“On behalf of myself and my family, we would like to thank Representative Erica Thomas for hosting a wonderful event for children in foster care in Georgia. Godspeed.�
The host At an early age, Erica Renee Thomas answered her life’s calling: to be of service to others. Erica often states, “I truly believed that my passion to serve was manifested through my trials in life, so I accept challenges as building blocks on the path to success.” Those blocks began to develop when Erica was placed into the foster care system at the age of 15. Moving between six different homes, Erica was abused, but she did not allow this dark experience to dampen her ambitions nor quiet the song of service in heart. Erica worked through the pain and decided that she would save herself, by helping to save others. During her school days, Erica kept straight A’s and was made class president. In 2006, Erica attended Oakwood University where she developed an interest in political science. Erica shared her life lessons through mentoring young girls in her community. Erica taught these young girls to survive in the face of adversity and helped one mentee reconnect with her family after being in a group home for 2 years. Erica’s adamant support for young children urged her to develop “Speak Out Loud.” Erica began this non-profit with the vision of giving a voice to foster kids who have been silenced because of their circumstances. She instills knowledge, ambition, and most importantly a sense of purpose into the lives of young people, so they will be able to take control of their lives and defeat the odds. Speak Out Loud has expanded across the country, and established chapters in Sapeles and Lagos, Nigeria. Erica has been fortunate enough to donate books to Ethiopian primary school children. In her effort to create a better study environment for young children, Erica is working on building libraries across the continent of Africa. In 2013, she received the Ambassador for Peace Award from the Global Peace Foundation. In 2014, at age 26, Erica was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. In her efforts to empower foster children, Erica drafted hr 584 to establish the first-ever “foster kids day In Georgia.” Pursuant to its unanimous passage, Erica decided to host “shall we dance,” a youth-led event designed to create awareness for the foster care community in Georgia – and around the world.
www.itserica.com
THE CHOREOGRAPHER Whether as dancer or choreographer, CiCi Kelley’s dance steps have graced many a stage and been enjoyed by audiences internationally. Regardless of the location of the stage – theater, studio, concert venue or even football field – Kelley has left her mark. After being trained by some of the greatest names in dance at Pennsylvania’s University of the Arts, the Atlanta native has forged a career that spans all genres of dance and crosses multiple industries - from sports to advertising to entertainment and beyond. Kelley’s list of accomplishments is extensive and audiences around the world have been entertained by her dance moves. Her choreography and mesmerizing performances have been featured by the Atlanta Falcons both in national commercials and during halftime entertainment; other choreography credits include the 2004 VMAs for MTV, the Fugees’ European tour, Musiq Soulchild’s “Stir the Senses” tour, and Toni Braxton’s tour and television performances. Kelley danced with Beyonce Knowles in her video for “Get Me Bodied” and during her performance of the hugely popular “Single Ladies” during the 2009 MTV VMAs. Kelley’s work has also been performed on theatrical stages across the United States in a variety of shows including The Wilson Pickett Project, Tell Hell I Ain’t Coming and The Satin Dolls: A Duke Ellington Review. She was selected by film director Jon Turtletaub to train award-winning actor Morgan Freeman during the filming of the blockbuster hit, Las Vegas! Kelley has additional performance credits on stage and in music videos, including the video for LL Cool J’s “Control Yourself” featuring Jennifer Lopez, and Outkast’s video for “Ghetto Music.” Kelley’s skills were also featured on MTV’s Emmy Award winning series, “MTV MADE,” as well as “MTV MADE Head-to-Head Hip Hop Challenge.” As a producer with her production company, CK Productions LLC, Kelley successfully produces an annual choreography showcase and benefit event, Phazes of Love, which has met with great critical acclaim. Kelley has also stepped into her philanthropy shoes by helping up-and-coming young dancers start their careers off on the right foot with the DARE DREAM DANCE Foundation, a nonprofit organization. Through the foundation, Kelley provides unique training and encouragement as a strong foundation for youth who want to achieve success in the field of dance. Kelley offers the Trifecta scholarship within the DARE DREAM DANCE framework to provide talented and highly ambitious youth dancers the means with which to hone their craft and pursue their dreams in America’s three major dance centers: Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles.
Cobb County Government together with Cobb County Board of Commissioners support your work on behalf of all foster kids in Georgia
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State Representative Allen Peake (macon) supports children in foster care in Georgia, just as he supports his own!
Is all “fired� up for children in foster care!
proudly supports children in foster care in Georgia.
“I am proud to support my friend and colleague, Representative Erica Thomas, in her efforts to raise awareness for children in foster care in Georgia. This is such an important issue that involves a very important group of people – our children.”
- Representative
David clark (Buford)
I am proud to stand with my friend, Representative Erica Thomas, in her vigorous, courageous efforts to raise awareness for children in foster care in our state! - James “Jay� Bailey
is proud to support children in foster care! EMERGENCY? CALL 911!
404-839-9162
REPRESENTATIVE DEWEY MCCLAIN is a CHAMPION on the football field, and for children in foster care. Honorable Dewey mcclain, state representative and former NFL player
One of the highlights of my first session serving as a State Representative was the high quality people I got to know. One of those is Representative Erica Thomas. Erica is a freshman like me so we crossed paths many times during the orientation process and immediately experienced a common bond when it comes to concern about Foster Care. My church, Woodstock Baptist, is heavily involved in Foster Care through the ministry of WeFoster and many of the young adults I work with foster themselves or serve in the support system. Erica knows first hand about foster care having experienced it herself as a teenager. I was blessed to join with Representative Thomas and others in proclaiming May 31, 2015 as the first ever "Foster Kids Day" in the state of Georgia.
Wes Cantrell State Representative (District 22)
"I am honored to be able to support the Foster Kids of Georgia and show my support for raising awareness about concerns, accomplishments and improvements in the foster care community!" Please enjoy this word puzzle that highlights several ways that you can support foster kids.
T J T E T A N O D LOVE EDUCATE
V O L U N T E E R
M S F W F S T O E
N C G L F A A M J
P S E V O T G O C K E G C U P P Z W
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PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME. OFFICE:404-656-0274 EMAIL: MARGARET.KAISER@HOUSE.GA.GOV
My husband, Andrew and I, are proud to stand by Representative Erica Thomas in her efforts to raise awareness for such an important cause: foster care.
STEVE TUMLIN, Mayor of Marietta, proudly supports children in foster care. smithtumlin.com
proudly stands by children in foster care in Georgia! CEO, Brad Raffensperger (State Representative – Johns Creek)
“It is a priority for us to support foster children in their scholastic journeys to college and beyond. Too often, the most salient resource are scarce for our children in foster care and our team is working diligently to bridge that gap. We believe in foster children, and we are dedicated to their success.� - Kelli Stancil Executive Director and Founder www.tomorrowsluminaries.org
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