Our
History
1986
Karen Olson realized there was a need to help support the homeless in her community in tangible ways. She brought together people in need and people who wanted to help.
Existing community resources could provide shelter, meals, and housing.
National Interfaith Hospitality Network to Family Promise, to reflect our broad range of programs and our vision of ending family homelessness. Family Promise affiliates open around the country, serving homeless families nationwide.
2003
Shepherd of the Valley's summer lunch program identified homeless families in need, prompting Pastor Tari and Father Pat Travers to explore adopting the Family Promise model to address family homelessness in Juneau. Community members met to discuss establishing a local affiliate and advancing efforts to combat family homelessness in the area.
2014
Through Shepherd of the Valley’s summer lunch program, community members Pastor Tari and Father Pat Travers identified the limited resources in Juneau to address family homelessness. The Family Promise model was brought up as a potential resource. After getting in contact, Donna Lawson from Family Promise National met with a group of 19 interested people at St. Paul’s where she laid out the process for becoming a Family Promise affiliate.
2015
By the beginning of the year, efforts were renewed to create a Family Promise affiliate in Juneau. Three Articles of Incorporation were filed by February, Randy Coleman, Michelle Strickler, and Pastor Tari had reached out to 31 faith communities and service organizations, and a donation of $5,000 came in from the Mendenhall Flying Lions to file for 501(c)(3) status. By fall, Linda Landvik had worked on and gotten by-laws approved, and Randy’s Rib Shack had sponsored the first fundraiser at Chapel by the Lake.
2016
Jeanna Beck came from Family Promise National to train potential board members and meet with community members. On July 8th, FPJ’s 501(c)(3) status was received and a bank account was opened. In October, Chapel by the Lake Presbyterian Church agreed to host the Day Center and 13 faith communities committed to the program. By the end of the year there is a formal board consisting of: Rev. Tari Stage-Harvey, Chuck Van Kirk, Jennifer Carson, Willie Anderson, Pat McLear, Joe Orsi, Bridget Weiss, and Matt Martin.
2017
Four families graduated into housing, staying an average of 74 days. Two full-time jobs were acquired. We served 6 families, 23 individuals, 11 kids. 1710 bed nights, 5130 meals.
The organizing community members prepared to open Family Promise of Juneau. They had gained three new board members: Barbara Frank, Kelly Hansen, and Lisa Lindeman, hired an Executive Director (Joann Flora), and had two volunteer case coordinators: Nils Dihle and Pam Watts. Stacy Pollard came in from Family Promise National to assist with training and preparing board and employed members of Family Promise of Juneau. By the end of the training, Ms. Flora is identified as not a good match for the mission, and Loren Bettridge is hired as the new Executive Director. FPJ opened on April 30th, 2017 with a new van from Soapy Lingle and two families. Loren resigns effective May 12th, 2017 and Michelle Strickler steps in as temporary executive director. Shannon Fisher is recommended as someone with experience at Family Promise of Mat-Su, and she agrees to step in as interim executive director. She was officially hired as the Executive Director in July. In August, we hired Jennifer Lanz as the Family Service and Operational Coordinator.
2018
Nine families served, a total of 33 individuals, including 18 kids, 10 under four years old. Six families entered into housing, one remains in rotation at the conclusion of 2018.
2018 starts with the new hire of Anna Blackwell as the bookkeeper. The board goes on retreat at the Shrine of St. Therese. The annual Halibut Dinner brought in a record $20,000 total. April brings the one-year anniversary of Family Promise of Juneau, and a celebration of all of the first-year families, who have since graduated into housing. Jennifer Lanz retires in May, and Teresa Kissel is brought on staff as the Family Services Coordinator. To build community awareness, FPJ puts on Fabulous Family Fun at Dimond Field House. The team gains Norman Alexander as an Americorps member. In October, FPJ celebrates 3 families graduating into housing in two weeks. We put on the second annual Taste of Promise, with volunteer assistance from Thunder Mountain High School National Honor Society students. We gain a new hosting congregation - Emmanuel Baptist. Crossfit Juneau provides gifts for the families staying at FPJ over Christmas, and Best Western provides room for families for the second year in a row. Family Promise of Juneau is the beneficiary of the December Mudrooms storytelling event.
