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
7
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
13
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.
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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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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
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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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