2021 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

CommUNITY ANNUAL REPORT

2021

CommUNITY Merriam-Webster defines “unity” as “a condition of harmony” and “community” as “a unified body of individuals with common interests living in a particular area.”

Since 2005, the Jackson EMC Foundation has worked in

The Jackson EMC Foundation is honored to partner with

unity with nonprofit organizations in the ten counties served by

these nonprofits and with the members of Jackson EMC whose

Jackson EMC to provide assistance for thousands in the

contributions make it all possible. Together, we can make

Northeast Georgia community.

mighty things happen in our community – and we do each year.

The Jackson EMC Foundation distributes funds raised

With more than 242,000 meters on Jackson EMC’s service

through Operation Round Up®, Jackson EMC’s philanthropic

lines, the donations collected through Operation Round Up add

program, which rounds the power bills of participating members

up quickly. On average, a Jackson EMC member contributes

to the next dollar with the donation supporting nonprofits and

$6 a year to Operation Round Up. Last year, Jackson EMC

individuals in need. The Foundation’s volunteer board of directors

members gave $1,071,307 to the community through 112

meets monthly to study grant requests and disburse funds.

organizational and individual grants awarded by the Jackson

EMC Foundation. Over the past 16 years, the Jackson EMC

The Foundation’s partnership with these organizations –

along with the unified collaboration the nonprofits share with

Foundation has granted $16,799,719 to organizations and

area schools and universities, health agencies and government

individuals.

entities – exemplifies the community’s unparalleled emphasis on

unity.

Foundation will continue to provide in meaningful ways for our

community.

In this year’s annual report, you’ll read about organizations

In unity, Jackson EMC, its members, and the Jackson EMC

that work in unison with the Jackson EMC Foundation to enhance the quality of life for all who live within Jackson EMC’s

Sincerely,

service area. You’ll learn about Bethel Haven, which collaborates with area universities and other nonprofits to provide therapeutic counseling to individuals in need. You’ll read about the Rotary Club of Madison County, which helped other Rotary

Joel Harbin

clubs initiate ramp projects based on their own successful ramp

Chair, Jackson EMC Foundation

building program. And you’ll discover how the Spirit of Joy Food Pantry partners with Cornerstone Assembly Church to feed the hungry in and around Flowery Branch.

Along with all of the nonprofits that received grants this year,

these groups work tirelessly to improve their communities – and the Jackson EMC community as a whole.

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Chip Jakins President/CEO, Jackson EMC

ANN U AL R EP O R T 20 21

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We could not have filled this need without the Foundation.

”

Melinda Allen

Executive Director, Bethel Haven

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Help, Hope and Healing

7,500

$

for Project Hope

Serving:

Bethel Haven

Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison

Bethelhaven.net

and Oglethorpe counties

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, Bethel Haven has experienced a “drastic increase” in clients seeking counseling, according to Executive Director Melinda Allen. The growing needs were met partly due to a Jackson EMC Foundation grant that provided therapeutic counseling for those who otherwise could not afford the services, she adds.

The cost for services is already reduced at the Christian-

integrity, a high level of training in clinical health and a

based nonprofit, in Watkinsville, which provides therapeutic

Christian worldview, someone who’s sensitive to all,

counseling and mental health support services to distressed

nonjudgmental, supportive, and cares about instilling help,

children, teens and adults. By offering sessions with a sliding

hope and healing.”

scale fee, Bethel Haven removes financial barriers so that

anyone seeking professional therapy can receive it. Through

Bethel Haven partners with other nonprofits and with 12 area

Project Hope, gifts from organizations like the Jackson EMC

universities to meet the community’s mental health needs.

Foundation cover costs for those most in need of help.

Nest, a drop-in center for the homeless,” she says. “There

Since 2007, Bethel Haven has provided emotional and

Because no nonprofit is an island unto itself, Allen says

“We work with multiple nonprofits, including Sparrow’s

mental health support for the community, according to Allen.

are many individuals who, without support and healthy

She says their counselors serve more than 250 clients and

coping skills, can end up right back in the same situation,

more than 80% of them report improved mental health

so it’s important to provide them with therapy from a

thanks to therapy sessions at Bethel Haven. As members of

professional.”

the American Association of Christian Counselors, the

licensed counselors at Bethel Haven serve families struggling

list when it comes to “who shows up to meet community

through difficult life situations involving grief, divorce,

needs.”

depression, anxiety, relationships and other issues.

Foundation,” she says. “The partnership with universities,

“We give families the tools they need to thrive,”

Allen put the Jackson EMC Foundation at the top of her

“We could not have filled this need without the

says Allen.

other nonprofits and organizations like the Jackson EMC

Foundation – when you see a community in alignment like

The 13 professional counselors at Bethel Haven fill

a gap for mental health services in Northeast Georgia,

this with this common love, it’s just amazing. It’s what this

according to Clinical Director Taylor Mason. “We look for

community is all about: It’s love for one another.”

