Brunswick Family Assistance and Brunswick County announce opening of new BFA headquarters in Bolivia on Monday, Sept. 11
MEDIA RELEASE
BOLIVIA, NC – Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA) and Brunswick County are excited to announce the opening of BFA’s new headquarters in Bolivia to increase food storage capacity, food pantry operations, program development, and effective and efficient client services.
Beginning Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, BFA will move its offices and food pantry from its location in Shallotte to a new headquarters facility at 929 Old Ocean Highway in Bolivia The new Bolivia location will operate under the same hours of operation as the Shallotte location.
The new headquarters in Bolivia will provide a larger and more centralized spot for residents countywide who rely on BFA’s services.
“BFA is grateful for the support of our volunteers, donors, Board of Directors, the Board of County Commissioners, and staff at BFA and Brunswick County for working tirelessly to find an adequate space for the organization to call home for many years to come,” BFA Executive Director Stephanie Bowen said. “Most importantly, BFA is thankful to finally have efficient space to serve the nearly 40,000 individuals that walk through the doors each year seeking assistance. The clients are always BFA’s number one priority, and this new space is all about serving our community.”
The last day of operation at the Shallotte location at 4600-10 Main St. was Sept. 1, 2023. There are no changes to the offices and services at the BFA location in Leland. Clients are welcome to receive assistance at the Leland location until the new headquarters in Bolivia is opened.
BFA’s previous headquarters in Shallotte occupied three units at Twin Creek Plaza totaling 7,000 square feet. To ensure BFA could sustain the organization’s rapid growth and continue to meet the needs of Brunswick County residents living in poverty, BFA realized it needed a larger facility space.
In August 2022, BFA’s ad-hoc committee began searching for a new space that would allow BFA to better serve clients, while also being diligent about keeping overhead cost as low as possible. The ad-hoc committee found a 14,0000-square foot facility with adequate warehouse space centrally located in Bolivia.
Brunswick County executed a purchase agreement for 929 Old Ocean Highway in October 2022. The agreement required the builder to upfit the structure to meet BFA’s program and administrative needs. With a facility double the size of the current one, BFA will offer an enhanced food pantry and engage new programs that better meet the community’s needs and address gaps in services.
“Brunswick Family Assistance has provided essential and critical services to our residents with diligence and compassion for over 40 years,” Brunswick County Chairman Randy Thompson said. “We are pleased that our long-time partnership with BFA and this new facility space will strengthen their ability to aid our community while exploring more opportunities to expand programs and services.”
The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the lease agreement with BFA during the regular meeting on Monday, June 5, 2023. Under the lease agreement, Brunswick County is responsible for building envelope/structural maintenance and HVAC maintenance, while BFA is responsible for general interior upkeep, furnishings and building operational costs.
BFA leadership will communicate with their clients, staff, volunteers, and donors as the nonprofit transitions to its new headquarters in Bolivia. Residents/clients with questions about services should contact Brunswick Family Assistance directly at 910.754.4766 (Bolivia), 910.408.1700 (Leland), or info@brunswickfamily.org.
About Brunswick Family Assistance
Brunswick Family Assistance is a private non-profit agency serving low-income residents of Brunswick County. We envision a community where all people have access to an adequate and nutritious supply of food and resources to sustain themselves. BFA is devoted to aiding the unemployed, underemployed, homeless, disabled, working poor, or the elderly. Since 1981, BFA has distributed food, clothing, medical prescriptions, and financial assistance for essential needs (utility, rental, and emergency shelter). More information about the organization is at brunswickfamily.org.
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Media Inquiries
Members of the media may reach out to the following contacts for inquiries.
Residents with questions about services should contact Brunswick Family Assistance directly at 910.754.4766 (Bolivia), 910.408.1700 (Leland), or info@brunswickfamily.org.
Brunswick Family Assistance
Tyffanie Paganello, Community Outreach Administrator
910.712.6522
tpaganello@brunswickfamily.org
Brunswick County
Meagan Kascsak, Communications Director
910.253.2995
meagan.kascsak@brunswickcountync.gov