Effingham County Family Connection thanked its many community partners at a luncheon Thursday at the Gnann-Webb House in Springfield.

Family Connection is a statewide initiative to improve the lives of children and families through collaborative partnerships. The program strives to help local children grow up in strong, healthy families, and to empower them to stay in school and achieve their goals in life.

The appreciation luncheon also served as Effingham County Family Connection’s annual meeting. The program included welcoming new board members Ashley Boyette, Pastor Mary Beene of Faith Presbyterian Church and Father David Rose of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.