Jackson EMC Foundation 2012 Annual Report: Improving Communities and Changing Lives

Improving Communities and Changing Lives 2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

A Message from Randall Pugh and Shade Storey

I

n tough economic times, pennies mean more

reduced wages. Charitable organizations and

than ever to local communities and individu-

individuals alike report the need for assistance

als. The Jackson EMC Foundation, funded by

from job loss and reduced income are becoming

Jackson EMC members who round up their monthly

more and more common. Families that never

electric bills to the next dollar, has made a positive

expected to need help are finding they’re one major

difference in local communities since it began

car repair from being unable to pay their bills.

in 2005.

The Jackson EMC Foundation has funded nearly

Making a dollar go further is on everyone’s minds these days, and that’s true for the Jackson

$6.7 grants, including 653 grants to charitable

EMC Foundation, where the staff and board of

organizations and 235 grants to individuals for

directors look for ways to extend the reach of its

the year ending May 31, 2012. Even in times when

funds. In some cases, this means dividing funds

every penny counts, nearly 90 percent of Jackson

among worthy organizations. In other cases, it

EMC members have continued their commitment

means partnering with other charitable organiza-

to Operation Round Up.

tions to more efficiently use donors’ dollars.

Every penny donated is put back into the

Whether the amount requested is large or

community to change lives for the better. Charitable

small, we focus on making sure the Jackson EMC

organizations and individuals are in greater need

Foundation’s responds to requests that will have

of assistance as more grants are eliminated, pro-

the largest possible benefit for the community.

gram funding cut, state and local governments are

While some grants meet immediate needs, others

forced to reduce services and individuals face

fund organizations that make lasting changes

Whether the amount

in the lives of families, helping break the cycles

requested is large or

stories are just a few of the many ways our

small, we focus on making

the lives of people in our community. None of

sure the Jackson EMC Foundation’s responds

of homelessness and addiction. The following members’ “spare change” has worked to improve these grants would have been possible without the generosity of Jackson EMC members and their commitment to work together, cooperatively, to better their communities and help their neighbors.

to requests that will have the largest possible benefit for the community.

Randall Pugh

Shade Storey

President & CEO

Chairman, Board of Directors

Jackson EMC

Jackson EMC Foundation

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2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

Project ADAM

Getting lives back on track

Jason gets dinner from Project ADAM cook Johnny Williams. Project ADAM serves three meals a day to residential treatment clients.

A

night in jail convinced Jason he

what I was doing was wrong. I was so

With each new group of guys, I tell part of

finally had to get serious about his

consumed by drugs and alcohol that I was

my story. I tell them I know can succeed in

drug addiction. “I had never been

not focused on normal life.” Project ADAM’s

life.”

arrested before. It was a big wakeup call for

residential program helped him turn his

me. I thought, ‘Do you want to spend the

life around.

rest of your life here?’ I had tried for years

After six years of sobriety, Jason has

A group of area ministers established project ADAM (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Ministry) in Winder in 1980. Gina McDonald

to quit on my own, but I realized I needed

regained his relationship with his family

has been program director since 1982. She

to get help. This place saved my life. It was

and become close to his daughter. In

said, “It started as 14-bed 30-day program.

either here, jail or, as far as I was into it,

addition to his full-time job, he spends

We quickly realized that 30 days was

death. “I had a house and lost it. I had a

evenings working part-time for Project

nowhere near enough time to make

family that wouldn’t speak to me. I didn’t

ADAM and participates in evening group

changes. It generally takes 12 months to

want to be around people, because I knew

therapy. “I try to talk with the guys a lot.

regain the things lost as result of drugs and

2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

5

alcohol. It takes a long time to develop an addiction.”

Jason agreed, “Thirty days wouldn’t have done it for me. Drugs and alcohol had consumed my life for the better part of 15 years.”

The Project ADAM Recovery Residence Program is a 36-bed treatment facility that provides a family-like atmosphere where residents work to overcome problems related to alcohol and drug dependency.

Project ADAM expects residents to stay at least six months, but 12 months are recommended and two years are not uncommon.

The Jackson EMC Foundation contributed $10,000 towards the food budget for three meals a day for the 36 residents.

