ACF package

CAMP

CAMP PROGRAM @ THE VILLAGE

WEEKEND

WEEKEND PROGRAM @ THE VILLAGE

RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM @ THE VILLAGE

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Each Child is an Adventure into a Better Life. . .

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Welcome to THE Village!

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION TO THE VILLAGE CONCEPT

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RESIDENTIAL

WEEKEND

CAMP

RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM @ THE VILLAGE

WEEKEND PROGRAM @ THE VILLAGE

CAMP PROGRAM @ THE VILLAGE

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An Opportunity to Change the

Old Pattern and Make it New!

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There are many ways to succeed in life. But many children lack the basic foundation that sets them up for success. At The Village, we seek to provide fundamental learning for Youth: Respect your body, mind and soul. Interact with peers and make friends. Don't run from your problems, run to them and get help. Believe your life has a purpose and meaning.

At The Village, we provide a variety of services to deprived children and youth. We provide troubled children a supportive, positive environment where they can learn to use the tools necessary to succeed in life. We teach self-discipline, responsibility and respect. We offer love and compassionate care. And we build confidence and self-esteem, giving every child the chance to grow into a well-adjusted adult.

At The Village, we believe every child is created to be "An adventure into a better life".

Our commitment and mission is to help each child change the old pattern and make it new!

Besides programs that provide fundamental life skills and learning, some of our programs are for kids needing an opportunity to have adventure and grow their unique gifts to something very special! We use a variety of music, sports, drama, ropes course and teaching to help kids blossom!

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A Special Place Founded in 2002,The Village is a private, nonprofit organization which gives kids a chance to make it in life. Our daily commitment is to make a difference to hundreds of kids in Georgia. They are children of diverse backgrounds with varying difficulties. Yet, they all share the potential to overcome obstacles and excel in life. Each of their lives is an adventure in which we believe they can break the old life patterns that make it very difficult for them to succeed. That's where we help.

Unlike traditional child caring facilities, we offer a unique rural environment and an array of truly innovative programs which are customtailored to each child's needs. We are located on 175 acres that are surrounded by the beautiful Oconee National Forest between Atlanta, Augusta and Athens, Georgia. Our campus includes residential halls, an adventure center, a recording studio, horse back riding, and drama theatre, and athletic facilities. Through the Oconee National Forest, we have access to beautiful Lake Oconee and hundreds of acres of national forest.

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in the Forest for Kids in Need!

Whether a child comes to The Village for a one day adventure or several years of residential care, their experience promises to be life changing through the programs, nature, learning and love that they experience!

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Innovative Programs

Help Children

Excel

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The Village programs are as special as the children who come here!

We offer long- and short- term residential and commuter programs, all customized for each child's needs. Boys and girls cabins provide a structured home-like environment for children and teens requiring out of home care. In-home therapy/care programs help children work through their problems while remaining at home and in their community. All programs incorporate a structured combination of learning, adventure, counseling, community service and serving.

Our programs also take advantage of our peaceful campus in the Oconee National Forest promoting year-around, outdoor activity. While children learn to interact with family, friends and society, they also learn to swim, fish and hike.

They learn proper manners and appropriate dress, as well as how to laugh and play. In short, they learn to be kids. And at the same time, they learn‌ some for the first time‌. how to live.

Beyond helping students deal with challenges, the programs teach students important skills which will help them throughout life.

Programs include: Achievement Center Adventure Center Adventure Therapy Community Service Drama Program Learning Center Learning through the Arts Life skills Residential Program Summer Camp Weekend Programs Behavioral Emphasis Adventure Emphasis

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Residential Program Residential Services Independent Living

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RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM @ THE VILLAGE

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Residential Program A major component of Atlanta Children's Village (The Village) is a residential facility for children and youth who have been referred by Protective Services (DFCS), Family Court, or the Department of Juvenile Justice.

In addition, The Village may provide residential services on behalf of several counties throughout the state of Georgia.

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An important mission of The Village is to provide a continuum of care for children in state custody; specifically, children that are in need of out-ofhome placement, or classified as having "Joint Status." Often, children with this status have been removed from their homes / families by

Protective Services due to abuse or neglect. However when there has been a violation of probation or status offence committed by the child, the jurisdiction of the child is unclear as a result of the adjudication process and DJJ status.

