The Daily Times

Blount County Ecumenical Action Council (BCEAC) is continuing to plan for a proposed family support program in collaboration with Family Promise, which serves homeless families in Blount County.

Earlier this year, BCEAC members heard from Family Promise participants and its director, Kathi Parkins, about the need for long-term support for formerly homeless families who are trying to make a new start.

BCEAC’s is considering a plan for a local church to build a supportive relationship with one family to assist with the next steps of reaching greater stability for employment, housing and in other areas of life.

The meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Shannondale Retirement Community in Maryville. Interested church representatives and individuals are invited to attend. Those who wish to have lunch for $5 should RSVP to Ginny West Case at 982-1273.

“To learn effective and respectful ways for churches to support formerly homeless families, we will continue to listen to the Family Promise graduates themselves,” said Rev. Billy Newton, co-moderator of BCEAC. “Additionally, we think we can learn from churches that have worked closely with refugee families, and we may discover some similarities and successful practices from them.”

BCEAC includes individual members and congregational representation from over 20 churches and at least nine denominations in Blount County. For a full schedule of 2011 meetings, visit the website http://www.bceac.org .

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