Host A Fellow

Become a Fellows Host Family

Looking for a way to invest in First Pres and the next generation? Consider being a Fellow's Host Family.

One of the most powerful aspects of the Fellows experience is living with a First Pres family during the nine-month program. This is truly a gift of “radical hospitality.” More than just providing room and board, host families allow Fellows to be part of a Christ-centered household, sharing their homes and experiences amidst daily challenges and joys with young adults in service to Christ.

Dozens of First Pres families have given this wonderful gift to the Fellows and the church – many of them multiple times. They include young families, singles, empty nesters, and multi-generational households. Maybe your family is next?


"Opening your doors and welcoming a stranger into your home — to see the good and the bad of your family life — can be such a rewarding experience and an opportunity to love, grow, and serve right from home. With that said, it comes with challenges, too. I hope we did all grow! Having an additional person in the house changes the dynamic. Sometimes that was really fun and sometimes that was harder. Over the years, we've opened our home to people in different ways, but having a Fellow isn't having a student — they are adults, so it's definitely different than an exchange student."

— Host Parent

"Moving in with a host family takes effort on both sides for it to work. The nature of it yields discomfort in the beginning, but getting uncomfortable is where I saw the most growth, trust, and transparency. I love my host family with my whole heart. They are a HUGE reason this year has been so special. They love me so well, and teach me what it means to raise a family rooted in Christ. Their selflessness in providing for me has shown me how to strive for selflessness. I don't think I could've had a better experience."

— Past Fellow

Interest Meeting

Want to learn more? 

Come to the Host Family Interest Meeting:

Wednesday, April 29 at 6:30 pm

At Tim and Abigail McConnell’s home

Light Dinner provided! Registration required


Register Today!

HOW IT WORKS

While living with a host family, the Fellow becomes a contributing member of the household: not as a boarder and not as a member of the family, but somewhere in between. 

  • Host Families provide room and board for a Fellow from late August through mid-May. The minimum room requirement includes a private (single, not shared) bedroom, with a chair suitable for reading and a table or desk for writing. A private bathroom is not necessary; sharing with other family members is fine.
  • Host Families provide some meals within the home, mostly breakfasts and some dinners as part of the family. On most weekdays, Fellows will be away from home most of the day and will be responsible for their own lunches.
  • Host Families provide a parking space for the Fellow’s car; on-street parking is fine if it is permitted in the neighborhood.
  • Fellows provide their own personal items (soap, shampoo, etc.)
  • Fellows will NOT bring pets of any size with them.

HOST FAMILY-FELLOW MATCHING

Families interested in hosting a Fellow complete a questionnaire about their family life and their household. Fellows complete a similar questionnaire relating to their own expectations and needs. Based on this information, the First Pres Fellows Program matches each Fellow with a specific Host Family and notifies both in early summer.

EXPECTATION SETTING AND SUPPORT

The Host Family relationship with a Fellow is different from that with a high school or college student. The Fellow is an independent young adult with their own car and is quite busy. They’re not just a boarder, and not one of the family’s children, but somewhere in between. Finding the point between those two relationships that works for everyone is important. Ideally, the Fellow and host family members intentionally develop that meaningful relationship with each other. This requires effort, humility, and often a willingness for everyone to step outside their comfort zone. 

Orientation and ongoing support is provided by the First Pres Fellows Program. 


Ready to learn more? Contact:

Floyd Sebald, Fellows Program Director | fsebald@firstprescos.org 

Mark Holthouse, Fellows Working Board Member | mark.holthouse@gmail.com