Did you know that Family Promise of Morris County has a team of Licensed Social Workers who provide vital support and case management to those we serve?
In honor of Social Work Month, we’re celebrating our amazing team all month long!
Our team – which consists of Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Social Workers (LSW), Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degree holders, and more – provides life-changing support to our most vulnerable neighbors each day.
Without their hard work and dedication, the critical services provided through our programs would not be possible or as impactful!
The case management happens, the permanent housing is found, but the foundation of our work is treating people with dignity. Every chance we get to do that is a day worth celebrating. - Rebekah Thorpe, LSW, Dir. of Outreach Programs
As a social services agency, our role goes deeper than providing Shelter, Housing, and Outreach services. Our team offers a holistic, individualized, trauma informed and low-barrier approach to care management through dignity, hope, and respect.
We sat down with staff from each of our Programs to learn more about their path to social work and experience working at Family Promise. Learn more about them below!
Meet the Team
Outreach Programs:
Rebekah Thorpe, LSW
Director of Outreach Programs
Staff Member Since: 2021
Q: What drew you toward social work?
A: My family and I were homeless when I was 16, during the recession of 2008. When I graduated from High School, I knew I wanted to pursue a job that let me serve families without a home. I never imagined I would be blessed enough to work for an agency as amazing as Family Promise! I wake up grateful every day.
Q: What’s your favorite part about working at FP?
A: In a word: empowerment. My amazing supervisor empowers me, to empower my team, so that they can empower our guests. Together, we get to make a difference in the lives of those we serve and in the community of Morris County!
Q: Describe a moment you’ll never forget!
A: Almost every day at the Our Promise Drop-In Center has a memorable moment. My favorite times are when guests and staff play games together or share a meal. Creating a space where people can just be human together is a simple, yet impactful accomplishment. The case management happens, the permanent housing is found, but the foundation of our work is treating people with dignity. Every chance we get to do that is a day worth celebrating.
Shelter Program:
Amanda Sears, MSW
Coordinated Entry / Motel Shelter Case Manager
Staff Member Since: 2020
Q: What drew you toward social work?
A: I believe that Social Work is much more than just a job, it is a passion. Working for an agency like Family Promise, I am able to have a career that so closely allows me to live my values through my day-to-day work. I am forever grateful to be part of the Family Promise team where I feel welcomed, supported, valued, and loved.
Q: What’s your favorite part about working at FP?
A: My favorite part of my job is working with those who are suffering from homelessness and being able to provide them with the tools to become self-sufficient, rehoused, prevent them from losing their homes, and to re-enter mainstream society.
Rapid Rehousing and Diversion Program:
Savannah Voelbel, LSW
Promising Solutions Program Coordinator
Staff Member Since: 2017
Q: What drew you toward social work or working at FP?
A: I have always wanted to help others see the good in themselves and the world. As an undergrad student, I took a Social Work course and fell in love with the perspective and practices of Social Work. Soon after that, I did a summer internship at Family Promise. After completing my internship and seeing the impact that Family Promise made on the community, I knew I never wanted to leave.
The dedication of the social work team and the experiences made with the clients to help them become self-sufficient was remarkable. It was amazing to see how much work was done in such a short period of time and how much the client's lives changed. Soon after that, I began working at FP as an employee to become part of the positive change in our community.
Q: What’s your favorite part about working at FP?
A: My favorite part about my job is being able to see my clients become the best versions of themselves and pursue goals to better their futures. Another special part of my job I cherish is being able to work with an amazing team of people. To me, my colleagues are not just "co-workers" but more like family. The support provided to one another at Family Promise is unmatched. We have an amazing team of people that I always know I can count on.
Housing Programs:
Megan Wolff
Housing Case Manager
Staff Member Since: 2022
Q: Describe a moment you’ll never forget!
A: There have been so many special moments working here. Most recently, I was working with a guest – and this is both a beautiful experience and a lesson – who was at risk of losing their housing in the next 24 hours and had nowhere else to go. Thankfully, we were able to quickly figure out a way for them to keep their housing.
Throughout our interaction, this person was very stoic, showing little emotion, but as soon as we confirmed they had somewhere to sleep that night they burst into tears. It was special because it was a lesson in understanding that people often have walls up and that you don’t know what someone is experiencing. It was also amazing to play a part in ensuring this guest was safely housed.
Interested in learning more about what we do at Family Promise of Morris County?