The Friday Finish - Dedication, Strength, Faithfulness - Cozy Caterpillar - Positivity, New Beginnings - Experience & Pay - Food & More
- Tim Crawford
- Aug 15
- 5 min read
August 15, 2025
Dedication, Strength and Faithfulness – Janet Slusher Passes
Hearts were heavy last weekend at Red Bird Mission with the news that Janet Slusher, Red Bird Finance Director, passed away. Family, friends and Red Bird associates filled the Bowens Creek United Baptist Church for visitation and a memorial service on Saturday and Sunday to give honor to Janet and support each other remembering her dedication, strength and faithfulness.
Janet had a long history at Red Bird as a student (Class of 1980), staff member and beloved community member. Utilizing her post-secondary training in accounting, Janet worked various positions at Red Bird Dental Clinic and Red Bird Medical Clinic in the 1980’s and 1990’s. She took on the important role of Finance Director for Red Bird Mission, Inc., Red Bird Clinic, Inc., and Red Bird Mission Housing, Inc., in the 2010’s at the invitation of then Executive Director Taylor Collins, and later under recently retired Executive Director Kari Collins.
After stepping down in 2020 as Finance Director due to health reasons, Janet returned in 2023 to provide assistance needed for audit preparations and eventually taking on the finance director’s position again until her death. Naturally, the Red Bird Board of Directors paid tribute to Janet’s dedication, strength and faithfulness yesterday in its scheduled August meeting. Board directors noted the long hours she spent in bringing accuracy to the financial records of all three corporations. It was also fitting that part of yesterday’s business was to receive a positive report from the independent financial auditor who also expressed his appreciation for Janet’s professional demeanor.
Her glowing presence has been missed on the campus of Red Bird Mission for several weeks now, but her dedication, strength and faithfulness will inspire those who knew her for years to come.
Cozy Caterpillar Room Revealed
A colorful start marked this year’s Preschool Open House at Red Bird Christian School on Monday! Thanks to the heartfelt efforts of the kind folks of Bridgetown Church of Christ, the classrooms were transformed over the summer with vibrant new painted walls that radiated joy and warmth. Returning preschoolers were incredibly surprised to see their familiar spaces reimagined with bright colors and heartfelt touches—it was the perfect start to the beginning of a new school year.
The summer wasn’t just about paint—it was about preparation, care, and creativity. Mrs. Amy Collett, Mrs. Kaley Caldwell, and Mrs. Kendra Bowling spent their weeks tirelessly decorating and rearranging the classroom to create an unforgettable day.
Open House welcomed families with festive balloons, colorful welcome signs, a sunshine-themed picture booth, and of course, cupcakes! Small and sweet faces lit up with surprise as the kids spotted their names displayed proudly on doors and along the hallways. These heartfelt details created an instant sense of belonging, making each child feel seen and celebrated from the moment they arrived.
But the real highlight? The much-anticipated “Cozy Caterpillar Room” (our sensory room), which became an immediate hit. Kids dove into the sensory activities, sparking curiosity and lighting up their young minds with excitement. As we kick off the new school year, we are so thankful for the heart and hard work behind every colorful wall, every cupcake, and every Caterpillar sensory activity. Here’s to a bright, colorful, and happy year ahead!
Positivity, New Beginnings Mark First Days
The first days of school at Red Bird Christian School were full of positivity and new beginnings. Classrooms came alive Wednesday with smiling faces as teachers and students dug into lessons and routines. Kayla Smith, Red Bird Mission Gifts and Media Specialist, got the inside scoop from teachers about how they made these first days so special.
Mrs. Patty Vance, one of our dedicated elementary teachers, kicked off her classroom with a focus on teamwork and establishing strong routines. She’s spent the first three days helping her students learn how the classroom works as a team. From clear expectations to encouraging responsibility, students are already gaining confidence, learning to stay organized, and being respectful teammates. Each day, they’re becoming more independent, stepping up to support one another, and seeing how they fit into their classroom family. “Miss” Patty’s contagious enthusiasm has set the tone for a year filled with growth, laughter, and joy in learning.
In the high school hallways, our new history teacher, Ms. Emily Napier, brought her own creative twist to the first days of school by using a little fun and a lot of connection. She introduced herself through a “Meet the Teacher” slideshow and brainstormed with students using a sticky note activity about their favorite things. To top it all off, she organized a back-to-school trivia game that turned into full-on Jeopardy-style fun. It was team-based, interactive, and loved by her high schoolers—especially her 10th-12th graders!
Even beyond the classrooms, students' well-being is a priority. Mrs. Melanie Adams, our wonderful guidance counselor, worked to ensure every student feels supported as they begin the school year. One of her thoughtful additions to the school is the collection of “worry stones” for students who experience anxiety during tests or activities. These small but calming tools provide a simple way for kids to steady their nerves and focus when challenges arise. With all these creative, caring, and meaningful efforts from our incredible staff, the first days of school at Red Bird Christian School have started off on the right foot. Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and success for students of all ages!
Interns Get Work Experience and Pay!
The opportunity to get job experience as a teenager growing up in the Red Bird area is very limited due to the isolation and few businesses in these remote communities. Because of those limitations, the Daniel Boone Community Action Agency (CAA) is able to obtain funding for work experience programs for youth. Three of our youth, two seniors at Red Bird Christian School (RBCS) and one 2025 RBCS graduate, were able to get internship placements at Red Bird Mission this summer.
All three learned about the program through different contacts – RBCS Guidance Counselor Melanie Adams, parents, and direct contact with Daniel Boone CAA. When asked why he applied for their work experience program at Red Bird Mission, Dustin said,
“I did it mainly just to have a job over the summer because I needed something to do, but also because I love to come here. Just to have safe, comfortable work for me because I knew everybody here already.”
Being able to work at jobs that fit their personalities and experience was key to enjoying these work placements. Alex asked to be placed at Red Bird Mission and worked with Dustin doing grounds keeping most of the summer. He said,
“I'm a doer. I like to work on hands-on stuff. I weedeated probably three or four weeks. After I hurt my leg at home, I shredded papers in the Mission office.”
Sydney’s placement at Red Bird Dental Clinic gave her a good experience and training for her college studies in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. When asked about her experience in the Prosper Appalachia intern program, she responded,
“I had a very good experience with the work-based learning program, everything went very smoothly. The program provided uniform scrubs, work shoes, and radiation safety training, needed to intern at the Red Bird Dental Clinic. it was a great way to learn and earn money for college tuition.”
Food and more!
Ralph Aller made the trek from Ohio on Monday with another van load of needed items. Food pantry items always have priority in Ralph’s donation deliveries, but this week he also dropped off nutritional supplement drinks, Christmas donations, program supplies, and more.
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