In DJJ, the problems for the child are further exacerbated when housed with children who may be there for more serious and violent crimes.

This situation can introduce a host of emotional and physical challenges; often associated with negative peer pressure.

In "Joint Status" the jurisdiction of the child remains unclear; consequently the necessary therapeutic / rehabilitative services available to the child may be compromised.

ers, i.e. truancy, runaways, and other non-violent offences.

The Village offers residential living units; situated in a camp setting. The care providing / service delivery functions of the facility are organizationally structured to reflect the short-term aspects of Shelter Care services,Transitional treatment services and the long-term nature of

Residential treatment services, which include Independent living.

The Village is an alternative residential program that may be utilized by the court in lieu of detention; especially, children who are status offend-

The Village is staffed with professional child care workers, counselors, social workers, consulting psychiatrists, and physicians; all of whom assist youngsters in accomplishing treatment objectives.

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Residential Services Shelter Care For children ages 10 through 17 years, temporarily removed from their own homes for reasons of parental neglect, dependency or who have been involved with juvenile court for home or school difficulties.

The children may be awaiting reunification with family, foster care, placement with other agencies or placement in The Village's residential treatment program. Children reside in open (i.e. non-secure) cabins, but are monitored closely by staff. Shelter residents receive Transitional treatment services. Length of stay is a maximum of 48 hours after initial intake process.

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Transitional Treatment Services The goal of the transitional staff is to provide comprehensive rehabilitative treatment services in a residential setting; to youths who have been identified as being in need of out-ofhome placement. Essential to this service delivery is the partnership involvement of parents, guardians, family court and the facility staff in the ongoing treatment process. Length of stay is up to 60 days after initial intake process.

Residential Treatment Services The Residential Treatment Services program is behavioral-based, utilizing a therapeutic-milieu approach to daily living. Standard services include individual counseling and group therapy with individualized service plans, including aftercare. Length of stay is open-ended, based upon individualized needs and the progress made by youth and family toward achieving those objectives. The Residential Treatment Services program serves as lower cost alternative to youths having to be committed to the state system of care.

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Independent Living with Supportive Services We recognize the need to extend the continuum of services to youths who have aged-out of the foster care system. They often become the most vulnerable, due to inadequate education, job skills, and other basic life skills.

and families whenever possible; or transition into a permanent family unit. However, this is not always an option. Given this realty, we endeavor to provide the child with an environment that will enable him or her, to experience the joy of just being a child; while preparing them for The Village will provide housing transitioning into young adults. and opportunities; building on the strength of existing service In addition to maintaining providers.

The Village has Independent housing units, The developed a mechanism for link- Village has developed The Village ing foster youth to safe, afford- Square; a nineteen-century style able housing, financial manage- town; which consist of retail and ment, and career mentoring service operations; designed to services; which also include teach youths business concepts, GED preparation, job readiness, while providing an opportunity life skills and other services nec- to develop products for retail essary to successfully transition sales, as well as serving fellow into adulthood. residents / campers. The program assists in building selfIn The Village, the transition esteem, enhancing social skills, doesn't begin, after the child has job readiness, community living, aged-out of the foster care sys- and job preparation. More tem. It actually begins immedi- importantly, the program helps ately upon intake. It is always children experience success as a the goal of The Village, to have result of their own hard work the child return to their home and effort.

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experience the joy of just being a child

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Overview Description It Makes a Difference

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WEEKEND

WEEKEND PROGRAM @ THE VILLAGE

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Weekend Program Overview

a weekend in the forest‌

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The Weekend Program is an experience oriented event in which children spend three days as residents of Atlanta Children's Village. The program immerses children in highly-structured programs designed with innovative therapies and confidence building exercises and more.

Children in the program generally come from one of two situations‌ minor behavioral challenges referred from the courts or children in other institutional foster care. Participants are age 10 to 17 and of diverse backgrounds.

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Weekend Program Description The Weekend Program begins at 5 p.m. (checkin) on Friday and children are returned on Sunday (5 p.m.) evening. Like other residents, children must follow strict rules & regulations, complete regular chores and participate in an array of highly structured programming. Our goal is to help children understand the impact of their behavior on themselves, their family and their friends. Then help them make positive choices.

