The Grand Chain Family Foundation

OUR MISSION

Promote unity and continuing fellowship of the Barefield/Barfield, Clay, Claypool, Henderson, McClelland and Woolfolk families and extended family.

Support excellence in educational achievements and economic advancements as well as initiatives addressing health issues that disproportionately impact African-American communities.

Discovery, preservation, compilation, publication and dissemination of information pertaining to the history of the families.

Fundraise and engage in activities aimed at providing support and increased historical awareness of the Ranney Hill Cemetery in Grand Chain, Illinois.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2023-2024

Donated $3,000 to Ranney Hill Cemetery

• Sponsored $10,000 for scholarships

• Successfully completed 2 health & wellness seminars

• Discovered the slaveholders of the Cox-MCClelland bloodline

• Conducted interviews with elders

• Discovered a connection with a group of Louisiana Woolfolks

• Provided free DNA kits

• Implemented Quickbooks to improve financial management

• Increased membership on Family Facebook page from 420 to 588

• Planned and managed the 2024 family reunion

• Adopted a new platform for donor and membership management

2022-2023

Donated $1,900 to Ranney Hill Cemetary

• Sponsored $3,600 for scholarships

• Successfully completed 2 health & wellness seminars

• Identified new family members

• Conducted zoom interviews with elders: Clydia Barefield Curtis & Mollie Barfield Tyson

• Implemented/created a new reunion process

• Gathered and archived family history

2021-2022

Donated $1,900 to Ranney Hill Cemetary

• Sponsored $3,600 for scholarships

• Successfully completed 2 health & wellness seminars

• Identified new family members

• Conducted zoom interviews with elders: Clydia Barefield Curtis & Mollie Barfield Tyson

• Implemented/created a new reunion proces