According to Gina, the key to an effective treatment program is structure with accountability. Residents’ time at Project ADAM is structured from morning to night. Residents are required to work fulltime. “After work, clients eat dinner, do chores and go to group meetings. They have to be in bed with the lights out at 11.”

Residents without a job are helped to get one with GED and other training. Gina said, “We have a job coordinator and tons of community support by employers.”

Most clients in the residence program

After six years of sobriety, Jason has regained his relationship with his family and become close to his daughter. In addition to his full-time job, he spends evenings working part- time for Project ADAM and participates in evening group therapy.

are referred from the criminal justice system after committing non-violent drug

addiction. “The family component is so

treatment for drug and alcohol addiction,

and alcohol offenses and are considered to

important. In family meetings, children

as well as programs for anger manage-

present minimal risk to the community.

can express how addiction affected their

ment and life skills training. It offers a

Gina said that many are on probation and

lives in a safe and confidential environ-

risk-reduction program designed to prevent

if they don’t complete the program, they

ment.” These sessions also educate the

recurrence of driving under the influence.

return to jail. Other residents are self-re-

families about addiction. Gina says,

It also performs workplace drug and

ferred or referred by other programs and

“Addiction is a medical disease. It has to be

alcohol testing for area businesses. In 2010,

mental health professionals. Project

treated physically, emotionally and

Project ADAM served about 9,000 individu-

ADAM’s residence program has a waiting

spiritually. It doesn’t have anything to do

als in Northeast Georgia, including Clarke,

list, said Gina, because there aren’t enough

with willpower. It’s just not that easy.”

Jackson, Banks, Gwinnett and Hall coun-

residential drug treatment programs and

Project ADAM also offers the community

ties. Jason said, “This program offered me

most only house patients for 30 days.

a variety of drug and alcohol services, as

structure and taught me self worth and the

Project ADAM also includes weekly

well as a state-certified defensive driving

tools needed for everyday living. It helped

school. It has outpatient and adolescent

me get back what I had lost.”

group counseling for families affected by

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2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

American Red Cross - East Georgia Chapter Support in the worst of times

responded to 288 disaster calls, serving more than 800 people. Most involved single-family fires, costing an average of $511 per home for supplies and temporary shelter.

The Jackson EMC Foundation funded $10,000 to train disaster response volunteers; purchase disaster education materials; and provide disaster relief, including food, shelter and comfort, to families in Jackson and Banks Counties who have lost their homes to a fire or natural disaster.

The Red Cross Disaster Services department trains volunteers to respond

Disaster Action Team volunteer Ron Dickson.

to disasters such as fires to offer comfort;

S

basic toiletries, blankets, food, lodging,

provide clean up kits for homes; and supply

tanding in front of the ruins of

Disaster Action Team (DAT) to arrive within

your home, your eyes watering from

two hours of when the call comes from

the smoke, you look at your yard,

the local fire department or 911. To meet

covered with equipment and people in fire

that goal, the closest volunteers in that

and police uniforms, and think, “What

county or nearby counties are called up,

do I do now?” Two strangers in Red Cross

often in the middle of the night. Jeff

vests find you and you start to calm down.

Taylor, executive director of the East

They arrange for a motel room, hand

Georgia chapter, says, “Our being there

you a pack with necessary supplies, such

means the fire department and police can

as toothbrushes, and give you toys and

focus on what they need to do.” He added,

blankets for your children. When you sit

“We don’t always know what emotional

down in the motel room and open the

state people will be in. They may have

pack, you also find instructions for what

lost a family member or a pet.”

you should do now and how to return to a smoke-damaged home.

Says volunteer Frank Edwards, “We’re

In 2011, the East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross, covering Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Franklin, Green,

usually the first people they see after the

Hart, Jackson, Morgan, Madison, Oconee,

fire department.” The goal is for the

Oglethorpe, Stephens and Walton counties,

clothing, medical supplies and referral services to other agencies.

DAT Volunteer Ron Dickson, who volunteers with his wife, Harriet, says volunteers arrive with their car trunks packed with backpacks of things survivors might need immediately. Local fire stations also keep Red Cross supplies, and the volunteers can stop at local businesses they have arrangements with to get items such as bottled water.

Volunteer Frank Edwards said, “We try to calm people down by talking to them.

