Alex Floyd, contributor

Last Thursday at the Richmond Hill City Center, dozens of friends, community partners, public servants and well wishers came together to celebrate 25 years of Bryan County Family Connections. This organization manages just about anything a family in our communities needs, from utility assistance to teen mentoring to Christmas gifts for applying families.

Wendy Futch has led the organization for 23 of its 25 years. “I’ve been blessed to be part of BCFC since 2003, and it’s been amazing to see how much we’ve grown over the years. I’m so thankful for the wonderful people, friendships, and partnerships that have been part of this journey,” she said.

Like Wendy, Audrey Singleton has been a steadfast force for good in our community and has worked with Family Connections since the beginning.

“When I think about these past 25 years, I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of an organization that has made such a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families throughout our county.”

Singleton was a founding member of what began as the Empty Stocking Fund and later under Family Connection became the Bryan County Children's Fund. “Just look at how that program has grown,” said Singleton. “What began with gifts for a dozen or so children has expanded to serve nearly 700 children during the last holiday season.”