Family Promise of Beaufort County Shines the Spotlight on Stacey Brewer

As a volunteer driven organization, we are shining the spotlight each month on one of our dedicated volunteers who are the heart of Family Promise. They work tirelessly and greatly deserve our thanks and recognition!

In April, we shine the Volunteer Spotlight on Stacey Brewer, the Family Promise Host Coordinator for Grace Community Church on Hilton Head.  Five years ago Grace Community became a partner congregation with Family Promise and Stacey has been involved from the beginning.

Stacey says serving as Host Coordinator is personally rewarding.   Preparing for and spending time with guests is something she very much enjoys.  “I believe this ministry is something I was meant to do,” Stacey says. “I am grateful to have the opportunity.”

Committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests, Stacey and her 15 year old daughter, Shayla, stay overnight hosting during the four weeks throughout the year when families stay at Grace Community.  “I think our being there provides consistency for our guests, something that is important to me,” Stacey says. “I want to welcome, encourage and support each individual I have the opportunity to meet.”

Stacey says she could not make it all happen if it were not for other volunteers such as Karleen and Dean VanKeuren who are always willing to help in any way possible. One of many responsibilities they take on is the cleanup and removal of beds done early Sunday morning after guests leave, after their weeklong stay.  They also provide a wonderful meal on Saturday night and provide overnight hosting during the week.

In addition to help from the Grace family, assistance is provided by volunteers from St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, the Support Host Congregation.  Those efforts are led by Support Coordinator, Marsha Murphy. Members of St. Francis, as well as Holy Family Catholic Church, provide meals and host overnight when needed. “Flexibility is the key,” says Stacey when describing all of the many people who come together to serve the families.

Stacey is also part of the Missions Committee at her church. She and Shayla recently returned from a ten-day mission trip to Myanmar, formerly Burma.  There the team of 15 conducted Bible School for 200 children in an orphanage. “It was incredible to see these children, who compared to many in other countries have ‘nothing,’ yet were so happy with so little.”  Though recovering from jet lag after a 33 hour trip home, Stacey is already thinking about going back next year.

In addition to serving as Host Coordinator at Grace Community, Stacey has worked part time on staff for four years.  As Director of Communications she designed the congregation’s website, keeps it up to date, and manages other communications activities.

Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, Stacey attended Blue Ridge College.  A beach lover, she moved to Hilton Head in 1998 and says she can’t see leaving the area.   In addition to Shayla, she has another daughter, Sierra. The proud grandmother of an 18 month old grandson, there is another grandson who will arrive in July.

Stacey gives graciously of her time and talents. It is because of dedicated people like her that Family Promise continues to meet the needs of homeless children and their families. Many, many thanks!