When a special needs child reaches age 22, they are no longer able to attend public school. When this occurs, their families must make some very difficult choices. Finding an organization devoted to providing daily activities for their special needs family member to remain social, active and happy becomes a priority. Families need a resource like FriendsUNeed, an organization that provides life enrichment without placing a financial burden on their households.
FriendsUNeed, affectionately called “Fun Club” by its members, offers a safe and structured daily enrichment program Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. We provide recreation, community service, personal enrichment and daily life skills education activities as well as transportation to, and from, our facility.
FriendsUNeed, affectionately called “Fun Club” by its members, offers a safe and structured daily enrichment program Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. We provide recreation, community service, personal enrichment and daily life skills education activities as well as transportation to, and from, our facility.
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Stephanie Brown Chief Executive Director Stephanie joined The FUN Club in 2016 as the Director of Resource Development. Stephanie oversees The FUN Club's strategic direction and daily operations including; the delivery of programs and services, finance, resource development, recreational activities, fundraising events and community outreach. In 2018, Stephanie became the President & Chief Executive Director of the organization. In addition, Stephanie also serves as the Executive Director of The FUN Club Board of Directors. |
Stephanie graduated from the University of North Georgia with a BBA in Marketing & Management. Stephanie was employed with Buford City Schools at Buford High School from 2005 - 2016 as the school's academic & athletic financial bookkeeper.
During the summer months of her high school & UNG college years, Stephanie worked as a lifeguard & camp counselor at Will-A-Way special needs camp located inside Fort Yargo State Park in Winder, Ga. which began her desire to become involved with the special needs community in some capacity in her future.
Stephanie and her husband, Mike Brown, live in Buford, Ga and are the proud parents of two children, Preston & Keighly.
stephanie@friendsuneed.org
During the summer months of her high school & UNG college years, Stephanie worked as a lifeguard & camp counselor at Will-A-Way special needs camp located inside Fort Yargo State Park in Winder, Ga. which began her desire to become involved with the special needs community in some capacity in her future.
Stephanie and her husband, Mike Brown, live in Buford, Ga and are the proud parents of two children, Preston & Keighly.
stephanie@friendsuneed.org
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Marcy Thigpen
Day Program Coordinator / Admin Assistant Marcy began working with The FUN Club in January of 2018. In the Summer of 2018, Marcy accepted a full time position with The FUN Club as the Day Program Coordinator & Administrative Assistant. Marcy serves as a major contributor in the day programming of FUN Club activities and events. She plans all of the daily activities and schedules daily lunches. Marcy also assists with office administrative duties and tasks. Marcy graduated from North Gwinnett High School and attended Anderson University where she played basketball. |
Marcy most recently worked as a primary caregiver for 6 years. Her skills bring energy and excitement to the FUN Club members on a daily basis. She is dedicated to providing the FUN Club members with a large variety of activities to effectively keep their social skills, physical activity & community skills in tact.
Marcy and her husband, Andy Thigpen, live in Flowery Branch. They have 3 daughters; Gentry, Kayda & Lyza.
marcy@friendsuneed.org
Marcy and her husband, Andy Thigpen, live in Flowery Branch. They have 3 daughters; Gentry, Kayda & Lyza.
marcy@friendsuneed.org
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Shirley Crapps
Day Program Aide/FUN Club House Manager Shirley is a very special part of The FUN Club team for many reasons; however, the best reason is that she is the mother to one of our precious FUN Club members, Kenley. Shirley began at The FUN Club in a part-time capacity in April of 2019. When our FUN Club family began growing and welcoming new members, she accepted a full time position in July of 2020. Shirley graduated from Atkinson County High School and then attended Ware County Technical School and Brewton Parker. |
Shirley imagines, organizes & assists with art projects to keep our members’ creativity flowing. She designs engaging group time activities daily. Shirley is also a great partner to FUN Club members in a game of UNO or building a jigsaw puzzle.
Shirley and her husband, Burton are parents to BJ, Amy and Kenley. They are also blessed to have 7 beautiful grandchildren.
shirley@friendsuneed.org
Shirley and her husband, Burton are parents to BJ, Amy and Kenley. They are also blessed to have 7 beautiful grandchildren.
shirley@friendsuneed.org
Kelly DeLoach
Day Program Aide / Teacher
Kelly joined the Friends U Need Club team full-time in August 2022 after retiring from 31 years of teaching K-5. She accepted a position as a Day Program Aide/Teacher.
Kelly graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, then went on to earn her Masters in Early Childhood Education from University of West Georgia and Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. She has taught grades K-5 for the past 31 years and recently retired from Education in Buford City Schools. Kelly also coached tennis during her time at Buford City Schools.
Kelly has been a supporter of the FUN Club for many years and she and her children have volunteered numerous times over the years. She is very excited to be a part of the opening of the new facility and is looking forward to the future, being a part of this amazing organization. She brings her experience in education to help enrich the lives of each FUN Club member through learning and exploration.
Kelly and her husband, Ryan DeLoach live in Flowery Branch and they are the proud parents of Cameron and Kennedy.
kelly@friendsuneed.org
Day Program Aide / Teacher
Kelly joined the Friends U Need Club team full-time in August 2022 after retiring from 31 years of teaching K-5. She accepted a position as a Day Program Aide/Teacher.
Kelly graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, then went on to earn her Masters in Early Childhood Education from University of West Georgia and Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. She has taught grades K-5 for the past 31 years and recently retired from Education in Buford City Schools. Kelly also coached tennis during her time at Buford City Schools.
Kelly has been a supporter of the FUN Club for many years and she and her children have volunteered numerous times over the years. She is very excited to be a part of the opening of the new facility and is looking forward to the future, being a part of this amazing organization. She brings her experience in education to help enrich the lives of each FUN Club member through learning and exploration.
Kelly and her husband, Ryan DeLoach live in Flowery Branch and they are the proud parents of Cameron and Kennedy.
kelly@friendsuneed.org
Meet Our Board of Directors
Pictured L-R: Melissa Bowen, Vickie Thigpen, Marcy Thigpen, Stephanie Brown, Jodi Bryant, April Perry
Board of Directors:
- Melissa Bowen
- Jodi Bryant
- Wendy Cunningham (not pictured)
- David (DJ) Hardee (not pictured)
- April Perry
- Jamie Thigpen (not pictured)
- Vickie Thigpen