On the Town: Family Promise takes flight with help from friends

Family Promise of the Verdugos is gaining altitude in helping homeless families get on their feet.

So “Take Flight to End Homelessness” was the perfect theme for a recent fundraising dinner held appropriately at the Grand Central Air Terminal.

A silent auction began in the courtyard followed by a buffet dinner inside the remodeled historic former airport, now owned by the Walt Disney Co. It serves as part museum and part office space for Disney.

Family Promise of the Verdugos opened in July 2010 and is one of more than 200 affiliates across the country committed to helping homeless families achieve lasting independence.

Families receive counseling and job training during the day at the center and then stay overnight at one of the 27 faith-based congregations that provide food and sleeping accommodations for the families.

The average length of stay for a family in the program has been between 41 and 72 days.

Renee Johnson, board president, welcomed the more than 300 attending, including city officials from both Glendale and Burbank.

Albert Hernandez, executive director, talked about the growth of the organization. For this event, Hernandez said, the sponsor participation had increased to 18 — up seven more than last year.

He said he is also proud that adult family members are getting hired within 10 days of starting in the program. And the number of members in the 365 Club — people who donate a dollar a day — has grown from 10 to 78.

Unveiled for the first time were two honors.

The Impact Award went to state Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) and the staff of the 25th Senate District, and was presented by Glendale Mayor Paula Devine.

The Hands On, Hearts In Award was given to husband and wife Howard Fallman and Nancy Kachline and presented by Pastor Rich Garner of the First United Methodist Church of Glendale.

The entire team at the senator’s office, recently and while Carol Liu was in office, has been a vital component in Family Promise’s success, Hernandez said.

“They help us partner with other organizations that work to help the homeless,” he said. “They’ve also steered us to grant opportunities to maintain our organization.”

Hernandez added that Talin Mangioglu, district director, has given her support as an individual as well as a representative of the senator’s office by promptly returning phone calls, answering questions and scheduling phone calls with the senator.

Fallman and Kachline are founding members of the organization and have served behind the scenes and hands-on, Hernandez said.

Kachline is the Family Promise coordinator at Glendale First United Methodist Church, where families stay overnight four times a year.

Kachline works with church volunteers to provide dinner and spend the night with the families. She often stays the night as well.

Fallman served as a board member for six years and is a past president.

When Family Promise was just beginning, he inspired the first congregations to become part of the local network.

“Who better to receive this first Hands On and Hearts In Award than Howard and Nancy,” Hernandez said. “It not only acknowledges their work behind the scenes, but all that they do to welcome families to their congregation and make them feel at home.”

Kemp to return as emcee for Derby Day

It could be raining outside, but listening to the weather report inside is always sunny when delivered by Garth Kemp of CBS2.

Kemp will return to the Campbell Center’s Derby Day fundraiser on Saturday to lead the live auction.

Organizers said he charmed guests last year into opening their hearts and wallets to raise much-needed funds for the center, which partners with adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to successfully gain independence.

Derby Day, the center’s signature annual fundraiser, will be held at Pickwick Gardens and Banquet Center in Burbank.

Prizes for the silent and live auctions will include film premieres, a Dodgers Suite, jewelry, and stays in Arrowhead and Palm Springs.

Tickets are $100. For reservations, call Rita Hopkins at (818) 242-2434 or email rita@thecampbell.org.

JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.