The compassion is real. Most of us have worked a lot of disasters, both in Georgia and all over the country.” He added, “We can supply immediate disaster-caused needs, including food and clothing. We

2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

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Disaster Action Team volunteers Frank Edwards and husband and wife volunteers Ron and Harriet Dickson.

DAT Volunteer Ron Dickson,

have agreements with motels to house

who volunteers with his

people temporarily. In this area, a lot end

they’re seeing more calls with multiple

up at Banks Crossing in Banks County,

family members who have had to move

because there are no motels in Madison

home because of the economy. “One call

and Oglethorpe counties.”

in Banks County had 19 people living there.

wife, Harriet, says volunteers arrive with their car trunks

Harriet points out that the Red Cross

Ron says because of the economy,

That was one of our largest single-family cases. It took five hotel rooms.”

packed with backpacks of

also responds to other disasters such as

things survivors might need

damage reports and find shelter.” DATs

frugal with donors’ money, with 92 cents

also run canteens for the emergency

of every $1 going directly to disaster relief.

responders. In addition, DAT volunteers

“This office has two and a half paid

stations also keep Red Cross

also speak about the Red Cross to church,

employees and 473 volunteers. Of the Red

supplies, and the volunteers

civic, school and other events on how to

Cross workforce nationwide, 97 percent

prepare and respond to disasters.

of the workforce is volunteers. Volunteers

immediately. Local fire

can stop at local businesses they have arrangements

tornadoes and floods. “We set up tents, do

Ron added, “Training is the key.

Training includes how to interview people,

Jeff pointed out that the Red Cross is

are our life blood.”

Frank said, “You have to be willing to

comfort them and solve problems.” After

get up at 2 a.m. and drive 50 miles through

with to get items such as

training, new DAT volunteers shadow

mud or ice to get there. It can be challeng-

bottled water.

senior volunteers to learn more about

ing, but the smile on their faces when we

what they will face at a disaster scene.

help them is good enough for me.”

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2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

The Ark of Jackson County Offering a helping hand

The Ark of Jackson County helped Jeff get back on his feet after being laid off.

T

he greeting card tucked away in

down on them and judge them. All they

employment chances. Since its founding

Jeff’s file at The Ark of Jackson

want is just enough to get by.” He said

in 1996, The Ark has seen more than 6,000

County contains a heartfelt mes-

having to ask for help “made me start

people needing help and was able to aid

sage: “Thank y’all for y’all’s help. Y’all saved

looking at the way I live my life and what

about 75 percent of them.

our home.” Jeff worked at a sawmill that

I can cut back on.”

mainly supplied wood for home building.

Since 2006, the Jackson EMC Foundation

Director Cheryl Wienges says, “Most funds designated for housing costs are

As fewer and fewer new houses were built

has helped fund The Ark, an effort by area

used to help prevent eviction. During the

after the housing bubble collapsed, the

churches that assists people who have lost

first five months of this year, we helped

sawmill laid off workers, including Jeff.

income due to circumstances beyond their

an average of 16.3 people per month. For

Other wood-related businesses also

control. The 2011 grant of $10,000 helps

the most recent four months, it was 23.5

suffered, and Jeff unsuccessfully looked

fund emergency needs for such expenses

and I expect the numbers to increase.”

for work while unemployment and savings

as housing and medication.

The person asking for help must reside

Each Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m.,

in Jackson County and be facing an

people who never expected to ask for help

emergency due to a verifiable loss of

when he came to The Ark for help with

line up to enter a donated space at

income such as loss of a job, illness or a

their rent and electricity bill. “If not for

Jefferson Presbyterian Church to tell a

spouse leaving and not providing support.

them, we would have been homeless.”

volunteer their stories. For example,

Each recipient can only receive help once

there’s the mother of three asking for

every calendar year, and if seeking help

the way I was not treated like a charity

help with her electricity bill. After search-

for a second time must have a new

case. A lot of people need help, but they’re

ing for work after being laid off, she’s

emergency circumstance.

afraid to ask. They’re afraid people will look

working on a degree to improve her

ran out.

Jeff and his wife were facing eviction

Jeff said, “What I appreciated most was

The Ark pays the bill or part of the bill

2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

owed directly to utilities, landlords or mortgage companies. “We can pay for medication for non-controlled substances.

