Lessons in Success

Math isn’t fun in Zykir’s house.

The fourth grader struggles with mathematics, but it’s just one of the trials he has confronted in his short life. Six years ago, his family faced homelessness when his mom, Roneeka, lost her job. Fortunately, the family found Family Promise Union County (also known as FPUC) in Elizabeth, NJ, a program of Family Promise, a national nonprofit addressing the crisis of family homelessness. They entered FPUC’s shelter program, and Roneeka received help with her job search and was inspired to enroll in a certified nursing assistant program. Before long, she was employed, and the family moved into their own home.

Now, as a Family Promise graduate, Roneeka is still involved with the organization and gives back when she can, volunteering, participating in activities, or speaking on behalf of the organization to raise awareness of the issue of family homelessness. The family also uses graduate support services when needed. One such resource, a new academic tutoring program, couldn’t have come at a better time.

Bridging the Gap of Distance Learning

Summit High School in the neighboring town of Summit is home to the Family Promise Club, which supports FPUC families. Prior to COVID, the club provided hands-on assistance, but with the pandemic restricting in-person access, members have found other ways to help.

Club President Josh Sacks, a sophomore, has volunteered with Family Promise for more than ten years. He recognized the academic challenges COVID presented and wanted to help students who were struggling with distance learning, so the club developed a virtual tutoring program for elementary and middle school students. Sacks notes math help is a popular request.

Family Promise Club Volunteer Coordinator and tutor Hope Basaman, a junior, believes the programs expands horizons beyond academics.

“I feel like tutoring gives [the kids] a new perspective by helping them see something outside of their four walls,” she says. “They see new faces, meet new people.”

Junior Leah Competiello, the club’s vice president and also a tutor, adds, “It’s rewarding to work with these students and see them improving. Being a tutor has helped me appreciate my own education more.”

Basaman, Competiello, and Sacks say eventually they’d like the see the program move to in-person sessions.

Raising Grades and Awareness

In addition to boosting grades and study habits, the program increases understanding about the crisis of family homelessness.

“Given all the families have to deal with, [we’ve seen how] it can be harder to focus on school, to learn and keep up,” explains Sacks.

“A lot of people think [homelessness] just happens in cities, but it hits home when you realize it can be a lot closer,” Basaman observes.

Statistics show children battling homelessness may struggle more in school – dropout rates, special education needs, and grade repetition are significantly higher than among their peers. For many of the children, tutoring is helping them catch up to their peers. Others, like Zykir, are making up for support they normally would have received in school. Roneeka is pleased to have her son participating in the program.

“Every time I ask Zykir if he understands his work more, he says yes. I can see his grades have improved since tutoring began,” she says.

“I love Family Promise!” Roneeka adds, acknowledging the impact the organization has had on her family’s life.

Sacks, Competiello, and Basaman echo the sentiment.

“It feels good to be part of an organization that’s helping people in this way,” says Sacks. “When I hear how kids are learning and see improvement, I’m proud. Proud of the tutors, and proud of the kids for working so hard. We’re happy to support families any way we can.”

Founded in Summit, NJ, in 1988, Family Promise is the national leader addressing family homelessness, with 200 affiliates across the country. The organization has served more than one million individuals since its founding through homelessness prevention services, emergency shelter, and stabilization support. Its innovative approach keeps families together and ensures their return to independence through a holistic program that focuses on the root causes of homelessness. For more information or to learn about volunteering with Family Promise, please visit www.familypromise.org.