For Stuart Perry, a recent visit to Concord Methodist Church was a homecoming of sorts. The Perry Wellness Center founder and CEO had been invited to speak at the June meeting of its men’s club. As he looked around, he spotted several former teachers who had provided positive attention and support when he attended Southland Academy over 40 years ago.

Stuart had been invited to speak in order to share the history and operations of Perry Wellness Center. While he gladly shared this information with the group, he also took the opportunity to recognize his former teachers and share his appreciation for their guidance.

Stuart also brought staff member Kelly Jansen and shared the inspirational story of Kelly’s role at the center, as well as the larger community.

“Kelly came to us over seven years ago with his graduation document from South Georgia Technical College and served as kitchen manager and chef,” Stuart recalled. “Since those days, Kelly has reached out to help everyone in every need at Perry Wellness Center. He is now manager of Rudy’s Happy Patch market and does a great job during this hectic time of year. He has become part of our family, and he has learned many significant things that have helped him over the past few years.”

Kelly then told the assemble group of his many missions throughout the world. “I do like to travel to help others and share the things that I have learned at Perry Wellness Center,” he noted. “I thank Stuart for his fatherly impact on me.”

Between Stuart’s salute to his former teachers and Kelly’s tribute to Stuart’s impact on his life, the philosophy of Perry Wellness Center was illustrated: helping others DOES make a difference in people’s lives, and “paying it forward” is the best way of saying “thank you.”

Our thanks to the men of Concord Methodist Church for allowing us this time of sharing, education, and fellowship.