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 dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals in crisis in Brunswick County, who are willing to help themselves, by providing emergency assistance and educational and skills development programs.
A Private Non-Profit 501(c) (3)
Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer. -(Unknown)
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 familiar 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.
Our Team
BFA Staff
Stephanie Bowen
Executive Director
With BFA since August 2015. Graduate of UNCW’s Social Worker Program in 2014. Mother of 2.
Shana Hewett-Miles
Community Outreach Coordinator
Shana is new to BFA and very involved with her local church. Graduate of Livingstone College with a degree in Criminal Justice. She is married and has a true passion for helping others.
Jeremy Pechin
Program Manager
20 years of customer service, Enjoys helping people, with many years of management experience.
Amanda Johnson
Assistant Program Manager (Bolivia)
Amanda is passionate about helping others. She was born and raised in Ash, NC and has two loving children.
Helen “Beth” Lewis
Assistant Program Manager (Leland)
Mother of two daughters, Helen Lewis has lived in Leland all of her life and graduated from North Brunswick High School and Cape Fear Community College.
Roxanne Brown
Administration Manager
Roxanne has been in Nursing Home management for over 15 years. She brings a personal passion for helping people to her role. She is married and has a 36 year old son.
Mary Nichols
Accounting and HR Manager
Mary N. grew up in Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University. Came to North Carolina in 2007 and joined BFA in December 2020. Many years of work experience in Accounting and Human Resources positions. Enjoy being able to apply those skills to serving others.
Mary “MJ” Williams
Lead Intake Worker
Mary “MJ” Williams was in the medical field for 10 years. She has been married for 18 years and has 5 children. Mary has been with BFA for several years and as Lead Intake she brings a special quality of care to both clients and co-workers.
William Jones, Jr.
Lead Pantry Worker
William worked in Washington DC as a firefighter and is a father of two. He brings twenty-five years of customer services experience and volunteered at Hyattsville, MD food pantry for several years. Mr. Jones is very compassionate about helping his neighbors in need.
Jennie Shurtzer
Intake Worker
Jennie is born and raised in upstate New York. She is a Chef and loves to cook and bake. Jennie loves to help children and others.
Christopher “Chris” Rivenbark
Pantry Worker (Leland)
Christopher thrives on working with others. He enjoys helping others and allowing them to show their inner strengths.
BFA Board of Directors
Susan Brandon
Chair Person
Gregory Dagoumas
Vice Chair
Carol Humphrey
Secretary
Darlene Dies
Treasurer
Wayne Tillman
Board Member
Rebecca Powell
Board Member
Deborah Claxton
Board Member
Paula Biser
Board Member
Joe Calla
Board Member
Myra Chapman
Board Member
Paul LeCompte
Board Member
Financials
