SUE FULMER’S transformative journey commenced in classroom halls, transitioning from an aide to a teacher, ultimately finding her purpose as the site manager/family partner at Head Start. During a meeting with the Kiwanis Club, a pivotal moment ignited Fulmer’s passion for community projects. Embracing the Kiwanis spirit, she embarked on a voyage of volunteering, unlocking a world of opportunities to aid Head Start kids, their families, and the broader community.
“I went to a Kiwanis meeting with our family partner to ask them to purchase us a water fountain for our center. I became interested in all the projects that Kiwanis was doing and joined their club,” she said.
“Through Kiwanis funding projects, I was able to give Head Start kids the opportunity to experience things they wouldn’t normally get to experience and gave families a hand up to better their lives.”
One of the few challenges Fulmer encounters as a community advocate is bridging the gap between available resources and community awareness. After volunteering for a while, she soon realized the importance of networking and communication to ensure those in need find the required assistance.
“In our county, there’s plentiful resources, but people do not know that they’re there. So the challenge would be connecting the different organizations to the people according to their needs.”
Fulmer’s involvement with the Franklin County Community Advisory Board (CAB) via the Department of Children’s Services helps her foster connections between individuals and resources. She states, “When I encounter representatives from new organizations, I can facilitate their connection with other groups to discuss their services.” CAB networks organizations to resources their clients need to improve their family lives.
With a warm smile and a heart dedicated to service, Fulmer took on various roles and initiatives, extending her reach to organizations like Life Choices, The Rain Teen Center, The Franklin County Prevention Coalition, the Grace Center of Hope, Isaiah 117 House, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
Fulmer’s commitment to volunteerism, especially in serving children in families, stems from a desire to alleviate some of the struggles she faced during her early years of marriage and parenthood.
“When I first got married and had kids, back then, we all struggled. And if I can help someone to better their life and not have such a hard time, it blesses me. There are so many opportunities and organizations out there that help people so they don’t have to struggle.”
Fulmer’s House of Blessings initiative draws inspiration from her collaboration with Eric Vanzant at the Campora Family Resource Center, uncovering a new chapter in her community service efforts. Serving at their clothing and food pantry, Fulmer quickly realized the pressing needs of less fortunate families within the community. She can provide countless resources to people without housing, families starting over, recovery groups, and nonprofit organizations through House of Blessings.
Among countless impactful stories, Fulmer narrated an emotional encounter with a man seeking assistance to attend a disability hearing. The simple act of providing gas changed his day and possibly altered the course of his life.
“He started to cry. And he said, ‘Can I give you a hug? You don’t know how much this means to me.’”
To those considering community involvement, Fulmer advises finding a passion and aligning with organizations that resonate with that passion. She promotes the exchange of ideas and aspirations, recognizing that various perspectives play a crucial role in effectively addressing the community’s needs.
Looking ahead, Fulmer is excited about being the resource advisor to Judge David Stewart’s Hope Program, which directs families in the court system to the essential resources required to achieve a higher standard of living. She is equally excited about Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s bed provision and Isaiah 117 House’s commitment to offering love and support to children in foster care.
Fulmer’s story speaks to the positive influence one individual can have on a community.
Her journey is a reminder that compassion paired with action can spread hope like wildfire, transforming lives and creating a stronger, more connected community. GN
