​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. 


​​Stephanie Brown

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, 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
Marcy Thigpen 

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 
​Amy Piper

Amy joined The Friends U Need  Club team part-time in January of 2019 and accepted a full time position as a day program aide / teacher in July of 2020.
Amy graduated from North Gwinnett High School and attended the University of North Georgia where she graduated with a Masters in Interrelated Special Education.

​After college, Amy taught Special Education for ten years. She was able to take some time from public education and stay home with her two children, Peyton and Madelyn Piper.  When her kids became preschool age, she taught preschool.
Amy’s expertise in the field of special education has brought such a new dynamic and diversity in the lessons and skills we are capable of offering to our FUN Club members. Tailoring lessons and activities to the many different levels represented within The FUN Club is an extremely unique aspect of what we offer as opposed to other day programs in our area.

amy@friendsuneed.org
​
Shirley Crapps
Day Program Aide/FUN Van Driver

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 is also an integral part of our transportation program. If you see the FUN Club van rolling down the road, chances are she is transporting FUN Club members to and from home so they can participate in FUN Club.

​Shirley and her husband, Burton are parents to BJ, Amy and Kenley. They are also blessed to have 7 beautiful grandchildren.

shirley@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​