We work with pharmacy in town that bills us,” said Cheryl. The Ark will issue gasoline vouchers with verification that the

9

Jeff said, “What I appreciated most was the way I was not treated like a charity case. A lot of people need help, but they’re afraid to ask. They’re afraid people will look down on them and judge them. All they want is just enough to get by.”

client needs gas to get to a job interview or doctors’ appointment. The Ark often

director, became ill, The Ark was in danger

be for unskilled labor to get a job. We

can’t pay the entire utility or housing bill,

of closing. Cheryl, who had volunteered

see an immense variety of need in this

and if that’s the case, “we don’t pay what

for several years, thought, “It can’t close.

county alone.”

we have pledged until we can verify that

I wrestled with the Lord and decided I had

the rest is going to be paid.”

to keep it going. I had recently retired

to ask for help .We try to treat everyone

from Gainesville City Schools and I had

with respect and politeness and show we

the time.” The staff is all volunteer.

understand how difficult it is.”

During the intake process, volunteers have the clients list their expenses and point out areas for potential savings.

“The need is great in these economic

She said, “We recognize it’s never easy

Jeff is now back at work, but he stops

“We help them realize where the money’s

times. For example, we had a lady in

by The Ark sometimes to see if there’s

going and where they might be spending

here who drives a school bus during the

something he can do to help. He’s mowed

money unnecessarily.” Volunteers also

school year. She’s been driving the school

the church grass on occasion. “I wanted to

suggest other programs that can help, such

bus in the summer as well, which budget

give back. I believe you get what you give.”

as walk-in clinics or nearby food banks.

cuts eliminated. People are still suffering.

When Carolyn Townes, the founder and

These days, it’s not as easy as it used to

An Ark volunteer talks with Jeff about budgeting.

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2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

Madison County Youth Leadership Program Training tomorrow’s leaders

as a team to successfully complete the exercises. Participant Lee Griffeth said, “Sometimes it was something you didn’t really want to do, but in order to beat out other team, you had to do it.”

During the second day, the leadership program uses instructional materials from Youth Leadership in Action, a program of The University of Georgia Fanning Institute, to teach skills for working within groups and being effective leaders. These skills include leadership, communicating effectively, appreciating differences, building teams, managing conflict and setting goals. The students are assigned community awareness projects in which they visit county offices and interview

Madison High students Ashlyn Blalock, Lee Griffeth, Brikkel Rucker and Brianna Hitchcock say the program taught them leadership and communications skills.

B

employees about their jobs. They present those reports at the last part of the leadership program, the graduate dinner for the students, parents and other participants.

rikkel Rucker was working her way

the best way for the county to prepare for

The Jackson EMC Foundation contrib-

through an obstacle course. This

the future was to develop the county’s high

uted $4,000 for the course at Camp Mikell

would normally not be much of a

school students. Marvin White, president of

and instructor and participant manuals.

problem for her, but she was blindfolded,

the Madison Chamber, said, “We felt a need

Ashlyn Blalock said, “It’s a big part of

and only the voice of a teammate from the

to train leaders for the future here. I think

me now. It teaches you how to communi-

sidelines kept her from running into the

it has done its job. In this course, they learn

cate with all kinds of people and be more

obstacles. She says, “I learned listening

to depend on each other. They find out life

tolerant. It’s something I take with me

skills. I had to listen even if didn’t want to.

has lots of challenges, and there are people

every day.” She added, “One thing I liked

I learned how to depend on someone else.”

who can help.”

was learning when to be a leader and

The teens were working on team-build-

The 30 sophomores and juniors begin

when to be a follower. They taught you

ing exercises as part of the annual Madison

the leadership program at Camp Mikell

how to be an example.” She’s the oldest of

County Youth Leadership Program. The

Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center. Camp

seven and said she uses the skills to work

lessons they learned helped them and their

Mikell uses a ropes course, climbing wall

with her siblings.

classmates become better leaders and team

and other obstacles to teach students to

members.

work together to tackle physical and

that I can see myself using,” said Brianna

mental challenges. The group problem-

Hitchcock. She added, “It takes you out of

solving exercises make the students work

your comfort zone, which is a good thing.”