Beyond helping children deal with challenges, the Weekend Program teaches important skills which will help them throughout life. Weekend program components include:

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Adventure therapy - Innovative therapy which uses rope courses and other outdoor adventures to help children face their fears and overcome real-life obstacles.

Performing Arts - The arts spur and deepen the development of creativity in children. It gives youngsters a reservoir on which to draw from in pursuing other subjects, such as reading, writing, mathematics and history. Children participate in painting and drawing, which helps with writing skills; song and poetry, which make facts memorable, and drama brings history to life. Creative movement makes processes understandable.

Community Service - Children may participate in community serviced projects such as Meals on Wheels, soup kitchen or other activities that build trust, confidence and self esteem.

Group Therapy - Group problem solving techniques are used as a foundation for therapy, encouraging children to work together to overcome problems and reach goals.

Individual counseling - Weekend program participants may meet with youth specialists, therapists, psychologists or social workers to discuss problems.

Life skills - Through guest speakers and seminars, as well as day to day living, children may learn essential life skills such as social norms, manners, appropriate dress, and how to clean and cook.

Substance abuse group - Children may attend educational programs and groups discussions on substance abuse and addictions.

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Weekend Program Makes a Difference!

Weekend Programs have made a difference for thousands of young men and women. Our weekend is designed to make children think about their actions and more readily make positive choices. For students with minor challenges, the Weekend Program is an effective early intervention, directing children toward a bright, productive future.

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. . . directing children toward a bright and productive future!

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adventure & discovery... experience of a lifetime... all children are welcome...

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CAMP

CAMP PROGRAM @ THE VILLAGE

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Camp & Retreat Centre The Oconee National Forest is blessed with a unique, camp and retreat centre where children of all ages may experience the wonder and joy of nature!

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a place of adventure and discovery . . .

The Village's camp & retreat center is situated on 175 wooded acres, enveloped by the National Forest; at Lake Oconee. The Village's indigenous inhabitants were the Creek Indians; campers experience a bit of the past, as they explore the Native American trails! The camp includes a large pond for fishing and canoeing and miles of nature trails and paths. Beautifully designed log structures provide year-round, climate-controlled comfort for campers. The Village is as unique as the children we serve. It's truly a place of adventure and discovery!

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Experience of a lifetime We offer children an array of activities and programs designed to build strong character.

Activities include swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, basketball, baseball, soccer, archery, ropes course, arts and craft, performing arts, hiking, fishing, cook outs, and nature study. We want children to be enriched through skill development, character development, and social development; all of which will ultimately contribute to a better society!

Sometimes, children need a little extra support in overcoming emotional challenges. Our programs are therapeutic in nature; ropes courses, wall climbing, team building and trust falls all help children overcome their fears and anxiety. So, whether their swimming laps in the pool, rounding bases on the ball field, or having quiet meditation in the open-air chapel. They'll have an experience of a life time!

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The Village is a place...where all children are welcome

cial needs children in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Regardless of financial barriers or other concerns, children who have been displaced or disadvantaged may enjoy the natural beauty of The Village first hand.

We will provide an opportunity for laughter and joy to fill the lives of so many who have been unable to experience this‌ until now!

The Village is a place where all children are welcome!

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each child is an adventure into a better life. . .

We can tailor a retreat, camp outing, or gathering of choice to suit your group needs; from day camp, to weekend programs. The Village offers an unparalleled setting for any and all special events for children.We believe each child is an adventure into a better life!

Consider The Village for: Youth retreats Church youth programs Family Bonding Team building And Much More!

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Contact us at The Village

THE Village 2630 Coldsprings Road Greensboro, GA 30642 Phone (zzz)yyy-yyyy www.thevillageusa.org

The Village is located approximately* miles off I-20 at exit 130 (The Village exit).

Directions to The Village I-20 to Exit 130 (The Village Exit) Left onto Bla Bla Bla 2 miles to Hwy 12 (1st light in town) Take Hwy 12 approx 1 mile to Hwy 15 (1st Light) turn right Take hwy 15 to Coldsprings road, turn left proceed 3 miles to camp.

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THE Village 2630 Coldsprings Road Greensboro, GA 30642 www.thevillageusa.org

The Village is a place...where all children are welcome

each child is an adventure into a better life. . .

