More than 17 years ago, Have Faith Community Development Corporation opened its doors in Alcolu to serve single mothers, struggling families and children in the foster care system.
In 2008, Roberta “Birdie” Leader, sister to HFCDC CEO Bishop D.J.L. Johnson, died from complications due to breast cancer.
During her lifetime, Leader’s vibrant personality, strong faith, helpful attitude and positive attitude touched everyone involved with HFCDC, her best friend said.
“She left a legacy. Birdie felt you should live your life and love it. As long as you’re pure in heart, you are going to be blessed," said Alfreda Langhorne. "For as long as you can be here, give to somebody else.”
Melissa Brailsford said Leader always gave back to the non-profit HFCDC.
“She was a woman who always gave back to our non-profit, from the young people to the abused women with children, whether it was cooking, cleaning or running to the store, she never had a bad spirit about it,” says Brailsford, who oversees Birdie’s Nesting Place.
During her battle with cancer, Leader had the opportunity to go to a retreat up north where patients could be pampered and get away from the daily strain of dealing with their illnesses. When she returned to South Carolina, she requested they build a retreat like that here, eventually hoping a village of homes would be built for this purpose.
After her death, HFCDC made Birdie’s Nesting Place a reality.
Run solely on donations and volunteer help, BNP opens its doors to patients with terminal or chronic debilitating illnesses at no expense to the patients or their families.
“From cooking, cleaning, pampering, praying, pedicures—whatever they need while they’re at Birdie’s Nesting place, volunteers like myself and Ms. Langhorne and the rest of our staff provide,” said Brailsford.
Though the refuge consists of only one home at this time, expansion plans are ready to go once funding is in place. Currently, there are two primary fundraisers for BNP.
Normally held each October, Birdie’s Ride took place April 7 this year. Weather - the 1,000-year-flood and Hurricane Matthew - saw the ride canceled in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Bikers begin the ride in Sumter, paying a small fee to join down U.S. 521 through Alcolu. Over the years, the event has grown to include bounce houses, food and vendors.
“It was a whole community event,” said Brailsford. All money gathered from the event was presented to BNP for assistance in upkeep for the home.
Each year, they also host a black-tie gala, sometimes in South Carolina and sometimes in New York, with all proceeds going to BNP.
For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit birdiesnestingplace.com.