Back in 2001, members of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce realized that

“We had to build communication skills

2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

11

Madison County Chamber of Commerce President Marvin White with leadership program participants Brianna Hitchcock (back row) and Ashlyn Blalock, Lee Griffeth and Brikkel Rucker (first row left to right).

Ashlyn Blalock said, “It’s a big part of me now. It teaches you how to communicate with all kinds of people and be more tolerant. It’s something I take with me every day.” She added, “One thing I liked was learning when to be a leader and when to be a follower. They taught you how to be an example.” gone from 60 percent to 77 percent over the

lead.” He laughed, “I learned I’m not always

started out including just students with

past four to five years. Ashlyn says, “I was

right, which was a big shock to me.”

high grade point averages. A few years ago,

glad it was random selection, because we

Brikkel agreed. “I learned to not expect to

as Madison County High faced a high

got to know people we wouldn’t normally

always be the leader, and to listen to others

dropout rate, the Chamber decided to bring

talk to. That’s what I liked best.” Brikkel

and get their input.

the leadership lessons to a wider spectrum

added, “We got to meet different people and

of students so the lessons they learned

realize we were not that different from

on the whole school is evident. “I feel like

would affect more young people. Through a

each other.”

these students learn teamwork and how to

White says the leadership program

number of programs, including the leadership course, the graduation rate has

Lee says, “I learned to be a follower.

Before I felt like I had to it do myself and to

White said the impact of the program

help take care of others and pass along those lessons.”

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2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

Guest House

The chance for independence Dot Abernathy, who has been coming to the Guest House since a stroke three years ago, said, “It’s one of the most wonderful places I've ever been. It’s the love they have for people who need help.

I could never praise it enough. I’ve made good friends here.”

“The stroke took away some of her abilities. Without this place, she probably would have been in a nursing home.”

Instead, she’s living with her daughters and seeing her friends at the Guest House during the week.

Sandra added, “When our brother died, she had a cheerful group of people to be

Sandra Cain (left) and her mother, Dot Abernathy.

T

with even when she was sad. It helped her through that period.”

The Jackson EMC foundation has

here’s a spirited game of cards –

ago, said, “It’s one of the most wonderful

supported the program for several years

large-sized to be easily read –

places I've ever been. It’s the love they

and in 2011 allocated $8,300 to help provide

going on in the front room of the

have for people who need help. I could

light breakfasts, hot, nutritious lunches

Guest House in Gainesville, a nonprofit

never praise it enough. I’ve made good

and snacks.

day facility that helps seniors stay more

friends here.”

independent and have social contact.

She enjoys the activities and takes

Guests receive meals according to their doctors' orders, and since 70 percent of

The more alert players help the players

home birdhouses, plaques and other

clients are in low- to moderate-income

whose attention has wandered, and the

items she’s made in the woodworking

levels, lunch at the Guest House may be

players joke like old friends.

shop for gifts.

their only balanced hot meal of the day.

Dot Abernathy, who has been coming to the Guest House since a stroke three years

Dot had lived in her own home until the stroke. Her daughter, Sandra Cain, said,

A registered nurse, licensed practical nurse and certified nursing assistant work at the

2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

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Sandra Cain and her mother, Dot Abernathy, enjoy a card game.

Guest House, and check each guest’s blood

Potential guests are assessed to see

weekly, and music therapists who focus on

pressure and other vital signs each day,

whether the Guest House would be a good

participation come each week. Dot says,

as well as making sure they take their

option for them. The must be able to get

“I’ve always been a music person.

prescribed medications.

around, feed themselves, be nonviolent and

I don’t know how people get by without

not too determined to wander away. If the

music.”

The purpose of the Guest House,

Guests and their families give the Guest

founded in 1985, is to help to prevent

guests will respond to re-direction and

premature placement in a long-term care

diversion with activity and company, they

House high marks. A survey showed that 97

facility while providing caregivers with

do well at the Guest House’s secure facility.

percent of the clients say they are less

The Guest House has three professionals

depressed since coming to the Guest House

67 clients, with about 25 at the house each

who schedule activities that include BINGO,

and 99 percent of family members say the

day. Dana Chapman, executive director,

speakers, crafts, gardening, woodshop and

program has reduced their stress as

says, “With longer life expectancies and the

daily exercise in an environment designed

caretakers.

increasing number of families caring for

to promote mental and physical health and

elderly, we expect demand for the program

prevent social isolation. Also, an Alzheim-

stocked with games, books and television,

to continue to increase. More than 75

er's Caregiver Support group meets monthly

with the sound of the card game in the

percent of our current guests suffer from

at the Guest House. The group is free and

background, Dot says, “Every town ought to

some form of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

open to the community.

have something like this. I’d be missing a

a respite. Currently, the Guest House has

Their loved ones really need this break.”