2019
Nine families served with six successful exits to permanent housing, two exits to other housing programs, and one in shelter still at year’s end
The annual board retreat was held at Lisa Lindeman’s home, and celebrations, gaps, and dreams were addressed. Michelle Weaver began volunteering as the FPJ financial secretary. We tabled at both the Juneau Women’s March and at Project Homeless Connect 2019. The FPJ annual meeting was held on February 5th at Chapel by the Lake. Kate Wolfe joined the staff team as the Care Coordinator. The Murdock Charitable Trust, represented by Rudy Carrasco, met with the Executive Director, Shannon Fisher, and board members Tari Stage-Harvey and Pat McLear to review the proposal to fund a volunteer coordinator. The 4th annual halibut dinner was hosted, and just under $20,000 was raised. In April, we saw the Board elections. In celebration of FPJ’s 2nd anniversary, David Reed created a video highlighting the stories of families, volunteers, and staff who have been changed by their involvement with FPJ. In May, Shannon Fisher submitted a letter of resignation to be fulfilled after the transition to a new executive director. In August, FPJ received the inaugural Rapid Rehousing grant funds. A new group, The Mission Team from Peace Lutheran, Gahanna, Ohio, hosted a new tradition, the Annual Pulled Pork Picnic and Battle of the BBQs, and Katti Carlson was offered and accepted the position of executive director, starting in September. Jen Pegues was brought on staff as the Administrative Assistant. In October, we had our annual Taste of Promise fundraiser. We adopted the Policy and Procedure Manual, and Rep. Andi Story presented FPJ with a special honorarium. The legislative citation was signed by Reb. Story, Rep. Hannan, and Senator Kiehl. Jen Pegues worked diligently on creating and producing a new website. We started serving households with Rapid Rehousing Funds. FPJ finished the year by bringing in our 25th family on December 30.
There were four newsletters published, and volunteer trainings and congregational coordinator gatherings were regularly scheduled. Two volunteer trainings were held at Amalga Distillery.
The success of the FPJ program is dependent on volunteers and we are particularly grateful to Teresa Kissel for serving as a substitute Care Coordinator, ED, and on-call person. The Thunder Mountain High School National Honor Society are exemplary volunteers as both hosts and workers at the fundraising events. The FBJ Board truly stepped up by hosting several weeks and being on-call throughout the year.
2020
Eight families served in shelter with seven successful moves into permanent housing. 67 people served in Rapid Rehousing, and 17 Families served in this program.
The year started with the annual Board retreat once again being held at Lisa Lindeman’s house. Shane Carson, Kayla Wisner, and David Morris joined the Board. The FPJ Annual meeting was held on the 20th of February. The fifth annual Halibut Dinner and Auction was held at Thunder Mountain High School Commons on March 15th, and FPJ raised close to $30,000. The Thunder Mountain High School National Honor Society volunteers were a great help in preparing and serving the food. Rev. Tari Stage-Harvey (board chair) was recognized by AWARE as a “Woman of Distinction” in March. Family Promise of Juneau celebrated its third anniversary in April and received $20,000 from 100 Women Who Care Juneau. Work was done to rework shelter models during the pandemic. Our focus was shifted to keeping families housed and working with families in crisis. Received $82,000 in CARES Act Funding with a December 31, 2020, deadline for expenditure. Sheila Dyer joined FPJ as our family support specialist. The Board approved the purchase of and purchased building at 2220 Jordan Avenue for use as FPJ’s offices and day center, with CARES funding and CBJ Assembly’s approval of $300,000 of CARES Act funding. FPJ moved in at the end of December. We also purchased a 2020 Toyota Sienna van with CARES funding. Three newsletters were published in 2020. We held trainings for congregational coordinators, and volunteer training was available on FPJ’s website.
2021
64 families and 59 children served through the shelter and Prevention Services programs during another year of COVID. All families served in shelter in 2021 moved into long-term housing. 95% of the families served in Prevention Services never became homeless. FPJ raised $67,933.65 by 269 individual donors to end homelessness. We have 15 Families of $1,000 and 43 Families of $500. (Individuals/Families that pledged to donate $1,000 or $500 per year for 3 consecutive years.)
The Board started the year with a retreat at Sandy Beach and welcomed Jane Johnson, Carol May, and Deb Spencer to the Board. The FPJ annual meeting was held over Zoom in March. FPJ’s takeaway barbecue and online auction fundraiser was staged at Chapel by the Lake on April 18, 2021, and raised over $17,615. Katti Carlson conducted a “Board Host Week Training” to inform board members on what to expect for their weeks as FPJ hosts. The second Night Without a Bed raised $2,621. The Congregational Care Committee met to begin planning on how to reopen our rotations. Sent letters and packets to all congregations explaining FPJ’s planned changes, COVID protocols, and the 2021-2022 Service Agreements. Jennifer Skinner started as a full-time FPJ Family Support Specialist. The Take-Away Lasagna Dinner and online dessert auction fundraiser was staged at Chapel by the Lake in October and raised $12,400, with volunteer help from the Thunder Mountain High School National Honor Society members. The Block Foundation started matching all new Individuals/Families of $1,000. Two newsletters were published, and we held training for congregational coordinators, and volunteer training was available on FPJ’s website.
2022
FPJ served a record number of 117 Families in 2022, which includes 85 children. With over 230 phone calls for services, we served 213 people. With 32 families of 1000, 38 families of 500, and 215 unique donors, Family Promise of Juneau raised over $58,000.