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Clinical intern Jennifer Wood meets with a client at Bethel Haven.

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We try not to turn people away due to finances, and this helped us meet that goal.

”

Joey Bristol

Board President, Butterfly Dreams Farm

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Gaining Confidence on Horseback

$

Butterfly Dreams Farm Therapeutic Riding Program

Serving:

10,000

for Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy

Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Jackson and Madison counties

Butterflydreamsfarm.org

At a cheerful farm in Watkinsville, 14 horses with names like Pickle, Lilly and Kisses help children and adults gain mobility and social skills. Intelligent and patient, the gentle horses have worked with hundreds of riders since Butterfly Dreams Farm Therapeutic Riding Program opened in 2005.

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“At Butterfly Dreams Farm, children who work so hard to

“Working with horses challenges riders to be patient

navigate a world not made with them in mind have a chance

and regulate their emotions while deepening empathy and

to be free and joyful with their equine companions,” says

increasing self-confidence,” says Bristol. “The positive

Butterfly Dreams Board President Joey Bristol. “It’s good for

environment at the farm allows riders to form strong

children and adults with various mental and physical

connections with their two- and four-legged therapists.”

challenges as well as any suffering from stress or anxiety.”

daughter Colbie to the farm weekly for hippotherapy. “She

In therapeutic riding or hippotherapy sessions, riders are

Butterfly Dreams client Lisa brings her two-year-old

matched with horses that leverage their gaits and empathic

gets really excited when we pull up here,” says Lisa. “I see

abilities to help riders develop balance, coordination and

this helping her desire to communicate, and it’s helped her

core strength which, in turn, strengthens brain muscles.

physically, too, with improved posture.”

Hippotherapy targets children and adults with special

Nikki brings her two-year-old son Nicholas. “It’s very

needs like autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. A

interesting to see how his speech usage just opens up when

licensed therapist uses the horse’s movement to stimulate a

he’s on a horse,” she says.

rider’s sensory systems, helping riders with limited mobility or

speech to develop coordination and strength. Therapeutic

University of Georgia students majoring in physical,

riding focuses on horse care and riding techniques as

occupational or speech therapy. “We’re a volunteer-led

certified instructors monitor horse and rider interaction to

organization with a small budget and small staff that does big

boost communication and psychosocial skills. According to

work,” says Bristol, expressing gratitude for a Jackson EMC

Bristol, studies show that a rider’s movement while on a horse

Foundation grant that funded scholarships for riders who

provides neurological, psychosocial and emotional benefits

couldn’t afford to participate otherwise. “We try not to turn

while developing fine and gross motor skills, communication

people away due to finances, and this helped us meet that goal.”

skills, sensory awareness and independence.

When riding Lilly, Nicholas gains confidence and improved posture while forming friendly relationships with Butterfly Dreams Farm volunteers.

About 35 volunteers assist with the program, including

Butterfly Dreams Farm Founder Cat Thompson believes

the farm is meeting its mission. “Our vision is for Butterfly Dreams Farm to be a place of healing and joy for every child and adult we serve,” she concludes.

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Teaching the Dangers of Smoking and Vaping Georgia Healthy Family Alliance

10,000

$

for Northeast Georgia Strike Force Tar Wars

Serving:

Georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org

Barrow and Hall counties

Just when America thought it was on the verge of kicking the smoking habit in its younger population, the trend turned the other direction in 2016 when vaping and e-cigarette smoking gained traction with teens. Georgia Healthy Family Alliance works to reverse the trend.

Of 52 people who died in the United States due to

vaping-related illness in 2019, six were in Georgia. Alarmed,

became the product of choice among teens, but now it’s yesterday’s

Governor Brian Kemp issued a public health advisory

news as Velo and other brands have gained popularity.”

notifying Georgians of the potential hazards of adolescent

vaping. Today, an epidemic of teen smoking remains,

the Tar Wars program focuses on the dangers of tobacco

according to Dr. Monica Newton, chair of the Northeast

use, e-cigarettes, vapes and hookahs. “Our goal is to shape

Georgia Strike Force. “The need for vaping and tobacco use

children’s opinions about vaping before they start – to teach

prevention could not be more urgent,” she says.

them about the dangers before they are offered their first

cigarette, vape or dip,” says Sinkule.