We can tailor a retreat, camp outing, or gathering of choice to suit your group needs; from day camp, to weekend programs. The Village offers an unparalleled setting for any and all special events for children. We believe each child is an adventure into a better life!

cial needs children in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Regardless of financial barriers or other concerns, children who have been displaced or disadvantaged may enjoy the natural beauty of The Village first hand.

We will provide an opportunity for laughter and joy to fill the lives of so many who have been unable to experience this‌ until now!

The Village is a place where all children are welcome!

THE Village 2630 Coldsprings Road Greensboro, GA 30642 www.thevillageusa.org

Consider The Village for: Youth retreats Church youth programs Family Bonding Team building And Much More!

CAMP

CAMP PROGRAM @ THE VILLAGE

Camp & Retreat Centre The Oconee National Forest is blessed with a unique, camp and retreat centre where children of all ages may experience the wonder and joy of nature!

a place of adventure and discovery . . .

The Village's camp & retreat center is situated on 175 wooded acres, enveloped by the National Forest; at Lake Oconee. The Village's indigenous inhabitants were the Creek Indians; campers experience a bit of the past, as they explore the Native American trails! The camp includes a large pond for fishing and canoeing and miles of nature trails and paths. Beautifully designed log structures provide year-round, climate-controlled comfort for campers. The Village is as unique as the children we serve. It's truly a place of adventure and discovery!

Experience of a lifetime We offer children an array of activities and programs designed to build strong character.

Activities include swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, basketball, baseball, soccer, archery, ropes course, arts and craft, performing arts, hiking, fishing, cook outs, and nature study. We want children to be enriched through skill development, character development, and social development; all of which will ultimately contribute to a better society!

Sometimes, children need a little extra support in overcoming emotional challenges. Our programs are therapeutic in nature; ropes courses, wall climbing, team building and trust falls all help children overcome their fears and anxiety.

So, whether their swimming laps in the pool, rounding bases on the ball field, or having quiet meditation in the open-air chapel. They'll have an experience of a life time!

Weekend Program Makes a Difference!

. . . directing children toward a bright and productive future!

WEEKEND

WEEKEND PROGRAM @ THE VILLAGE

Weekend Programs have made a difference for thousands of young men and women. Our weekend is designed to make children think about their actions and more readily make positive choices. For students with minor challenges, the Weekend Program is an effective early intervention, directing children toward a bright, productive future.

THE Village 2630 Coldsprings Road Greensboro, GA 30642 www.thevillageusa.org

Adventure therapy - Innovative therapy which uses rope courses and other outdoor adventures to help children face their fears and overcome real-life obstacles.

Weekend Program Overview

Weekend Program

a weekend in the forest‌

The Weekend Program is an experience oriented event in which children spend three days as residents of Atlanta Children's Village. The program immerses children in highly-structured programs designed with innovative therapies and confidence building exercises and more.

Children in the program generally come from one of two situations‌ minor behavioral challenges referred from the courts or children in other institutional foster care. Participants are age 10 to 17 and of diverse backgrounds.

Description

The Weekend Program begins at 5 p.m. (check-in) on Friday and children are returned on Sunday (5 p.m.) evening. Like other residents, children must follow strict rules & regulations, complete regular chores and participate in an array of highly structured programming. Our goal is to help children understand the impact of their behavior on themselves, their family and their friends. Then help them make positive choices.

Beyond helping children deal with challenges, the Weekend Program teaches important skills which will help them throughout life.

Weekend program components include:

Performing Arts - The arts spur and deepen the development of creativity in children. It gives youngsters a reservoir on which to draw from in pursuing other subjects, such as reading, writing, mathematics and history. Children participate in painting and drawing, which helps with writing skills; song and poetry, which make facts memorable, and drama brings history to life. Creative movement makes processes understandable.

Community Service - Children may participate in community serviced projects such as Meals on Wheels, soup kitchen or other activities that build trust, confidence and self esteem.

Group Therapy - Group problem solving techniques are used as a foundation for therapy, encouraging children to work together to overcome problems and reach goals.

Individual counseling - Weekend program participants may meet with youth specialists, therapists, psychologists or social workers to discuss problems.

