly of the impact congregations have on their communities. Maria Foscarinis, the architect behind the McKinney-Vento Act, discussed the lingering legal barriers to homeless families and efforts to overcome those.

In her welcoming remarks, Family Promise president Karen Olson saluted the passion, dedication and creativity of the more than 110,000 volunteers who are the heart of this work. She urged attendees to continue the work beyond providing services, to effect changes for low-income families through advocacy and community initiatives.

Thoughts of the hurricanes and their aftermath were on the minds of participants. With the issue of homelessness on the front of every newspaper in the country, we held a special session Friday night to review the efforts of affiliates in the region and at other IHNs to alleviate that tragedy. Underscoring all was IHNs' incredible ability to respond to such circumstances while continuing to provide services for families in these difficult times.

Beyond the fruitful work of the conference there was Savannah, the hostess of the south. The Georgia networks offered gracious hospitality, and armed with goody bags of pralines and grits, conference attendees enjoyed the city, whether riding a riverboat on the majestic Savannah River or partaking of tours and restaurants.

At Sunday's interfaith worship service, the conference choir was in fine form, providing music for a morning that saw religious readings from all three Abrahamic faiths. Rev. Sheila Calhoun gave a stirring sermon preceded by readings from letters by IHN of Augusta guest children and a powerful and moving liturgical dance by former IHN of Savannah guest Avis Haynes.

One Texas affiliate summed up the conference: "I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to share my challenges and experiences with other IHN Directors, and their insights and ideas are priceless. IHN of Austin will be better for it!"

To cap an unforgettable conference, one of the hotel staff addressed the Sunday luncheon audience to give thanks for the program that helped her turn her life around, moving from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

The fellowship continued through the afternoon when attendees began planning to attend the next Conference.

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"What a wonderfully inspiring 7th National Conference. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of celebration (for improvements made and lessons learned) and fellowship with the rainbow family known as Family Promise."  

Denise L, Jenkins, IHN Services Coordinator

Cleveland, Ohio

From the opening reception through Sunday's closing luncheon, Family Promise Conference participants enjoyed fellowship, food and fun while taking in new ideas and skills to use at their IHNs.

"As a new network, we were overjoyed at the information we received and the personal contacts with other networks. We can hardly wait to put into effect new ideas received. Thank you for a well organized productive Conference."

Don Fado, IHN Board President

Sacramento, California

Southern belle Terrie Bennett draws a chuckle from Family Promise's

Director of Network Development Claas Ehlers.

The Saturday night riverboat cruise --

where guests let loose and grooved to the music.

The Family Promise Conference Choir adds a lovely note to a very moving Interfaith Worship Service.

"It was like finding long lost family.  My position as director is sometimes isolated, in that no other agency in Las Vegas does what we do.  Now I have a network of directors I can call for discussion on key projects and a wealth of experience to tap into.  I am so pleased with the conference and what it gave me to continue my work.  Can't wait for Sacramento!"

Terri Lindemann, IHN Director

Las Vegas, Nevada