Family Promise of Laurens County Evolves into C4 Ministries of Laurens County
December 18, 2024
At the end of October 2024, Family Promise of Laurens County made the decision to disaffiliate with the National Family Promise organization. The decision, while difficult, was driven by a desire to maintain a safe and supportive environment for the families they serve.
Why the Change?
Family Promise National recently implemented new guidelines requiring all affiliates to adopt “low-barrier shelter” policies in compliance with Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) standards. This change would prevent local shelters from denying services based on criminal history, except in cases involving registered child predators, and would no longer allow screening for active drug use. These shifts raised significant concerns for both staff and host churches.
Mary Lynn Tollison, Director of Family Promise of Laurens County, emphasized the local challenges: “Our priority has always been the safety of the families we serve and the volunteers who support them. We are simply not equipped to operate as a recovery center while serving homeless families. Many of our churches expressed concerns about hosting individuals with unresolved issues related to drugs or pending criminal charges. Maintaining a safe, Christ-centered environment is non-negotiable for us.”
In addition, the pandemic changed how many affiliates operate nationwide. While Family Promise Laurens County continues to rely on host churches and volunteers, only 10% of affiliates now use the traditional rotation model—down from 80% before COVID-19.
A New Path Forward: C4 Ministries of Laurens County
Following a unanimous vote by its Board of Directors, Family Promise of Laurens County has joined C4 Ministries of Laurens County, an organization based in Union, SC, with locations in Easley and Duncan. Under this new affiliation, the team will continue offering the same critical services:
- Shelter for Families with Children
- Eviction Prevention Services (providing rental assistance)
- Shelter Diversion Services
- Stabilization Services (12-16 months of case management after housing placement)
The organization will now operate under the name C4 Ministries of Laurens County. C4 represents their mission: Christ-Centered, Crisis, Care, Counseling.
2024 Impact at a Glance
Despite the challenges, the 2024 annual report highlights the organization’s continued impact:
- 379 individuals served, including 223 children
- 91 families received Eviction Prevention services
- Community outreach, including support during Hurricane Helene, reached 360 individuals
Tollison remains optimistic about the future, “This transition allows us to continue serving families in Laurens County with the compassion, safety, and structure they deserve. We’re excited to align with C4 Ministries, whose mission mirrors our own commitment to caring for families in crisis.”
For more information or to get involved, contact the Day Center at 205 Church Street, Laurens, SC or email [email protected].
