Brett Shirley, who works for the Gwinnett County Police Department, is no longer surprised when residents of certain neighborhoods in Buford approach him to say hello. He’s experiencing these friendly encounters more frequently as he becomes increasingly well-known in the community, garnering a reputation as a man of the law who works diligently to keep neighborhoods safe.
In addition to fighting crime, Shirley makes it a priority to help those in need by distributing food and provisions to low-income families.
On these missions he’s accompanied by his wife Corrie, a teacher from Gwinnett County Public Schools, as well as a dedicated group of volunteers who, after cooking meals, takes time to play with the children.
Recently, Shirley and his team handed out uniforms and school supplies, just in time for the return to school. Families lined up to take what they needed, and in a matter of minutes, supplies were gone.
“I feel like I have been very blessed in life, so I have the responsibility to try and bless others,” said Brett Shirley.
Serving as a police officer has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life, as it gives him the unique opportunity to directly connect to communities. He’ll will soon celebrate nine years of service with the Gwinnett County Police Department. Although he’s arrested many criminals throughout his career, Shirley said he realized his passion for helping others was equal to or perhaps even greater than capturing “the bad guys.”
For that reason, Shirley and his wife decided to create a foundation that would benefit families who, due to financial difficulties, often lack access to basic items and necessities.
Since the inception of Harvest Ministries late last year, more than 300 families – the majority of them Latinos – have benefited from the non-profit organization.
Shirley’s work is not just limited to local families. He has even helped residents of other countries.
Harvest Ministries helped an older couple in El Salvador to save their home. The owner, Don José, was on the brink of losing his home to foreclosure after he and his wife found themselves unable to pay off their $4,000 mortgage.
Shirley found out about the situation and launched a campaign within the Hispanic community and churches in the metro Atlanta area, eventually raising enough funds to help the Salvadorian couple save their home and avoid becoming homeless.
The police officer took it upon himself to ensure the funds arrived safely and in the right hands, even going so far as to travel to El Salvador and meet with the couple in person.
In a telephone interview, Don José explained how he never imagined that the miracle he so desperately needed would come from so far away.
“I don’t have any way to repay them. All I can say is thank you to each and every person who made this possible,” he said.
Shirley, for his part, assured that his organization has not done anything extraordinary, just what needed to be done. As a Christian, he believes that love should not just be talked about but rather shown through good deeds.
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