'We're in this together'

Expert, compassionate case management is the key to Family Renew Community's success in helping families lift themselves out of homelessness forever. But what do you say to parents who have come so far on that climb with their children, then face a new obstacle no one saw coming?

"We're here and we're not going anywhere. We're in this together." That’s one thing our DeLand program manager, Kim Bandorf, is telling the seven families for whom she is case manager as they cope with job losses, health fears and other stresses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There's also a lot of talk about counting blessings and sticking to it going on.

“I’m doing the gratitude thing right now,” says Laurie Archer-Dugo, who is case manager for 11 families as the program manager for Family Renew’s Daytona Beach Residential Campus for single mothers experiencing homelessness with their children. “Aren’t we so grateful we don’t have rent due, don’t have a utility bill due. That we have savings to fall back on if we need it.”

Pep talks come naturally for Anita Dudley, Family Renew’s program manager in Holly Hill. She overcome homelessness with her six children more than a decade ago, and brings deep empathy to her role as case manager for 14 families.

“I point out all the progress they’ve made far. I just let them know they are doing a good job, and they can do this,” she says.