Local singing groups entertain guests

Looking around the homelike rooms

lot of friends without it.”

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2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

Rainbow Village

Escaping homelessness

Tamara and her daughters Tyana and Tyera say Rainbow Village taught them how to be self-sufficient.

T

amara and her six children,

out the extensive application and being

has begun a campaign to raise money to

including a new baby, were about

interviewed, she and her family were

expand to 30 families. Families live at

a week from eviction when her

accepted by the program.

Rainbow Village for one to two years.

family was accepted at Rainbow Village in

The Rev. Nancy Yancey, chief executive

Nancy said short-term programs are not

Duluth, a transitional housing program for

officer of Rainbow Village, said, “We’re

as effective, because it takes time to

homeless families with children. Rainbow

very selective because we do know we’re

establish better habits and break the

Village helps families in domestic or

just a drop in the bucket in the problem of

cycles that lead people to homelessness.

economic crisis to become self-sufficient.

homelessness. What we look for is

Tamara’s 17 year old daughter Tyana

initiative and accountability and people

said Rainbow Village made major changes

service that refers callers to services that

who have the potential to get back on

in her life. “I had gone from school to

could help. Homeless shelters generally

track after one to two years.”

school and gotten in trouble for behavior

Tamara called 211, the United Way

can’t take families that size, so Tamara turned to Rainbow Village. After filling

Currently Rainbow Village has furnished apartments for 12 families and

issues.” Spending two years in one school and having the support of Rainbow Village’s

2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

15

afterschool programs and tutoring turned this around. “Rainbow Village is a place I’ll never forget. It changed our lives.”

A major component of the program is helping the parents identify what contributed to their homelessness and to learn new coping skills. The life skills classes cover such topics as financial management, parenting, home management, health and wellness, and career development. Residents are required to attend all scheduled classes, averaging 80 classes per year.

The Jackson EMC Foundation granted $15,000 for financial counseling to help heads of households gain financial skills.

The financial counselor meets with the clients at least monthly to review financial records; monthly budgets; develop and monitor financial goals; and establish strategies to address credit problems.

Tamara says that before the financial training at Rainbow Village, “If I had my bills and rent paid, I thought I was fine. I’d blow what was left. I didn’t look for what

Rainbow Village social worker Lily Arfa and Tyera.

A major component of the program is helping the parents identify what contributed to their homelessness

might happen like car repairs. I learned to

and to learn new coping skills. The life skills classes

save and keep pay stubs and receipts to

cover such topics as financial management, parenting,

know where my money is going. Before, I didn’t see the priorities.”

She added, “Now I look long term. I’ve learned to buy in bulk, when things are on sale and off-season. I cut coupons. I pack a snack instead of getting fast food and have

home management, health and wellness, and career development. Residents are required to attend all scheduled classes, averaging 80 classes per year.

my coffee at home. The training showed but also the children. We’re setting a

want you to do good. I didn’t know people

lifestyle standard for them so that they

really took time to do stuff like that.”

lessons. Daughter Tyera has two jobs, is

don’t end up facing the same issues.”

About 800 people volunteer at Rainbow

headed to college and is saving for her first

Children attend an after-school program,

Village each year.

car. She said the money management

including homework support and tutoring;

classes for teens helped her learn how to

a weekly program on values, decision-

success rate of families who remain

budget and save. Her 11-year-old brother DJ

making and positive attitudes; and

self-sustaining three to four years after

recently announced that he needed to open

summer camp.

graduating from the program. Since Christ

me to look at things I didn’t have to have.”

