A New Era of Collaboration for Bulloch County Family Connection

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Bulloch County is entering an exciting new chapter of community impact with Lora Cooper stepping into the role of Executive Director of Bulloch County Family Connection. Cooper began her role with Bulloch County Family Connection following the retirement of Catherine Hendrix, who concluded more than 28 years of dedicated service to the Bulloch County community on October 15. Hendrix’s leadership helped establish and sustain the collaborative approach that has long been central to the organization’s work.

Cooper brings continuity to the role, having been a longtime and active member of the Bulloch County Family Connection Collaborative prior to stepping into the executive director position.

Bulloch County Family Connection works to improve outcomes for children and families by bringing together stakeholders across sectors—including education, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, government, faith communities, and business leaders—to identify needs, align resources, and implement data-driven strategies. The organization serves as a backbone entity, helping partners work more effectively together rather than in isolation, with a focus on long-term systems change.

Cooper will continue her leadership of Positive Childhood Alliance Bulloch, which focuses specifically on prevention, resilience, and the well-being of children and families. Through education, training, and community awareness, the Alliance promotes safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for children. Its work centers on preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), strengthening protective factors, and supporting caregivers and professionals who work with children every day.

“These roles are deeply connected,” Cooper said. “At the heart of both organizations is the belief that when we support families, coordinate efforts, and invest in prevention, we create better outcomes not just for children, but for the entire community”.

Adding another important layer to this work is Bulloch County Family Connection being a member of the Resilient Communities of Marshland Georgia, a coalition of Resilient Georgia. As part of this regional effort, Bulloch County is working alongside neighboring communities to build resilience, strengthen trauma-informed systems, and respond more effectively to stressors that impact families and communities.

This initiative emphasizes cross-sector collaboration, shared learning, and sustainable approaches to community well-being.

“The Resilient Communities of Marshland Georgia coalition allows us to think bigger and work smarter,” Cooper explained. “It connects local efforts to regional strategies and reinforces the idea that resilience is built when organizations, systems, and people work together.”

Together, Bulloch County Family Connection, Positive Childhood Alliance Bulloch, and the Resilient Communities of Marshland Georgia initiative create a strong alignment of vision and action. Their combined efforts focus on reducing duplication, increasing coordination, and ensuring that families have access to the supports they need—when and where they need them.

However, meaningful change requires broad community engagement.

“This work cannot be done alone,” Cooper said. “We need educators, healthcare providers, nonprofits, businesses, faith leaders, parents, and residents to work alongside us. Whether you’re already serving families or looking for ways to get involved, there is a role for everyone in building a stronger Bulloch County.”

The Bulloch County Family Connection Collaborative meets on the first Tuesday of each month at noon and is open to community partners interested in improving outcomes for children and families. As Bulloch County continues to grow and evolve, these aligned efforts offer an opportunity to create lasting, positive change. Through shared leadership, partnership, and a collective commitment to children and families, the community is poised to move forward—together.

Upcoming Community Events:

  • Stronger Together: Family Picnic and Resource Fair: March 28 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Luetta Moore Park.
  • Annual Building a Resilient Community Summit: April 29, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Ogeechee Technical College.

To contact Lora Cooper, please call (912) 764-6179 or email bullochcountyfamilyconnection@gmail.com. To learn more about Bulloch County Family Connection, please visit their website and their Facebook page.

View the story on griceconnect.com.