Family Promise’s three area affiliates – in Savannah, Bryan and Effingham counties – are preparing for some significant structural changes, which should be completed by the end of this month. Details are still being finalized and implemented, but Family Promise has announced a merger is planned between the three affiliates. The newly reorganized affiliate will be known as Family Promise of the Coastal Empire.

The Boards of Directors of Family Promise of Greater Savannah and Family Promise of Bryan County had been discussing potential benefits of merging operations for several months. Recently, the Board of Directors of Family Promise of Effingham County voted to join in these discussions. The goal is to better serve homeless and at-risk families throughout the region – including those in the aforementioned three counties with future plans to expand into Liberty County. The organizations are currently laying the groundwork to move things along expeditiously and ensure all transitions go smoothly.

According to Family Promise of Greater Savannah Executive Director Katrina Bostick – who will become the director of the new, larger affiliate – it is the intent of these discussions that program funding will be targeted for each of the communities being served. For example, each county will have its own operating budget, so that adequate funding is available to serve families in each community.

“We understand that our affiliates work hard to ensure families in their communities are cared for, and we respect and appreciate those efforts. It is expected that we, as a new regional affiliate, will be able to offer enhanced services to families in much of the region. This move comes at a time when the Bryan and Effingham county affiliates were both in search of new executive leadership, and this decision evolved through open communication among affiliates and with Family Promise’s National Office,” Bostick said.

This change will empower Family Promise with a larger and stronger network of resources, supporters and partners, she added. Each county will maintain its own day center and network of churches that supply shelter, food, donations and various other forms of support. Each day center will also maintain a staff, who will strive to care for and assist all program participants whenever needed as they advance through the programs.

“Family Promise is committed to making this merger beneficial for all involved, and we will not sacrifice the high quality of our services nor our commitment to the communities that have lifted us to success over the past two decades,” Bostick said. “We will provide information and details about our plans as the merger takes shape. We hope you’ll join us in helping to make this new chapter in Family Promise’s history a time of renewed hope, strong faith, budding friendships and genuine compassion.

The organization plans on being able to share more information with its stakeholders, volunteers and supporters in the next few weeks. They will be hosting a community meeting at some point soon, and the public will be invited to attend. Details about that event will be released as soon as they are finalized.