April 21, 2025
Becoming a Stronger, United Family Promise
Dear Friends,
Thanks to your support, hundreds of families in Montgomery County have found hope, stability, and a path forward through the work of Family Promise of the Main Line and Family Promise Montco PA. We’ve seen how housing and food insecurity can touch every zip code in our county—and we’ve also seen how compassion, community, and action can make all the difference.
That’s why we’re excited to share some big news: with the recent approval from the State, our two organizations are officially joining forces to become one stronger, united Family Promise.
Family Promise Montco and Family Promise Main Line—stronger together, powered by the promise of and.
Like many nonprofits right now, we’re navigating a lot of uncertainty—potential cuts in federal funding, shifting regulations, and changes that could affect the critical services our community relies on. But what hasn’t changed is the growing need in our neighborhoods, or our commitment to meeting it. Together, as one unified team, we’ll be able to respond more quickly, offer more comprehensive support, and keep pushing for lasting change.
This partnership opens new doors. It means we can build on our combined strengths: a passionate, experienced team; strong board leadership; a powerful network of 66 Interfaith Hospitality Network congregations; long-standing community partnerships; and a shared culture of showing up and speaking out for families in need. Between us, we bring more than 75 years of experience—and we’re putting it to work to build a community where everyone has access to healthy food, safe housing, and the support they need to thrive.
In the months ahead, we’ll be focused on blending our programs and services seamlessly so that families continue to receive the care and stability they count on. We expect to be fully integrated by July 1, 2025—and we’ll still be right here in Ambler, Norristown, and running the food pantry in Roslyn. For more information, check out our FAQ.
The power of and includes all of you. Thank you for standing with us and believing in this work.
With gratitude,
Anne J. Wright
President
Board of Directors
Family Promise of the Main Line
Lisa A. Miller
President
Board of Directors
Family Promise Montco PA
March 12, 2025
Exciting News to Share
Friends,
On behalf of our Board of Directors, we are delighted to share exciting news about the future of Family Promise in our region. Over the past year, the collaboration between Family Promise of the Main Line and Family Promise Montco PA under a management agreement has strengthened our ability to serve families experiencing homelessness and hunger. By combining resources, expertise, and outreach efforts, we have expanded support services and deepened our impact across greater Montgomery County. You can learn more in the 2023-2024 Impact Report for FP Main Line and FP Montco.
The increasing number of individuals facing homelessness locally highlights the urgency of our work. The 2024 PIT (Point-in-Time) Count in Montgomery County found that 435 people were experiencing homelessness, a 22 percent increase from 2023. Through this collaboration, our teams have already made meaningful strides:
- Expanded Housing Options: FP Main Line families now have access to FP Montco’s transitional housing units, providing a critical next step after emergency shelter.
- Stronger Case Management and Shared Best Practices: By integrating case management resources, we have improved efficiency and support for families.
- Successful Joint Initiatives: Our teams managed the Holiday Giving Program together, providing gift cards, clothing, and financial assistance to nearly 60 current and graduate families. The Hope for Homes event exceeded its fundraising goal, showcasing the power of our united efforts.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Monthly combined staff meetings have fostered a culture of shared learning, resilience, and innovation.
These successes reflect the strength of our communities. The unwavering support of 66 partner congregations—along with their dedicated volunteers—remains invaluable. Every day, they provide meals, companionship, and safe shelter to families in need.
The Next Step: A Formal Merger
Building on this success, the Boards of FP Main Line and FP Montco have unanimously decided to take the next step: a formal merger. After completing due diligence, we have submitted a petition to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office for approval. This review process can typically take a few months. While we await final confirmation, we are actively planning for a seamless integration to ensure continued, uninterrupted service to the families who rely on us.
Under the leadership of Marsha Eichelberger, our collective staff and Boards have made significant strides, and we are grateful for her vision and dedication in guiding us through this transition.
Looking Ahead
Merging our two organizations will strengthen our ability to expand resources and continue to engage our dedicated community, improve housing stability, and empower families to rebuild their lives with dignity. Our future is bright, and we are excited for the journey ahead.
Thank you for your continued commitment and partnership. Your support makes this work possible, and we look forward to keeping you updated as we move forward.
Warm regards,
Family Promise Leadership
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Dear Friends,
Greetings!
Since my last communication in December in the annual Impact Report for donors and supporters detailing the activities of Family Promise of the Main Line, the mission and operations in support of families experiencing homelessness continue at full strength.
As you know, we have enjoyed the leadership of Susannah Coleman as our Interim Executive Director since April of 2023. During this time, the Board of Directors has pursued parallel tracks of both an executive search for a permanent Executive Director and explored possibilities for working with our sister organization, Family Promise Montco PA. As time went by, it became clear that one path was proceeding more smoothly than the other, this being the option to work with Family Promise Montco PA. The path to hiring a new ED has been made considerably more difficult due to the lack of good candidates, this being a job seekers market with many more lucrative opportunities available.
To bring you all fully up-to-date, an important transition is occurring at Family Promise of the Main Line. And since your support and involvement are crucial to our mission of addressing family homelessness in the community, it is my priority along with my fellow board members to keep you informed about significant developments within our organization.
Effective March 22, Susannah Coleman will be concluding her role as Interim Executive Director. We extend our sincere gratitude to Susannah for her dedicated leadership and tireless efforts during the past eleven months. Her guidance has been invaluable during this transitional period. We also express our appreciation to the entire Main Line team – Randi, Elizabeth, Don, and Andrea – for their ongoing hard work and commitment, which is fundamental to our success.
Moving forward, we are pleased to announce a management agreement with Family Promise Montco PA. With their wealth of experience and proven record in addressing homelessness and hunger, Family Promise Montco PA will support Family Promise of the Main Line in functional areas including technology, fiscal management, and communication. Marsha Eichelberger, Executive Director of Family Promise Montco PA, will provide organizational leadership to ensure the effective continuation of the Family Promise of the Main Line mission. Marsha’s leadership will strengthen our organization and guide our staff and the Board of Directors to continue to meet the needs of our families, partner congregations, and the community. We anticipate that the management agreement will be in place for three months, or until otherwise deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.
Both leadership teams are dedicated to facilitating a smooth transition process. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and open communication with our partners. Your ongoing support and collaboration are invaluable as we embark on this new chapter together. Be in touch if you have any questions or need more information; my email is BoardPresident@fpmainline.org.
Thank you for your continued commitment and partnership.
Warm regards,