Although Family Connection is a non-profit agency providing services to children and families across Shelby County, several organizations recently stepped up to give back to Family Connection because of all it does for the county.

In mid-May, volunteers with Keller Williams Realty stopped by Family Connection to lend a helping hand, while residents and employees of Shelby Ridge Nursing Home also stepped up with fundraisers during the month to help the agency.

As part of RED day, which stands for Renew, Energize and Donate, associates with Keller Williams replaced carpet with tile in the Family Connection shelter, while also providing new landscaping outside the administrative office.

In addition to physical labor, the Keller Williams associates also donated blankets, pillows, personal hygiene items and food. The associates also brought birthday cake and balloons for those celebrating a birthday.

“I am overwhelmed by the energy, enthusiasm and support the Keller Williams associates showed,” said Family Connection Executive Director Susan Johnston. “The repairs to our shelter, landscaping at our offices and donation of so many needed items is of the greatest help to us and the families that we serve.”

At Shelby Ridge, resident Patricia Bradberry stepped up to organize a bake sale and a raffle that raised more than $500 for Family Connection.

Prior to becoming a resident at Shelby Ridge, Bradberry was an avid golfer and often organized charity golf tournaments for organizations like Family Connection.

“I’ve always been involved in charity and fundraising, and it’s nice to give back,” Bradberry said.

Shelby Ridge Administrator Susan Baker said it is inspiring to see Bradberry and others at the nursing home come together for such a great cause.

“It creates a sense of excitement, and it creates positive energy,” Baker said.

Without Bradberry, Baker said, the fundraiser would not have been possible.

“Ms. Bradberry has an exceptional ability to organize these events, and she makes sure every I is dotted and every T is crossed,” Baker said.

Phil Cain, the Family Connection associate director, said such fundraisers as the one held at Shelby Ridge are essential to the success and survival of the agency.

“This $500 helps us do what we do,” Cain said. “One of the many things we try to do with the young people is to instill the value that the world is bigger than yourself, and that’s what the residents here at Shelby Ridge have proven to be true.”