Here is a great opportunity to get fresh air and exercise and bond with friends and family for a crucially important cause — helping the growing number of Essex County families facing homelessness and housing insecurity. As you know, Family Promise of Essex County (formerly the Interfaith Hospitality Network or IHN), has been on the front lines of the fight against family homelessness for more than 30 years. Although we are no longer able to host families in our congregations, FPE continues to serve hundreds of adults and kids a year with shelter, expert social services and housing assistance. As you may know, I’m now on the board of FPE and I understand better than ever how much friends like you mean to the families we serve.

Hundreds of volunteers from across the county will meet up on Sunday, Oct 16 at 9 am in Verona Park and walk the Lenape Trail Loop, a paved walkway of 1.4 miles. (You are welcome to walk — or run — multiple laps.) All kids and (leashed) pets are welcome. Click here and register to get a tee shirt. (Children 13 and under do not need to register.) No donation is necessary beyond the registration fee, but please give whatever you are moved to give and urge friends to give as well. If each of us gets just one other person to donate, we’ll make a difference for many families who need us.

Happy New Year to you all and thank you for your ongoing support!

Dale