Instead of kicking back after retiring as director of the Department of Social Services Director in 2007, John Shore donned his backpack and headed to the Appalachian Trial, in an effort to continue his dream of completing the 2, 170-mile hike that he had begun years before. Only this time, John dedicated his 350-mile trek to Foster Friends, providing much of the inspiration and financial support to launch the JOURNEYS® Mentoring Program. (read John's journal).

During his tenure as DSS Director from 1998 to 2007, Guilford Count was selected by the Annie E. Casey Foundation as an "anchor site" to promote and demonstrate best practices in child welfare. John also received the 2003 Commissioner's Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service in the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect from the US Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families. In addition to his remarkable career as a public servant, John has served as a dedicated volunteer with his church, Habitat for Humanity, and the Boy Scouts of America.

When John is not consulting or visiting his new grandaughter, he is initiating outdoor adventures for the FFNC JOURNEYS® Mentoring Program. This year, he took the JOURNEYS® group to the Bur-Mil Park Nature Center for a hike and introductory outdoor training. Then in July 2008, he led the two-day JOURNEYS® camping trip to Damascus, VA, that included a 17-mile bike ride down the famous Creeper Trail. FFNC is grateful for the continue support and leadership of this former public servant who is helping to enrich the experiences of JOURNEYS® youth through educational and fun outdoors programs.