SHS Grad Joins National Task Force on Family Homelessness

Summit resident Jackson Stern has been named to the Next Generation Committee of Summit-based Family Promise, the national leader addressing the issue of family homelessness.

Millennials (born 1981 - 1996) have surpassed baby boomers as the largest adult generation. Often characterized as social and passionate about values, involving them in philanthropy is vital to the future of the nonprofit world. Recognizing the potential impact younger generations can have in the battle against family homelessness, Family Promise has formed the Next Generation Committee.

Stern joins seven accomplished young women and men representing diverse backgrounds and experiences who will meet quarterly to brainstorm and devise strategies to engage younger audiences in the battle against family homelessness. Every year, 2.5 million children in the U.S. experience homelessness. Family homelessness is often called “the invisible crisis,” as parents tend to hide their situation due to the shame and stigma associated with homelessness and the fear of having their children removed by social services.

Stern, currently a sophomore at Bentley University studying corporate finance and accounting, looks forward to raising awareness about this issue and helping to effect change.

“Millennials are an invaluable resource for the work we're doing at Family Promise and the non-profit sector in general,” says Stern. “We're the next generation of donors, political leaders, and justice advocates. I’m looking forward to helping create opportunities for advocacy and social engagement amongst the young people in our communities.”

Dedicated to giving children the best possible future, Stern co-founded the Summit High School Family Promise Club, as well as the Family Promise Club of Bentley University. He also serves as a computer teacher and mentor to children in Waltham, MA.

Founded in Summit, New Jersey, in 1988, Family Promise is comprised of more than 200 affiliates in 43 states and engages 200,000 volunteers. The organization’s comprehensive model keeps families together and addresses all the issues that contribute to a poverty, giving families the skills and tools to succeed independently. The organization serves more than 90,000 individuals each year. For more information about Family Promise, go to www.familypromise.org.