Over the last three decades, Blue Ridge has transformed from a quiet mountain town into a thriving destination loved by visitors and locals alike. Through every season of growth and change, one thing has remained constant: neighbors helping neighbors. Our donors, volunteers, and community support has grown alongside our beautiful mountain town all these years. With that, we believe it is time to reshare our story.
Georgia Family Connection Partnership
Fannin County Family Connection started in 1996, exactly 30 years ago. We began with the widely known movement of the Georgia Family Connection Partnership which swept the state in the early 1990s. During this time, the environment for families, and children in Georgia was among the worst in the nation. Georgia Family Connection Partnership was created by Governor Zell Miller. He intended to unify the goals of counties to establish a statewide initiative. GFCP pooled resources and aligned efforts to fix the issues arising across this demographic. The GFCP mission is to:
Unite partners and leverage resources; and we foster informed decision-making, to improve systems and outcomes for every child, family, and community.
Our organization aligns with this mission and has grown into something much more. There was such a need in our community and the vision of individuals who have poured into this organization with their time, investments, and ideas help us reach our vision of creating a thriving community for all.
How It All Began
Fannin County Family Connection began in downtown Blue Ridge as a small establishment, networking and collaborating with resources to make a difference in the once small community of Blue Ridge Georgia. As the needs became clear for clients, families and children in need, our food pantry was born almost immediately.
We soon outgrew our 2nd building located at 101 Fannin Industrial Park Road. We were in desperate need of a new facility to continue our work in the community. As we faced the financial challenge of locating and purchasing a new establishment, a benefactor stepped forward to help us continue our mission. We will forever be grateful to the Chambers family and his wife for believing in us and gifting Fannin County Family Connection. This building is just up the hill, now located at 501 Fannin Industrial Park Road.
Resource Center Programs & Offerings
This building was purchased and gifted to us in the late summer for 2019 and we have been a resource at the top of the hill ever since for our community. We have grown into a fully functioning Resource Center providing:
- Collaborative Meetings and Networking Opportunities for the Non-Profit Community
- A Food Pantry that Continues to Grow as the need is ever present
- Resource Coordination offering Career Counseling Financial Guidance & More
- Unsheltered Day Services like Showers, Kitchen, and Laundry for Free Public Use
- Events & Fundraisers that Bring Our Community Together
- Programs: Family Care Program & Pre-School Morning Out Program
Furthermore, the list only continues to grow as we watch our building expand through our Opportunity Center Expansion Project. This exciting new venture will only add to the resources we provide for our community. It includes:
- A Local Visitation Center for the North Georgia Region
- Conference Room that can be Utilized by Other Non-Profits and Rented Out for Additional Needs
- Office Reconfiguration for Staff Efficiency & More Welcoming Atmosphere for Clients in Need
“FCFC Resource Center is not only providing resources for clients and community members but a hub for the non-profit world offering connection & growth together” ~ Executive Director Jacqueline McKee
Fannin County Family Connection is proud to be a Resource Center available for all community members, whatever the individual needs may be. If you are ever interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more about our impact and how to get involved, we would love to talk with you and give you a tour of our facility.
In conclusion, our story’s impact is credited to the generosity and support we receive from the community and individuals who love their neighbors and are committed to making Fannin County a place where everyone can thrive.