In this speech, John Wickham, chair of the Relatives board of directors, opens the 7th annual breakfast marking the organization’s 40th anniversary. He thanks a roster of sponsors and partners—including QuikTrip, Wells Fargo, and Chick‑fil‑A—while highlighting contributions from volunteers and local businesses. Wickham reflects on the Relatives’ founding by Dr. Montfort, emphasizing its enduring mission to serve homeless and at‑risk youth by providing safe spaces, guidance, and resources during their transition to adulthood. He underscores the challenges these young people face, shares a hopeful message from executive director Brendan Graham, and calls on attendees to continue supporting the organization’s programs, noting that the doors remain open for assistance and involvement.
Chapters
My name is John Wickham, and I have the privilege to serve as the chair of the board of directors for the Relatives. It has meant a lot to me. This is an important organization and a wonderful group. I'd like to start by thanking our sponsors, QuikTrip, Wells Fargo, Austin and Berg, Cardinal Partners, FCA Partners, Strothmore Capital Advisors, and Harris Teeter. I'd also like to say thank you to Designer Glass Mosaic for the beautiful centerpieces, which were made by kids at the relatives. And a special thanks to John Sumas at our Safe Place location, Chick-fil-A South End for providing the chicken biscuits, and the Scone Shop for the delicious scones. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Relatives, and this is our 7th annual breakfast. Dr. Montfort and those who helped him start this amazing effort must feel very proud of the initiative they began 40 years ago. The Relatives continues to be an advocate and a voice for those who have no voice. It serves as a place of support, caring, and guidance. The faces have changed at the Relatives over the years, but the commitment to youth has not. And here's a room full of adults united in the effort to give these youth in need a chance. A chance to not only survive, but to succeed. As we share this time together, we hope to give you some insight. The Relative exists to support youth that have had to leave their homes, youth that are now homeless, youth that are in a crisis situation, those that need help and resources during that challenging and demanding transition into adulthood. Those who come here are incredible human beings with so much potential, but they need our help. We have an inspiring program for you today. I hope you will hear the message of the relatives and hear the voices of these bright young people who have experienced so much in their lives already. They deserve and indeed appreciate our support. Brendan Graham, our executive director, I think says it best. We offer the kids a safe place and a fighting chance to make it. For someone who may not have a place to live, who may need some support, direction, or guidance, for them staying safe and working for success is like climbing a mountain, a steep mountain with no gear. And indeed with no safety ropes. They can do it, but it helps to have help. It is hard. It is every day. It is one step at a time. It is a full-time tough job. But there is hope and there is help at the relatives. And as noted by Carl Bard, though no one can go back and make a brand new start, Anyone can start from now and break— make a brand new ending. That is what we are doing, helping these youth and young adults make a brand new ending. It is an achievable goal. Please come and join us. The door is always, always open.
