South Davidson Family Resource Center gains new director
By Kelly Bledsoe
kellybledsoe@triad.rr.com
John Shelton officially started his new
role as Director of the SDFRC on September 24, 2018 replacing Kaitlyn Baker who recently resigned from the position.
Shelton was chosen to head the center because of his experience working with students
both as a coach, teacher and administrator in the public school system, his knowledge of resources, and his deep commitment
to the South Davidson community. John was most recently the Assistant Principal of Randleman High School and was looking for
something to do after his recent retirement. The opportunity to work in his home town while helping his community proved to
be strong motivating factors for John to apply for the position.
John’s
strong sense of community was passed down from his father Leo Shelton, Junior who was also raised in a small town were everybody
knew everybody and helping was the norm. John, like his father understands the importance of having a servant’s spirit,
and his role as director of SDFRC will allow the opportunity to live out his father’s legacy of caring and sharing his
gifts.
As executive director Shelton will oversee an organization that
connects hundreds of families with community resources that support their most basic needs, such as the emergency food pantry,
Weekend Backpack Program, Clothing Closet, and Emergency Financial Assistance.
SDFRC is a non-profit agency, incorporated
in 1998, with a goal of providing services and resources to the disadvantaged population and families in crisis in southern
Davidson County. SDFRC is the only social services organization totally dedicated to serving the citizens of southern Davidson
County. The agency is funded through several means including grants and special funding as partners with United Way, as well
as with other federal and local agencies.
“I am excited to be
serving in this leadership position and look forward to working with staff members, customers, donors, sponsors and other
community partners,” Shelton said. “Together, we have a collective positive impact on families and children, which
ultimately benefits the entire South Davidson community.”
John’s
main objectives will be to further develop awareness in the community for what SDFRC offers. He is already working with local
schools and churches on raising awareness and coordinating efforts to increase support for the center. John also hopes to
coordinate fundraising efforts with schools, churches and local civic organizations and businesses. His final objective will
be to continue seeking out grants and other avenues for generating awareness and funding for the program.
A Chicken and Dumplings Dinner, benefitting the South Davidson Family Resource Center
will be held on Tuesday, October 23 from 5-7pm at Central UMC ‘Hut” located at 276 W 1st Street in Denton. The
funds will be used to help remodel the Old Griffis Clinic into the new Resource Center location.
John is extremely grateful for the support of his current staff and for all the volunteers who provide a wealth
of knowledge and information. “They really know what’s going on,” John commented.
More information about the Family Resource Center can be found at http://www.southdavidsonfrc.com/services/services.htm,
or call 336-859-5399. Better yet, stop by the office at 338 West Salisbury Street (next door to Library) in Denton.
SDFRC is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday fro 8:30am-12 NOON and the third Tuesday night of the month from 7-8pm. All services
are FREE.
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