We experienced a year of growth, transition, and meaningful impact for families experiencing homelessness. In January 2022, the Family Promise of Juneau Board Retreat was held at Shepherd of the Valley Church with Rev. Tari Stage-Harvey, Shane Carson, Jane Johnson, Lisa Lindeman, Carol May, David Morris, Deb Spencer, Kayla Wisner, outgoing members Rebecca Farrell and Peter Mores, new members Carrie Macaulay, Becky Monagle, Amy Williams, and Bill Williams, Executive Director Katti Carlson, Family Support Specialist Jennifer Skinner, Administrative Assistant Jen Pegues, and Rapid Rehousing Coordinator Kate Wolfe; new member Loren Jones was traveling. The Board approved the 2022 budget. In February, FPJ welcomed a new family of five (two parents and three children) and provided 140 bed nights and 420 meals. The March 16 Annual Meeting, held via Zoom, honored Ruth Vincent, Congregational Coordinator for Church of the Nazarene; David Morris for his Board service and building support; and Ruth and Dennis Cunningham, Auke Bay Ward coordinators and Day Center cleaning supporters. Amy Williams resigned from the Board but continued serving as a consultant. In April, the Halibut Dinner and Online Dessert Auction at Chapel by the Lake raised over $12,000. Generous support came from Kensington Mine Coeur Alaska and First Bank (over $2,500 in donations), Alaska Glacier Seafoods (100 pounds of halibut, thanks to Soapy Lingle), Breeze In (rolls), and Chef Beau Schooler of In Bocca al Lupo (chowder), with Thunder Mountain High School National Honor Society students helping bag and deliver meals. That same month, a family moved into permanent housing.
In May, the transition of the Board President began, and in July, Stacy Pollard from National Family Promise visited to assist with long-term planning and the leadership transition. On August 21, FPJ celebrated its birthday at Sandy Beach with a free pulled pork barbecue and silent and live auctions, honoring Pastor Tari Stage-Harvey for her foundational role in building the network of churches that created Family Promise of Juneau and for her service as Board President since 2017. Representative Andi Story and Senator Jesse Kiehl presented Pastor Tari with a legislative citation recognizing her exceptional contributions to Juneau and the State of Alaska. In October, Board leaders Deb and Carrie, along with staff members Katti Carlson and Jennifer Skinner, attended the Las Vegas Symposium and returned with new ideas and knowledge; the Board also initiated its first 360-degree review of the Executive Director. In November, the Board voted to approve the Strategic Plan. The year concluded in December with the first Annual Stocking Stuffers event, where parents came to the Day Center, checked in with staff, and filled stockings with toys and holiday goodies for their children, closing the year with warmth, dignity, and community support.
2023
In January, at the board meeting, Executive Director Katti Carlson presented a proposal to transition Family Promise of Juneau to a static site model of operation. The Board approved the change and formed a working committee consisting of Katti Carlson, Carrie Macaulay, Loren Jones, and Randy C. to begin implementation planning. The Board Retreat was on January 29 at Chapel by the Lake to further strategic discussions and planning. In August, Katti Carlson departed from the organization, and the Board determined interim coverage to ensure continuity of leadership and services. Kelsey Sparks stepped up from her role as Administrative Assistant to serve as Interim Executive Director. In December, the Board conducted a formal hiring process for a new Executive Director. Bailey Gent was hired from Colorado and began working remotely at the end of December 2023, with Kelsey Sparks continuing to facilitate the transition as Bailey prepared to relocate to Alaska.
2024
We served 113 families, 189 children, and 340 individuals across our programs. This year, three families were served in Emergency Shelter, and 110 were served in general programs.
FPJ was marked by significant developments and collaborations under the leadership of Bailey Gent, who joined as Executive Director. The organization embarked on obtaining HUD and VA grants. One of the key initiatives was pursuing a static site, signaling FPJ's dedication to enhancing its operational efficiency and impact. Bailey has worked closely with the board and Kelsey Sparks, the Interim Executive Director, to drive these efforts forward. Additionally, the return of Case Manager Kate Wolfe to FPJ added valuable expertise and continuity to the team, further strengthening FPJ's capacity to serve the community effectively. Phil and Susan Loesby joined the board; Becky Monagle, David Morris, and Carrie MacCauley ended their board terms. The Beach BBQ is hosted at Sandy Beach, and we raised $12,000 towards FPJ programs.
2025
We served 291 individuals, 72 families and 169 children. We appreciate general operating support from - ALCAN (Alcan Electrical & Engineering), First Bank, Coeur Alaska, Global Credit Union, Avista Foundation, and Alaska Community Foundation.
At the start of 2025, Saralyn Tabachanik, Bradelle Padon, Elizabeth Brennell and Cindy Morris join the board. The board has a retreat at Shrine of St. Therese to set the tone for 2025 and to work on developing a strategic plan and identifying strategy for static site development. In March, FPJ hosted Taste of Promise at Juneau Yacht Club, raising $34,000 to go towards the development of a new shelter and transitional housing site for families in Juneau. Executive Director, Bailey Gent works diligently with the board to identify a property to purchase. The Jordan Creek Condo that held offices and day center is sold in November 2025. FPJ staff move temporarily to Ḵunéix̱ Hídi Northern Light United Church to office out of until we close on our property in 2026. In 2025, FPJ received several exciting grants including; a Rasmuson Foundation grant to update our website and marketing materials, Juneau Community Foundation Hope Endowment Fund and CBJ Social Service Grant to support day center and operations services, Family Promise National grant to assist with prevention programming, Help Us Move In grant to assist with prevention programming, as well as a Family Promise National grant for Cultural Competency training and staff development.