Life skills - Through guest speakers and seminars, as well as day to day living, children may learn essential life skills such as social norms, manners, appropriate dress, and how to clean and cook.

Substance abuse group - Children may attend educational programs and groups discussions on substance abuse and addictions.

Residential Program

An important mission of The Village is to provide a continuum of care for children in state custody; specifically, children that are in need of out-ofhome placement, or classified as having "Joint Status." Often, children with this status have been removed from their homes / families by Protective

Services due to abuse or neglect.

However when there has been a violation of probation or status offence committed by the child, the jurisdiction of the child is unclear as a result of the adjudication process and DJJ status.

In DJJ, the problems for the child are further exacerbated when housed with children who may be there for more serious and violent crimes. This situation can introduce a host of emotional and physical challenges; often associated with negative peer pressure.

A major component of Atlanta Children's Village (The Village) is a residential facility for children and youth who have been referred by Protective Services (DFCS), Family Court, or the Department of Juvenile Justice.

In addition, The Village may provide residential services on behalf of several counties throughout the state of Georgia.

Residential Services

Shelter Care For children ages 10 through 17 years, temporarily removed from their own homes for reasons of parental neglect, dependency or who have been involved with juvenile court for home or school difficulties.

In "Joint Status" the jurisdiction of the child remains unclear; consequently the necessary therapeutic / rehabilitative services available to the child may be compromised.

The Village is an alternative residential program that may be utilized by the court in lieu of detention; especially, children who are status offenders, i.e. truancy, runaways, and other non-vio-

lent offences.

The Village offers residential living units; situated in a camp setting. The care providing / service delivery functions of the facility are organizationally structured to reflect the short-term aspects of Shelter Care services, Transitional treatment services and the long-term nature of Residential treatment services, which include Independent living.

The Village is staffed with professional child care workers, counselors, social workers, consulting psychiatrists, and physicians; all of whom assist youngsters in accomplishing treatment objectives.

The children may be awaiting reunification with family, foster care, placement with other agencies or placement in The Village's residential treatment program. Children reside in open (i.e. non-secure) cabins, but are monitored closely by staff. Shelter residents receive Transitional treatment services. Length of stay is a maximum of 48 hours after initial intake process.

Transitional Treatment Services The goal of the transitional staff is to provide comprehensive rehabilitative treatment services in a residential setting; to youths who have been identified as being in need of out-ofhome placement. Essential to this service delivery is the partnership involvement of parents, guardians, family court and the facility staff in the ongoing treatment process. Length of stay is up to 60 days after initial intake process.

Residential Treatment Services The Residential Treatment Services program is behavioral-based, utilizing a therapeutic-milieu approach to daily living. Standard services include individual counseling and group therapy with individualized service plans, including aftercare. Length of stay is open-ended, based upon individualized needs and the progress made by youth and family toward achieving those objectives. The Residential Treatment Services program serves as lower cost alternative to youths having to be committed to the state system of care.

Independent Living with Supportive Services We recognize the need to extend the continuum of services to youths who have aged-out of the foster care system. They often become the most vulnerable, due to inadequate education, job skills, and other basic life skills.

The Village will provide housing and opportunities; building on the strength of existing service providers.

The Village has developed a mechanism for linking foster youth to safe, affordable housing, financial management, and career mentoring services; which also include GED preparation, job readiness, life skills and other services necessary to successfully transition into adulthood.

THE Village 2630 Coldsprings Road Greensboro, GA 30642 www.thevillageusa.org

In The Village, the transition doesn't begin, after the child has aged-out of the foster care system. It actually begins immediately upon intake. It is always the goal of The Village, to have the child return to their home

and families whenever possible; or transition into a permanent family unit. However, this is not always an option. Given this realty, we endeavor to provide the child with an environment that will enable him or her, to experience the joy of just being a child; while preparing them for transitioning into young adults.

In addition to maintaining Independent housing units, The Village has developed The Village Square; a nineteen-century style town; which consist of retail and service operations; designed to teach youths business concepts, while providing an opportunity to develop products for retail sales, as well as serving fellow residents / campers. The program assists in building selfesteem, enhancing social skills, job readiness, community living, and job preparation. More importantly, the program helps children experience success as a result of their own hard work and effort.

experience the joy of just being a child

RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM @ THE VILLAGE