North Fulton Community Charities Family Enrichment Program Changes Futures

North Fulton Community Charities can chalk up the Family Enrichment Program as another success among the many the organization can point to over the years it has helped local families from becoming displaced or homeless. 

The Family Enrichment Program (FEP) started May 30, 2010 with the hiring of Eden Purdy, Program Director. Since then, they have held over 148 class sessions and continue to introduce free life skill seminars, classes and services that help families and individuals living in North Fulton improve their lives, become stronger leaders within their families and their community and move toward financial stability.

"What an exciting first year it has been," Purdy said of the program's first year. "With the help of expert volunteer instructors from our community, we have assisted over 688 individuals learn English, become better job candidates, take control of their finances and prepare for the GED test."

When asked about her experience with the program, a recent recipient said, “This seminar was not at all what I expected it to be. I did not want to attend, but as it turned out, it was just what I needed! Thank you so much for being so positive, for giving me hope and believing in me.”

With the addition of the program, NFCC has been able to move from direct assistance to a more transformational approach of helping those experiencing financial hardship.

“We now have the capability to effect change by first stabilizing a family facing financial crisis and then providing the tools they need to improve their situation. Whether it’s learning English, earning a GED to obtain a better job, learning how to maintain a budget or finding ways to save money so they can become financially stable,” said Purdy. 

A recent survey of FEP participants revealed 80 percent made positive steps toward gaining employment and demonstrating knowledge or skills learned. In addition, 50 percent of job readiness attendees found employment, representing the approximate equivalent of $306,000 in gross income returning to our community and government services.

NFCC continues to be the first point of entry for someone experiencing a financial crisis for the first time in North Fulton. With the addition of the program, NFCC can now be the first and the last place for many people on the road to financial recovery.

In addition to the workshops and life skills offered by the Family Enrichment Program, Purdy also coordinates the Easter Basket Program, Warm Coat Drive and the Holiday Program, which is the largest program offered by NFCC. Currently, she is organizing the Back to School Health & Wellness Fair, which takes place on August 13, 2011. Monetary and in-kind donations are encouraged.

For more information on the program or how you can volunteer, please contact Eden Purdy at 770.640.0399 x208 or epurdy@nfcchelp.org.