Family Promise of Roane County is facing significant financial challenges due to reduced government grants, which can only fund direct services and not staff salaries. The interim director is paid minimally, and the Family Promise Thrift Store in Rockwood generates a small profit that supports one staff member working directly with families in need.

Despite these difficulties, the organization continues to operate efficiently with limited resources and is actively seeking support. Ways to help include making monetary donations, volunteering at the thrift store on Rockwood Street (open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., particularly needed on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays), or sponsoring clothing and gifts for one child in a family of nine they are adopting for Christmas.

Additional opportunities include attending a $5 pancake breakfast fundraiser on January 10 at First Christian Church in Harriman and signing up to provide meals for the current sheltered family (one adult and two children, ages 10 and 12) starting December 7.

Board chairperson Amy Keeling emphasizes the need for community support to enable Family Promise to assist more families, while partnerships with organizations like Rockwood Sewer and Gas and the Michael Dunn Center are helping with fundraising and staffing.

The organization is also applying for competitive grants and encourages ongoing assistance through cash, checks, or volunteering.