Community Spotlight: Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA)
A Conversation with Kyle Abrams - Executive Director of BFA
As many in our community face economic hardship, it’s more important than ever to highlight the resources available to help. We spoke with Kyle Abrams, Executive Director of Brunswick Family Assistance, to discuss how his organization supports our neighbors in need.
Information below is from BFA’s website.
We help low income people live a high quality of life.
We envision a community where all people have access to an adequate and nutritious supply of food and sufficient resources to sustain themselves. BFA shall continue to be a leader in partnering with other organizations to help solve community problems.
Brunswick Family Assistance is devoted to improving the lives of families and individuals in crisis in Brunswick County by providing critical assistance to those working towards self-sufficiency.
History
In 1977, the Cape Fear Area Voluntary Action Center opened a branch office in Brunswick County, North Carolina. In 1981, that branch office broke away from the Voluntary Action Center and incorporated the Brunswick County Volunteer and Information Center. The agency became known as the “VIC” office. The purpose and scope of the agency changed over the years. VIC began offering emergency services, operated a Christmas Basket program and began distributing USDA surplus commodities.
After much thought, the Board of Directors voted to change the name to better reflect the activities of the Agency. The new name, Brunswick Family Assistance Agency, Inc., also known as BFAA (now BFA), was adopted in 1996. Brunswick Family Assistance is a private non-profit agency serving low-income residents of Brunswick County. BFA is a Cape Fear Area United Way agency.
Programs
Brunswick Family Assistance has many programs in place to assist the members of our community!
Requirements for Assistance
All clients must provide proof of income and expenses for a typical month each year
All clients must bring in the required documents for the kind of assistance
All clients must be a resident of Brunswick County for at least 90 days. All clients must bring in a photo ID stating they are a Brunswick County resident each time they apply for assistance.
Services Include:
Food Pantry
Prescription Assistance
Utility Assistance
Rental Assistance
Christmas Programs
Summer Food
Christmas in July
Birthday Wish Ministry
Mobile Pantry
How You Can Help
Brunswick Family Assistance provides a number of avenues where folks can lend their assistance. Please visit their website for details: https://brunswickfamily.org/volunteer/