Her children have also absorbed those

Rainbow Village has an 85 per cent

Tyana says, “I loved afterschool. My

Episcopal Church in Norcross started the

math tutor was like the best math teacher.

program in 1991, more than 200 families,

cycle of homelessness, poverty and

After working with him, my math grades

including more than 500 children, have

domestic violence. The way to success for

were nothing less than 90.” She added,

become self-sufficient.

families is not only to support the parents,

“The volunteers want to help you. They

a bank account to save his money.

Nancy said, “Our goal is to break the

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2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

Tara

Removing a barrier

The new ramp means Tara’s caregivers can take her on walks.

T

ara cannot talk, but she can reach

left her unable to walk, feed, dress or bathe

much of a challenge. As both she and Tara

up and hug her mother. As her

herself. At first, Tara seemed like any other

got older, the fact that the front yard and

mother cuddles with Tara in a

baby; but as time went on, she fell behind

driveway sloped sharply downward to the

other children in her development.

house started to be a problem. Tara’s

chair, it’s obvious why she’ll do anything she can to keep her daughter at home.

When they moved in to their Law-

mother and daily caretakers had to

“She’s very affectionate, but just can’t do

renceville home in 2000, her mother could

struggle to roll Tara’s wheelchair up to the

anything for herself.”

lift Tara herself and the less accessible

street to take her on walks around the

aspects of the home didn’t seem to be that

neighborhood. In addition, the bus that

Tara, now 27, had a brain injury that

2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

17

Tara’s mother and daily caretakers had to struggle to roll Tara’s wheelchair up to the street to take her on walks around the neighborhood. In addition, the bus that takes Tara to a day program didn’t always have a driver strong enough to roll the wheelchair up to the bus.

The curved ramp makes the steep slope manageable for a wheelchair.

takes Tara to a day program didn’t always have a driver strong enough to roll the wheelchair up to the bus. “I could just imagine slipping and sending Tara flying.

I wanted to keep Tara safe and sound,” her mother said.

Considering strict local code requirements, the best option was a gradual s-curve down the steep yard. Landscape architect Patrick Craig drew up the plans, and Sugar Hill Outdoors landscaping company not only did the work but donated $1,000 worth of material left over from other jobs. Jackson EMC Foundation supplied another $3,500 to help build the attractive curved ramp.

“I did everything myself for a long time, but I couldn’t do it anymore,” her

Tara snuggles in her mother’s arms.

mother said. She decided it was time to modify the house so that Tara could continue to stay at home for the foreseeable future. A grant from another foundation helped modify the bathroom with an accessible toilet and shower and Tara’s church, friends and family helped buy a used van with a wheelchair ramp.

“I want her to be able to stay home

with her family. We’re familiar. She

socialize at her day program and have

knows she’s going to be taken care of,

more of a normal life.” She also can spend

which is important because she doesn’t

time with her two younger sisters.

have language skills and can’t communicate what’s going on.”

Her mother added, “This is where her family is. She gets to eat family meals,

“The ramp is a lifesaver. Now I know I can get her safely out of the house and she can enjoy things like a walk around the neighborhood,” her mother concluded.

18

2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION, INC. STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEARS ENDED MAY 31

2012

2011

Support Contributions $1,045,585 $1,020,083 Interest

1,085

2,697

1,046,670 1,022,780 Program Service Expenses Community Assistance 947,118

921,967

Family and Individual Assistance 90,408

87,547

Other

10

-

1,037,536 1,009,514 Increase in Unrestricted Net Assets

9,134

13,266

Unrestricted Net Assets, Beginning 268,661

255,395

Unrestricted Net Assets, Ending

$ 277,795

$ 268,661

2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION, INC. SCHEDULE OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2012 $

7,864

American Heart Association Northeast Georgia

Action Ministries

7,500

American Red Cross - East Georgia Chapter

10,000

Ark of Jackson County, Inc.

10,000

Ark: United Ministry Outreach Center

5,000

Athens Area Homeless Shelter

7,500

Athens Community Council on Aging

5,400

Athens - Clarke County Literate Community Alliance

7,500

Atlanta Mission

10,000

Banks County Literacy Council

15,000

Boy Scouts of Northeast Georgia

5,000

Boys and Girls Clubs of Athens, Inc.

5,000

Boys and Girls Clubs of Jackson County

15,000

Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta

15,000

Camp Koinonia

15,000

Camp Kudzu

5,000

CASA - Piedmont, Inc.

