BRUNSWICK COUNTY — A nonprofit in Brunswick County is expanding operations with a new location.
Brunswick Family Assistance, serving low-income individuals with access to proper nutrition, is opening its headquarters in Bolivia to increase food storage capacity, food pantry operations and program development.
Staff from the nonprofit, opened in 1981, noted in a press release it will also provide a more centralized location for countywide residents who rely on its services.
“BFA is thankful to finally have efficient space to serve the nearly 40,000 individuals that walk through the doors each year seeking assistance,” BFA executive director Stephanie Bowen said in the release. “The clients are always BFA’s number one priority, and this new space is all about serving our community.”
The current Shallotte location occupied three units in Twin Creek Plaza with 7,000 square feet, but the nonprofit realized to meet its growth and the needs of the community, more space was required. It began searching in August 2022.
The new headquarters will be double the size at 14,000 square feet of warehouse space. The nonprofit identified Brunswick County-owned property in October 2022, but it needed to be upfit to suit its needs.
County commissioners unanimously approved a lease agreement at their June 5 meeting. Under the agreement, the county is responsible for building envelope and structural maintenance as well as HVAC maintenance, while BFA will oversee general interior upkeep, furnishings and building operational expenses.
BFA will move its offices from Shallotte, where it closed down Sept. 1, to 929 Old Ocean Highway in Bolivia Sept. 11. It will operate under the same hours, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The BFA Leland location will remain.
Residents or clients with questions about services should contact Brunswick Family Assistance directly at 910-754-4766 (Bolivia), 910-408-1700 (Leland), or [email protected].
Tips or comments can be sent to [email protected]
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