Our Claris Mac’Kie is Holly Hill’s pick

Claris Mac’Kie, who plans to retire this year after 20 years as executive director of Family Renew Community, is the City of Holly Hill’s Corporate Citizen of the Year. Mac’Kie accepted the honor Jan. 10 during a Holly Hill Chamber of Commerce breakfast at Bishop’s Glen. Her name will be added to a plaque on permanent display at Holly Hill City Hall.

Mac’Kie, the second executive director in the agency’s 28-year history of helping families with children lift themselves out of homelessness, took the helm in January 1997. She oversaw Family Renew Community’s expansion from the Holly Hill property — a 1950s’ era motel with a small administrative office and 14 efficiency cottages for families — to additional apartment buildings in Daytona Beach and DeLand. The agency now serves 32 families at a time, providing not only a place to stay together but also comprehensive case management and support services while parents work to attain permanent housing.