9,217

Center Point

7,000

Challenged Child and Friends, Inc.

15,000

Chamber of Commerce - Madison County

4,000

Charity Baptist Church Food Bank

2,500

Community Connection of Northeast Georgia

4,500

Community Helping Place

2,500

Cooperative Ministry - Lawrenceville

15,000

Cooperative Ministry - Lilburn

7,500

Cross Pointe Food Pantry

2,500

DAV - Chapter 92

2,500

Duds and Spuds of Zion Baptist Church

2,000

Exodus Outreach, Inc.

15,000

Extra Special People, Inc.

10,000

Families of Children Under Stress

5,000

Family Connection - Barrow County

12,000

Family Promise of Gwinnett County, Inc.

15,000

For Her Glory Fund

7,500

Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services

15,000

Friends of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia

3,200

Georgia Community Services

10,000

Gainesville Care Center

10,000

Balance-Carried Forward

$ 322,681

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20

2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION, INC. SCHEDULE OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2012 Balance-Brought Forward

$ 322,681

Gainesville State College Foundation

15,000

Gainesville/Hall County Alliance for Literacy

10,000

Gainesville/Hall Community Food Pantry

2,500

Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Inc.

10,000

Georgia Special Olympics - Clarke County Schools

4,900

Good Samaritan Ministries

7,600

Guest House, Inc.

8,300

Gwinnett Children’s Shelter, Inc.

15,000

Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation Fund

2,500

Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services

10,000

Gwinnett Community Clinic, Inc.

5,000

Gwinnett Student Leadership Team

15,000

Habitat for Humanity - Lumpkin County

3,000

Habitat for Humanity - Madison County

10,000

Habitat for Humanity of Hall County

10,000

Healing Place of Athens

5,000

Health Access Initiative

15,000

Hebron Community Health Center

15,000

Hi-Hope Service Center

15,000

Hope Clinic

12,000

I Am, Inc.

10,500

IDEALS Foundation, Inc.

5,000

Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens

5,000

Jackson County 4-H Club

2,600

Jackson County Habitat for Humanity

10,000

Jackson Creative Community Resource Center

14,000

Kidstuff USA

3,600

L.A.M.P. Ministries

7,500

Lekotek of Georgia

5,000

Lindsay’s Legacy

15,000

Meet the Need Ministry, Inc.

10,000

Mercy Health Center

14,850

Newtown Florist Club

5,000

Next Stop Foundation

5,000

NOA’s Ark, Inc.

5,000

NSPIRE Outreach, Inc.

7,500

Balance-Carried Forward

$ 639,031

2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION, INC. SCHEDULE OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2012 Balance-Brought Forward

$ 639,031

Nuci’s Space

4,000

Peace Place 15,000 Piedmont Regional Library System 15,000 Pregnancy Center - Madison County

4,750

Project ADAM Community Assistance 15,000 Quinlan Arts, Inc.

5,000

Rainbow Village, Inc. 15,000 Rape Response, Inc.

7,000

Region 5 DFCS Resource Development Unit

2,500

Reins of Life, Inc.

1,000

Rotary Club of Madison County

5,000

Safe Kids Gainesville - Hall County

2,500

Salvation Army of Athens 10,000 Salvation Army of Gainesville 15,000 Salvation Army of Lawrenceville 15,000 Senior Center - Madison County 15,000 Sexual Assault Center of Northeast Georgia

5,000

Signs and Wonders, Inc. 10,000 Spectrum Autism Support Group 10,000 Spirit of Joy Christian Church

2,500

St. Vincent De Paul Society

5,000

St. Vincent De Paul Society - Jackson County

5,000

St. Vincent De Paul Society - Duluth 12,000 Stable Foundation

3,000

Step-by-Step Recovery

7,500

Success by 6 of United Way of Northeast Georgia

13,837

Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc. 15,000 Three Dimensional Life

7,500

Tiny Stitches, Inc.

5,000

Tree House, Inc. 15,000 YMCA - Winder Barrow 15,000 YMCA - Georgia Mountains 15,000 YMCA of Athens 10,000 YWCO of Athens

5,000

$ 947,118

21

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2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

2012 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report Jackson EMC Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 38 • Jefferson, GA 30549

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