Family Promise of Beaufort County Shines the Spotlight on Ann Parker

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 March, we shine the Volunteer Spotlight on Ann Parker, support coordinator for Family Promise volunteers at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church on Hilton Head.  Ann and others from her church lend support to those at host congregation Christ Lutheran Church, also on the Island. Their combined efforts provide Family Promise guests with meals and overnight stays for two weeks at a time twice during the year.

Ann was among the group of dedicated people who founded Family Promise of Beaufort County (FPBC).  At that time, 11 years ago, she also initiated Family Promise as a mission at St. Francis and has been the coordinator there ever since.  Extremely committed to the program, she has recruited more than 30 people from St. Francis who help in different ways.

Ann’s enthusiasm about Family Promise and its mission is evident when she talks about her involvement. “It’s all about meeting and visiting with the families we serve,” Ann says.  

When asked about the many folks on the Christ Lutheran Coordinating Team, Ann says it’s impossible to pick just a few who stand out.  “All of the volunteers I work with are great, and like me, very much enjoy what they do.” Ann and others do lots in preparing for and being present for host weeks: shop for staple supplies; launder linens; mop floors; make and bring dinner to the congregation for the families; visit with guests; stay overnight, and much, much more.   

Ann and her husband, Charlie, have been married for 65 years! As Charlie was in the United States Air Force for 24 years, he, Ann and their now-grown five children moved frequently to various locations around the country. Twenty five years ago they made the move to Hilton Head from Atlanta, where they had lived for 16 years. It was a “natural,” as they had vacationed in Hilton Head for a long time.

Ann and Charlie, who live in Port Royal Plantation, are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren. They are happy to be living in the Low Country for many reasons, including the weather and the people.  Among the things they enjoy doing together are playing golf, traveling and reading.

In addition to her volunteer work with Family Promise, Ann has been a hospice volunteer for 18 years and serves on the Board of the Pregnancy Center.

Ann’s commitment, along with others like her, is what makes it possible for Family Promise of Beaufort County to achieve our mission. To Ann and the more than 700 volunteers who devote hours to the program, we extend our endless thanks!