Meet the Family: Jeff Brennan

Jeff Brennan first heard about Family Promise of Greater New Braunfels through Woodforest Bank, where he works. He began as a volunteer for FPGNB “when the Day Center was still on Post Road” and is celebrating his third year as a Board Member. Woodforest Bank serves as one of FPGNB’s National Partners and helped develop the New Beginnings financial literacy series. “I began assisting our guests and graduates with financial literacy classes to help them prepare for the next steps in their journeys,” he says.

Jeff loves the opportunities that FPGNB provides to help our guests with a holistic approach toward transformation. He says, “New Braunfels is one of the fastest-growing communities in the country. The need for affordable housing and helping those experiencing homelessness will only continue to rise. I want to see Family Promise connect with our growing community and continue to share our message on how we are here to help with their support!”

When not assisting FPGNB, Jeff volunteers at several other Community Partners in San Antonio and enjoys reading and hiking.

Thank you, Jeff Brennan, for your work and dedication to FPGNB!

Trick or Treating Safety Tips

With Halloween right around the corner, kids are itching to spend the spooky night with friends. In a sweet treat across America, Dr. Anthony Fauci gave the green light for outdoor trick-or-treating this year.

A little pre-planning and precaution can keep everyone safe and smiling. Obviously, for younger children under 12, adult supervision is highly recommended. But if your child is ready to Trick or Treat with their friends, here are some tips to keep them safe.

1. Carry flashlights (Many hardware stores have mini-LED flashlights for around $2). Also, consider reflective tape or glowsticks.

2. Designate check-in times and updates via a phone call.

3. Only visit homes that are visited by others and have lights on.

4. Walk—don’t run—from house to house using sidewalks when possible.

5. Be aware of and avoid open flames like candles in jack-o’-lanterns.

6. Stay on streets that have other trick-or-treaters.

7. Advise your child to NOT eat any candy that has been opened in any way. Bonus points if you can get them to wait to eat anything until they get home so you have time to inspect it.

8. Remind them of your favorite candy so they save you a few.

9. Do not approach dogs you don’t know. Always ask the owner's permission before approaching dogs you do know.

10. Do not talk to anyone driving by in a car. Review this with them: If an adult needs help they should be asking another adult, not kids. They have permission if approached by someone in a car to yell “No!” and run in the opposite direction the car is facing, then contact their trusted adults immediately.

Halloween can be a ghoulishly good time but being safe during the festivities is important. Hopefully, these trick-or-treating safety tips set you up for a spectacular, spooky holiday.

Grow with Family Promise:Google Partners with Family Promise to Strengthen Career Skills

One of the most challenging parts of finding a better-paying job is acquiring the skills needed to check off a company’s “Job Requirements” list. In most cases, these skills are learned in an academic setting, which can quickly become a financial burden. For a family that’s still getting back on their feet, that money is unavailable, which leads back to lower-paying jobs and a vicious cycle.

But now, thanks to a grant from Google, Family Promise will soon be offering free courses and certifications through Grow with Google. Grow with Google is an initiative to give Americans the digital skills they need to land the jobs they want, advance their careers, and grow their business.

Per Google’s website, “Since 2017, more than five million Americans have grown their businesses and careers with help from Grow with Google’s training and in-person workshops. And through a network of more than 7,500 partner organizations—including local libraries, schools, and nonprofits—more people across the country have access to our free online tools and flexible programs.”

Family Promise of Greater New Braunfels is excited to add Grow with Google certifications to our program offerings. Already, our Community Initiatives have included childcare and job training, financial literacy, food assistance, furniture and clothing donation, and health and wellness programs. Over the past seven years, we’ve provided shelter, meals, case management, homelessness prevention, and stabilization services to over 242 family members. More than 95% of families in our shelter program secure housing because of our case management and community support.

Keep an eye on future newsletters and blogs for information on how to sign up for Grow with Google and more opportunities to assist FPGNB!