Daily Inspiration: Meet Chris Chown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Chown.

Hi Chris, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The Family Rescue Center first started serving the community in 1998. Our ultimate goal is to sustain people in desperate circumstances, empowering them to achieve personal and financial independence. Family Rescue Center exists to meet the needs of hungry, low-income families and unhoused individuals in our community by providing food, clothing, and other essential services.

We remain a primarily volunteer run organization that relies upon grants and the generosity of individual donors to operate. Many wonderful people that want to make a difference in the lives of those in need in the West San Fernando Valley have supported the efforts of the center over the years. We have partnerships with Thrive, Whole Foods, Target, Trader Joes, and LA Regional Food Bank that provide the items we need to address food insecurity. We also have partnerships with various other organizations such as UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic and Build My English to support our clients’ health and to equip them for new opportunities and vocations.

We are grateful for the opportunity to positively impact the lives of over 2,500 people each month. We are always looking for more support from new donors and volunteers.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been an easy road. There have been multiple times over the years in which we had to ask the hard question of whether or not we will be able to keep our doors open. Most recently, in 2023/24, we were faced with dire financial circumstances that forced us to consider closing. However, through the generosity of a handful of donors, we were able to raise sufficient funds to continue operating and serving our clients. Since that time, the number of people that we serve monthly has increased by roughly 30%. We are very grateful that our work can continue as we see the needs of our community increase amidst challenging times. We need to keep growing our support network in order to continue to serve our wonderful community.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I joined the board at FRC in 2021 and became a member of the staff in 2023. From a young age, I was drawn to opportunities to serve those in need – particularly related to food insecurity. I volunteered at local food banks as a kid, built homes for families in Mexico, worked for LA Homeless Services, and then spent a year in Mexico City building relationships and sharing meals with kids living on the streets. When I returned to the states, I earned my teaching credential and Master’s degree in education and started teaching in math and coaching volleyball in South Los Angeles at underprivileged schools. Throughout this time, my classroom was a place that many students gathered to enjoy nutritious food and build community. I believe gathering around a table to share a meal is one of the most powerful ways to connect with others. Years later when I first started volunteering at Family Rescue Center, I felt the same excitement to be involved with an organization that cared deeply for the practical needs of people in hard times as well as the need for connection and for someone to “see” them and listen to them. I am very grateful to have devoted my life to work that prioritizes that which I believe is most important – serving others, building meaningful relationships, and equipping people to live healthy lives full of hope.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
People who come to volunteer at FRC often express the great joy that it brings them to be involved with serving others in their community. There are so many ways you can get involved – volunteering through the week, volunteering at events, monetary donations (just $40/month helps provide for a family of 4), grant writing, and more. Please don’t hesitate to get involved. It will be a blessing to you and to those you serve.

Pricing:

• $40 supports a family of 4 for one month
• $480 supports a family of 4 for one year
• $960 supports 2 families of 4 for one year

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rescatefamilycenter.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familyrescuecenter/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familyrescuecenter