10/31/2025
Last November, our Executive Director of 29 years announced she would be retiring. After putting off retirement several months to finish some work, today was her last day serving as Executive Director. She will move into a transition support role for the next few weeks to help our new Executive Director, Lora Cooper. If you missed the last collaborative meeting, please take a moment to read the following:
Retirement Announcement
Bulloch County Family Connection Collaborative (BCFC)
(www.gafcp.org)
Today (10-31-25) as I transition from my role as Director after 29 years of service, I want to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart. Serving alongside you has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life.
Together, we have built something remarkable, a true collaboration dedicated to improving the lives of children, families, and our community. Your willingness to share your time, expertise, and resources has made a lasting difference, and I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me through the years.
The Bulloch County Family Connection Collaborative (BCFC) remains focused on improving outcomes by leveraging resources that support academic achievement, mental health, and access to services. We continue to grow and cultivate partnerships that provide academic, developmental, and asset-building opportunities for historically underserved students and families.
Over the past year, BCFC has engaged new stakeholders, expanded social-emotional learning, and identified service gaps through data-driven assessments. In the coming year, the Collaborative will enhance mental health initiatives, explore strategies to improve attendance and engagement, strengthen family functioning, and build a trauma-informed, resilient community. BCFC is proud to partner with Resilient Georgia, as a new grantee, to expand trauma-informed care and resilience building efforts.
Accountability and integrity remain at the heart of BCFC’s work. Guided by our core values and 29-year history, BCFC will continue to:
1. Implement programs based on best practices and scientific research;
2. Improve child and family well-being through resource linking and coordinated services;
3. Leverage local, state, and federal funding to support community-driven plans; and
4. Maintain a community-based decision-making process guided by data and evaluation.
Through strong partnerships, BCFC has helped secure more than $38 million since 1996 to support critical programs such as 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Resilient Georgia, Community Assessments, Drug-Free Communities, Grants to Reduce Alcohol Abuse, Youth Development, Communities in Schools, Mental and Behavioral Health Collaboration, Policy Change Efforts, Family Literacy and Support, Grant Writing, and Alternative Education Support.
My final task was to prepare and prep the BCFC board for the first annual Georgia Family Connection Partnership compliance review providing evidence of quality functioning and operations for 48 indicators. I am so proud BCFC obtained a perfect review of all indicators. This is another example of the value of the foundational process of Georgia Family Connection and our strong collaborative. Still with more work to be done, it is through this collaboration that meaningful results will continue.
The strength of Family Connection has always come from you - your dedication, compassion, and belief in what we can accomplish together. While my role is changing, my confidence in this Collaborative’s ability to thrive and meet future challenges has never been stronger.
Please continue your active involvement and extend your full support to our new Director, Lora Cooper. Your partnership will ensure a smooth transition and carry forward the vision of stronger families and a healthier community.
Thank you again for the privilege of serving as your Director. I will forever cherish the relationships, accomplishments, and shared purpose that have defined our work together.
With gratitude and warm regards,
Catherine Hendrix
Former Director, Bulloch County Family Connection
