Bright Futures Beaufort County is looking to build upon its connections within the area.

The organization, which strives to meet the needs of less-privileged children in the county, is inviting church representatives to a breakfast meeting to discuss other needs that should be met and how to make it happen, said Robin McKeithan, Bright Futures coordinator and business manager at the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce.

McKeithan said Bright Futures is not always able to meet every child’s need, and partnering with faith-based entities would give them the resources to do so. It’s also a way to spread the word about what the organization does.

Greg Coltrain, TriCounty Telecom chief executive officer and Bright Futures board member, was the impetus behind meeting with churches, according to McKeithan.

“It’s just to help increase our reach in our community. The needs are so great,” she said.

“What do you do when their needs are big? What happens when they are sleeping in a house where the windows are missing, or there are holes in the floor?” Coltrain said. “Maybe, just maybe, we can offer a solution or another hand up through such partnerships.”

Bright Futures is no stranger to partnership, as it already works with the school system, businesses and other organizations. McKeithan said she sent out about 80 invitations to the breakfast at the beginning of this month, but there are likely other church representatives who would like to and should attend.

“We tried to invite as many churches (as possible),” she said. “We tried to come up with a very comprehensive list.”

The overall goal is to connect the shared mission of helping others and turn it into tangible results.

“There are many other opportunities where our faith partners can step in and assist with the welfare of children in our community,” Coltrain said.

The breakfast is scheduled for May 19, from 8-9 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center, located at 102 Stewart Parkway, Washington. For those interested in attending, call 252-946-9168.