The van and trailer arrive at the host congregation to set up the rooms for the week with beds, tables, families’ belongings, etc.
A volunteer picks up the families at the Day Center and brings them to the congregation.
Families relax, have dinner and meet the new coordinator and volunteers.
During the Day at the Day Center:
Each morning of hosting, a volunteer takes the guests to the Day Center in Elk River. From there, school-age children will bus to school and parents will go to their jobs.
If parents do not have a job, they work with staff at the Day Center to seek employment, housing, and other resources.
The Day Center has computers, phones, fax, etc. to help families in their plan. We also have a playroom for children not in school.
Families also shower, do laundry and get ready for the day at the Day Center.
At approximately 5pm, the guests return to the host congregation.
Each Evening at the Host Congregation:
Dinner is served to our guests. Parents are responsible for their children and help with clean up.
After dinner, there is fellowship provided by volunteers. Families may play games, do homework, watch movies, and get prepared for the next day.
The host congregation provides a bag lunch for the next day as well as breakfast in the morning.
Saturday:
The Day Center is not open on Saturdays so many churches choose to keep the families and provide entertainment for them.
