In This Article
Dear Friends,
At Freedom House Ministries, we believe lasting change happens when a community comes together around families with compassion, dignity, and trust. Families experiencing homelessness often face challenges that cannot be solved by housing alone. They need encouragement, trusted relationships, emotional support, and access to resources that strengthen the entire family system.
That is why we are grateful to partner with two impactful organizations in our community: Counting Stars and Safe Families.
These partnerships represent more than shared services — they represent a shared commitment to walking alongside families during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Counting Stars serves families who are raising children with special needs, including autism, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other unique challenges. For many parents, navigating these needs can feel overwhelming and isolating. Counting Stars provides advocacy, encouragement, education, and connection for families who often carry extraordinary responsibilities behind the scenes every single day.
Their mission is deeply aligned with the work of Freedom House Ministries because we recognize that families facing housing instability may also be managing the emotional, educational, and behavioral challenges that can accompany raising children with differing abilities. Through this collaboration, families at Freedom House Ministries can access additional support, understanding, and resources designed specifically for children with special needs and the parents who care for them.
Together, we are helping families feel seen, supported, and empowered — not defined by their hardships, but strengthened through community.
Our partnership with Safe Families expands that same spirit of support in another powerful way. Safe Families creates a network of compassionate volunteers who come alongside families in crisis by offering friendship, temporary support, mentorship, encouragement, and practical help. Their model is rooted in relationship and community, helping families remain connected and supported before situations escalate into deeper crisis.
As summer begins at Freedom House Minisries, these partnerships become even more meaningful.
Summer is one of the busiest and most vibrant seasons on our campus. Children are done with school, activities increase, families spend more time together, and volunteers fill our hallways, playgrounds, kitchens, and community spaces with energy and care. From family activities and cookouts to life-skills programming and children’s events, summer creates opportunities to build trust, joy, and connection for the families we serve.
But increased activity also brings increased needs — and that is where our community can make a difference.
We invite our supporters and volunteers to learn more about the mission of Safe Families and consider whether they may be called to serve in a supportive role. Not everyone is called to foster or provide housing, but many people can offer encouragement, mentorship, transportation, meals, friendship, childcare support, or simply a caring presence for a parent walking through a difficult season.
Small acts of support can have a life-changing impact on a family in crisis.
At Freedom House Ministries, we are continually reminded that transformation happens through relationships. We are grateful for organizations like Counting Stars and Safe Families who share our commitment to strengthening families and surrounding them with hope.
Thank you to our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who make this work possible every day. As we enter a busy summer season, we look forward with gratitude and anticipation for all that we can accomplish together.
With gratitude and hope,
Jennifer Schmohe
Executive Director
Freedom House Ministries
