Page index (click on a topic):
Our History
The Need in Wyoming
Why We Do It
Our Future
free hit counters
Our History
On April 1, 2004 Family Network of Wyoming opened as a "client choice" food pantry serving an average of 11 families per week and one food truck per month. In the first year of operation the food programs served 130,000 pounds of food to 1,400 households. In 2006, the food programs distributed over 232,000 pounds of healthy and nutritious food to 3,300 families. Our 2007 totals were 401,716 pounds of food gratefully given to 6,192 area families. In 2008 the numbers have increased to 566,590 pounds of food given to 10,882 deserving families. For 2009 FNOW distributed 637,732 pounds of food to 11,364 area families and expanded our line of classes to include budgeting and computer classes. And in 2010 the need continues to grow despite the economy hitting the bottom.
The Need in Wyoming
Wyoming has 15 neighborhoods with over fifty percent of it residents being low income. The average income of Wyoming residents dropped 15% in the last year. Wyoming Public School reported that 53% of the student body is on the assisted lunch program for the 2006-2007 school year with one elementary school at 89%.
Why We Do It
As the Michigan economy continues to stagnate the number of families needing assistance for basic necessities continues to grow. In the First two weeks of August 2009 FNOW served about 25% more families than in August 2008. While many leading economic indicators are going up, there is no evidence that the number of families in need will be dropping soon. In fact there is some evidence the need will continue to grow until late 2010. A community can not survive without strong families. Strong families can not survive with out basic necessities and good jobs. FNOW can not create jobs, but we can help families survive till they get good jobs. As of July 1, 2010, the need seems to have leveled off. But as more people loose their extended federal unemployment benefits the need for assistance will grow again.
Our Future
God has blessed FNOW with a generous gift of the West 44th Street CRC building to allow FNOW to expand our ministry to the people of the greater Wyoming area. FNOW will be adding several new services and classes in the coming months.