Sherry Morris has served as the executive director of Fannin County Family Connection for six years.
She was recently interviewed for the Georgia Family Connection Partnership newsletter where she shared her ‘why.’
"Several years ago, I went through a divorce, lost health insurance, and was putting my life back together when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m a seven-year survivor now! Unable to meet travel and work demands, I lost my job of nearly 30 years. I found myself a single mom, without a support system, without income, and in the throes of situational poverty."
"When the position opened at FCFC, I knew this was for me. Knowing how difficult everyday life situations can be gives me the strength and desire to do my best to help my struggling neighbors. Thinking of ways our Collaborative can become even more useful keeps me up at night. I wake up each morning with a glad spirit that I have the opportunity to serve. Aside from being a mother to two incredible children, this is the best job ever," concluded Sherry Morris.
We are so honored to have Sherry leading Fannin County Family Connection!
Amanda Hyde has served as the office manager of Fannin County Family Connection for 10 years.
“Mandi is the greatest assistant in the world,” exclaimed FCFC Executive Director Sherry Morris when asked to describe her. “And she is dependable, trustworthy, and known as the ‘keeper of all things’ around here because of her organizational ability.”
Mandi handles accounts payable and payroll, along with donor databases and accounting at Fannin County Family Connection. She assists in all outreach and fundraising activities, as well as preparation for monthly Collaborative and Board Meetings. Mandi is also responsible for procurement of office and community center supplies.
“Helping people through my work at Fannin County Family Connection is incredibly rewarding,” says Mandi. “It really touches my heart when people are so grateful, they are moved to tears.”
Mandi grew up in Avondale Estates in DeKalb County, Georgia. She then moved to Conyers in Rockdale County where she worked as teacher’s assistant for 10 years. Mandi and her husband married in 2003 and moved to Blue Ridge in 2005. She served as an AmeriCorps member through Fannin County Family Connection from 2007-2010 prior to her current role as office manager.
“My most memorable experience is when a family came in that lost everything in a house fire,” said Mandi. “They had young children who needed beds. My son had outgrown his toddler bed, so I was able to give them the bed plus clothing. The family was so grateful, and I was happy I could help.”
Mandi and her husband are the proud parents of one teenage son. And did you know that Mandi is a certified scuba diver? She became certified in a freshwater sinkhole in Florida…one month before going on a scuba diving trip to Cozumel!
We are so grateful to have Mandi on the team at Fannin County Family Connection!
Greg Gelp serves as the Food Pantry Manager at Fannin County Family Connection.
Greg says that the most rewarding aspect of his work at Fannin County Family Connection is that he regularly finds himself in a position to be a loving and kind stranger to someone else.
“And a perfect day here is any day where we are afforded the opportunity to go above and beyond our usual functions to truly enact real positive change in the life of someone in need,” says Greg.
“Those perfect days do not exist without the undaunted commitment of our volunteers and staff to whom I owe the deepest gratitude for allowing me to serve alongside them,” he continued.
“I often find it hard to believe that I am so fortunate as to make my living in the way that I do here at Fannin County Family Connection. For that, I am truly grateful."
We are so grateful to have Greg on the team at Fannin County Family Connection!