“ We make a living by what we get , but we make a life by what we give .”
Fannin County Family Connection Announcement
July-September 2024 fannin county
“ We make a living by what we get , but we make a life by what we give .”
- Winston Churchill
IN THIS ISSUE :
Fannin County Family Connection Announcement , Pages 1 and 2
Volunteer Appreciation , Page 2 Getting to Know , Pages 3 and 4
Work Anniversary / Pirate Week , Page 4
Sherry Morris Farewell , Page 5 Pantry Numbers , Page 6 KinCare Population , Page 7 Kinship Care , Pages 8 and 9
Community Collaborative , Page 10
Please Give , Page 10 Civic Dinner , Page 11 Donate Today , Page 11
Volunteer Opportunities , Page 12
Fannin County Family Connection , Inc . 501 Fannin Industrial Park Blue Ridge , GA 30513 706-632-6063 https :// fcfc1 . org
Fannin County Family Connection Announcement
After nearly 10 years of dedicated service , Sherry Morris ( right ) has elected to retire as Executive Director of Fannin County Family Connection ( FCFC ). Under her leadership , the organization has transformed from a struggling , nearly bankrupt food pantry and shelter to a local community service powerhouse . Sherry has overseen the creation and growth of numerous programs and partnerships serving the diverse needs of families and children across our community .
“ After serving over 30 years in various roles as Association Executive Director , Marketing Director , Trade Show Specialist , and Policy Advocate , I viewed my “ encore career ” as the newly hired Executive Director of my hometown ’ s Family Connection as a chance to slow down while helping my neighbors . Boy was I wrong !” commented Sherry Morris . “ My encore career has been the hardest , most gut wrenching and most rewarding job I have ever had . I will miss my work in the community . To make the most impact in community service , you must be all in and I have been all in for close to a decade . However , there comes a time when your mind and body ask for a little self-care . And your heart knows when you ’ ve given all you have . Now is that time for me . When I ’ ve enjoyed some recuperation time , you will find me back at the family shop being creative with wood and metal working . Perhaps , even a little gardening that I ’ ve missed so much . When my hands are at work making something , my brain , my body and my heart are happy . That ’ s a good thing !”
Sherry will continue as FCFC Director Emeritus , initially supporting the leadership transition and overseeing the 2024 Christmas Tour of Homes , FCFC ’ s primary fundraising event .
The FCFC Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacqueline McKee ( right ) as our new Executive Director , effective October 1 , 2024 .
“ While earning my bachelor ’ s degree I had the opportunity to complete my internship at Fannin County Family Connection and fell in love with the mission and work of the organization . Upon graduation I started working at the University of North Georgia in Blue Ridge while also pursuing my Master ’ s Degree in Human Service Delivery & Administration . Since my internship at FCFC , my passion has been in human service work , and it has been my dream to become an executive director of a non-profit . On May 28th , 2024 , I was gratefully invited to join the FCFC team again , and have been working directly under Sherry Morris as the Associate Director , using her wealth of knowledge to better prepare me for my new leadership position . It is an honor to step in her place as she leaves an extraordinary legacy at FCFC and throughout our community . Sherry has been a mentor , role model , friend , and supporter throughout the growth of my career since my first days as an intern . I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity and I cannot wait to continue to do the necessary work for our community .”
Jacqueline has a heart for community service , and we are excited for the future that her leadership will bring .
“ We are thrilled to welcome Jacqueline to our organization ”, says Sherry Echelberger , FCFC Chairperson . “ She brings enthusiasm and a desire to continue the success we ’ ve enjoyed at Family Connection . Jacqueline has demonstrated the innate empathy and kindness that are mandatory to recognize the needs in our community and all that we serve . She has talked about this role as her dream job and we are pleased to make that dream a reality .”
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