Our Agency

The Faith Network of Franklin County is a not-for-profit organization located in Rocky Mount, Virginia. Our organization helps those who are at risk of homelessness or are currently experiencing homelessness. A mentoring relationship with a large majority of those we serve is the most important component of what we do. After an 8 hour training, our mentors volunteer their time to work with clients who come to us for assistance for a minimum of 90 days.

Our mission is to bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Who Qualifies for Services

Any individual or family who is experiencing homelessness or is at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Any individual or family who is in need of food or is struggling with basic needs.

All individuals must have lived in Franklin County for the past two months consecutively.

Must complete a comprehensive assessment, comply with developed service plan, including mentoring. Must participate in the program for 90 days.

Video: The Needs of Children in Franklin County

Mission

To bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

Purpose

To promote self sufficiency by addressing emergent financial needs, coordinating access to available resources, and facilitating lasting connections to a supportive community.

Vision

A community living without want for the most basic needs.

Individual households were served with the below outcomes during January 1 –December 31, 2018:

Families remained safe in their home by Faith Network assisting financially with an emergent need & assigning a mentor.

Families were able to maintain employment by Faith Network assisting with automobile repairs and 18 auto fuel assistance

Individuals were provided safe warm shelter for 75 hotel nights

Families were provided emergency food assistance

How We Got Started

The Faith Network of Franklin County was started 2 years ago by a group of Christians in Franklin County with the goal of reducing poverty and homelessness in the area.

The first case of the Faith Network was a man named Alvin, who was homeless living in a tent. Alvin received support and mentoring from the Faith Network with Derek as his mentor. The Faith Network helped Alvin out of homelessness and he developed a positive, healthy relationship with his mentor, Derek. His mentor learned so much from this experience, too.

Sheila Andrews

Executive Director

Sheila Andrews was hired as Program Manager in March 2018; She was promoted to Executive Director in 2019. Sheila’s background is in Organizational Leadership and she has over 25 years of experience in non-profit & homeless services. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, exploring wineries, & hanging out with her family.

Agency Board of Directors

Derek Layman, Board President

Amber Bowman, Vice President

Kenlyn Peters, Treasurer

Abigail Southall, Secretary

Gary Bowman

Lucille Bowman

David Cuff

Diane Grimmett

Coretta Hale

Barbara Hatcher

David Peters

Sherry Scott

Jamie Starkey

Lori Suon

Catina Wright, founding member