Changing of the guard

The Honorable Judge Dennis Craig of Florida’s 7th Circuit was a special guest at Family Renew Community’s 2019 annual meeting and administered the oath of office to the organization’s officers for 2020. Sworn in were Allison Miller, president; Jim Rademacher, vice president for administration; Diana Janzen, vice president for development; Colin Gray, treasurer; and Joyce Monaco, president.

The Nov. 21 luncheon was hosted by First Presbyterian Church DeLand, one of Family Renew Community’s trustee congregations.

It was a time for remembering this year’s accomplishments and getting energized to continue our fight against family homelessness next year. Inspiration for the tasks ahead was provided by guest speaker Jennifer Watley, homeless student liaison for Volusia County public schools, and by two moms who are currently working to lift their families out of homelessness while staying at Family Renew’s DeLand Residential Campus.

“I was ready to give up,” remembered Tiffany, who was 7 1/2 months pregnant, working at a fast food restaurant and living in a park in DeLand with her 7-year-old son before coming to Family Renew Community.

Amber was living in her car with her three children. “Now, me and the kids are stable. We have a place to go and I’ve overcome a lot.”