More than 20 people were encouraged to “fall in love” with Bryan County Family Connection on Thursday when the organization held its annual planning retreat.

The nearly all-day Valentine’s themed retreat focused on issues in the community ranging from substance abuse and unemployment to teen pregnancy, public transportation, homelessness and much more. The group also looked at creating a plan for the organization to use during the coming year.

The day included lots of teamwork, discussion and brainstorming, something Bryan County Family Connection Coordinator Wendy Sims said went well.

“I think we had a good group of volunteers and I think they truly had our families’ best interests at heart,” she said. “I think this plan reflects that.”

Celeste Orr, a community support specialist at Georgia Family Connection Partnership who helps facilitate planning retreats such as this one, said the day was “immensely successful.”

“They did great work and they have so many things on their plate that they want to really make a difference with,” Orr said. “I know Wendy has a lot of partners who cannot commit a full day, but just the fact that so many of these did commit a full day it really speaks volumes.”

Compared to surrounding counties who host similar retreats, Orr said the group worked progressively together.

“This was a very high energy group compared to a lot of the other groups that I’m with,” Orr said. “They just seem very passionate about the group and engaged in the work.”

Read more in the Feb. 16 edition of the News.