Terry Edwards Connects Her Harris County Community
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It’s all about connections, and Terry Edwards has them.
As the executive director of Harris County Family Connection in Waverly Hall, she recognizes needs and finds partners to address them.
Originally from Jamaica, she practiced law in New York but hated the “concrete jungle.” While visiting a friend, she fell in love with Harris County.
Since relocating to Georgia 21 years ago, Edwards has worked with people with mental health issues and developmental disabilities and has counseled jail inmates and the homeless. Four years ago, she landed at Family Connection.
“The job is all about improving outcomes for families and children,” she says.
Her strength, she believes, is the ability to bring together community partners from all walks of life.
She has three focuses: early childhood, youth development, and wellness. “We start with data and make a plan,” Edwards says.
More than 30 organizations collaborate with HCFC to address the wide range of needs of the county’s families. They have tackled issues such as truancy, child abuse and neglect, poverty and physical and mental health.
Because the nonprofit is not included in the state budget, Edwards finds sponsors and grants and uses those resources to organize events and programs. These include providing children with back-to-school supplies and clothing and Christmas gifts, hosting a farmers market and offering exercise
The town of Waverly Hall serves as the fiscal agent for the organization and provides office space and utilities. City Clerk Pam Nelms says the city has certainly gotten its money s worth.
“It doesn’t matter what comes up; she will take care of it,” Nelms says.
Longtime volunteer Josephine Bray points to an instance when a child needed dental work. Edwards not only took the child to a dentist but also arranged for a dental lab to come to the school.
“If it’s not available, she will create it,” Bray says.
“The underserved are not always seen and heard,” says Marlyn Williams, a volunteer representing St. John Pitts Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church. “Terry has become their voice and speaks out for that group.” Lishiadette Henry, another community volunteer, says, *[Edwards) sees a problem a family in need-(and) she’s there.”
Edwards’ long-range goal is for the community to come together without her coordinating the efforts.
“Instead of each organization doing (its] own thing. [they) work together,” she says.
Borden Black is a freelance writer and former TV news director in Columbus.
View the story in Georgia Magazine.