Jennifer Raymond
Nonprofit Charity
Jennifer Raymond has spent more than 20 years serving and caring for the homeless population in Palm Beach County. At Family Promise of South Palm Beach County she’s also helping to rebuild families.
A road to independence is how Raymond, the Executive Director, describes the nonprofit. When she joined Family Promise back in 2014 as the Clinical Program Director, she assisted homeless families dealing with mental health, a connection Raymond says is heavily related to their success as they struggle to survive.
“Many families I met with thought that something was wrong with them if they heard the words mental health,” Raymond says. “But the truth is, therapy is a positive experience that can, and has, led families to a better path.”
Two years after she joined the nonprofit, Raymond says she “felt called to continue the mission of helping the homeless population from a leadership standpoint,” where her ideas could make a difference and bridge the gap between mental health and homelessness.
The nonprofit has three new programs: The Road to Independence, Transitional Housing and Care. The programs combined offer shelter opportunities, mental health counseling and individual and group sessions for case management.
“With the growth of our programs, the number of individuals that we help has also grown, so we’re no longer just helping a small number of individuals, we’re now helping many families throughout Palm Beach County,” Raymond explains.
The recent changes to the world have also pushed Family Promise to get creative with their support. They offer online therapy and play therapy during their children’s group sessions. The interaction is a much-needed benefit for everyone, Raymond says.
“The last few years we’ve seen the business grow, and it’s because of our mindset to do what we can to help these families succeed in society,” she says. “We like to say Family Promise is here to help give you a hand up not a handout and to watch you succeed through the lowest point of your life.”
A moment that doesn’t last forever, she adds. “We’re constantly seeing families in better condition return, wanting to volunteer or support us as we help others. We’re definitely seeing the return on investment,” Raymond says.
Family Promise of South Palm Beach County, 840 George Bush Blvd., Bldg. D, Delray Beach, 561-265-3370, familypromisespbc.org
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