To address the need, the Jackson EMC Foundation

For fourth and fifth graders in Barrow and Hall counties,

provided funding to the Northeast Georgia Strike Force for

its Tar Wars campaign, a national vaping and tobacco use

last spring with many creating artwork for a statewide poster

prevention program overseen in Georgia by the Tucker-

contest. By breathing through drinking straws while holding

based Georgia Healthy Family Alliance, the foundation arm

their nose and jogging in place for 15 seconds, they

of the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians. The initiative

experienced what it feels like to have diminished lung

began in 1988 to combat smoking and chewing tobacco and

capacity, an all-too-often effect of smoking and vaping.

evolved as tobacco products changed.

creative ways to keep kids away from tobacco and vapes,

A two-decade decline in teen smoking resulted in an

The Tar Wars program was presented to 2,731 students

As Georgia Healthy Family Alliance continues to seek

all-time low of only 8% of American teens reporting regular

Sinkule considers the words of Dr. Wayne Hoffman, a

tobacco use in 2015, according to the Georgia Healthy

Georgia family physician who recently said, “Cigarettes are

Family Alliance. But before prevention advocates could catch

the devil we know. Vapes are the devil we just met.”

their breath, the smoking trends reversed as e-cigarettes and

vapes gained popularity. In 2019, one in four high school

extent of how dangerous vaping is. We do know that

students and one in 12 middle schoolers reported they had

cigarettes, over decades, do great damage to your body.

vaped, according to the Alliance.

With vaping, the damage occurs more quickly.”

“Juul was the first vape to become mainstream among

teens, and usage exploded among high school students from 2016 to 2018,” says Kara Sinkule, deputy director at Georgia

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Healthy Family Alliance. “With flavors from mint to mango, Juul

J A C KSON E M C F OUNDATI ON

“Both are bad,” says Sinkule. “We just don’t know the full

»

Yargo Elementary School student Noah won third place in a statewide competition where fourth and fifth graders created advertisements for living a tobacco and nicotine-free life.

Our goal is to shape children’s opinions about vaping before they start.

”

Kara Sinkule

Deputy Director, Georgia Healthy Family Alliance

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The Jackson EMC Foundation grant was a blessing, and the community’s interest in the mobile kitchen has exceeded our expectations.

”

Jason DiFranco

Director of Development and Community Relations, Gwinnett County Public Libraries

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Boosting Culinary Skills via Kitchen a’ la Cart

15,000

$

for Mobile Kitchen Program

Serving: Gwinnett County

Gwinnett County Public Library Gwinnettpl.org

Something interesting happened when Gwinnett County Public Libraries partnered with other organizations to distribute food during the pandemic last year. Jason DiFranco, director of Development and Community Relations for the 15-branch library system, remembers it well.

“We were distributing food, and we kept getting pulled

The library already offered YouTube cooking programs,

aside by people asking how to cook the fresh vegetables and

but the mobile cart enables them to take cooking lessons

proteins we provided,” he says. “We started bringing in

into communities across Gwinnett County. The program

culinary professionals to answer those questions, and we

targets people ages six and up with lessons progressing from

discovered the need to provide classes not only on kitchen

proficiency with measuring spoons to cooking an entire meal.

skills but also on good nutrition.”

Along the way, students learn the importance of good

nutrition and how to incorporate that into meal preparation.

After researching ways to meet that need, the library used

a Jackson EMC Foundation grant to purchase Kitchen a’ la

Cart, a mobile culinary cart outfitted with all it takes to prepare

education and economy,” says DiFranco. “We’ve seen

a full meal, including a sink, oven, microwave, blender, cutting

firsthand the power of cooking as a medium for learning.

boards, safety knives, measuring cups and more.

For individuals who don’t thrive in a traditional learning

environment, hands-on learning – and cooking in particular –

“Kitchen a’ la Cart is loaded with everything necessary for

“We feel that food is foundational to lifelong health,

people to develop and strengthen math, reading and team

can unlock one’s potential and open a window to greater

building skills via food preparation,” says DiFranco.

understanding of the world around them.”

“Students learn nutritional facts and follow recipes that show

the importance of smart food choices.”

the mobile kitchen helps the library system fulfill its major

goal.

DiFranco recognizes that libraries not only hold books but

Along with broadening its ability to meet diverse needs,

can also serve as hubs for community needs and knowledge

“Every aspect of it, like measuring and reading recipes,

by providing a host of educational opportunities, including

fits into our ultimate mission, which is literacy,” says

learning how to cook. “We realized during the food

DiFranco. “The Jackson EMC Foundation grant was a

distributions that too many people are reliant on microwaves

blessing, and the community’s interest in the mobile kitchen

and fast-food meals,” he says. “We knew it was important to

has exceeded our expectations.”

offer education on cooking so they could learn how to prepare a meal for themselves and their family.”

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Chase proudly displays a freshly baked pan of cookies just pulled from the oven of Gwinnett County Public Library’s mobile kitchen.

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Paving the Way to a Brighter Future, one GED at a Time

12,400

$

for Community Partner Program

Serving: Jackson County

Jackson County Certified Literate Community Program Jacksoncountyclcp.org

It was 11 years in the making, but when Anna finally earned her GED through the Jackson County Certified Literate Community Program (CLCP) in May, she could barely contain her excitement. “The teachers here are amazing, and the program is a huge benefit to people like me,” she says.

Anna never imagined it would take her so long to earn

Jackson County CLCP partners with Lanier Technical

College’s Office of Adult Education to provide adult literacy

Over the past decade, her time was consumed with serving

and GED classes. The program is important, especially when

as caretaker for family members, moving out of state and

considering that 18% of adults in Jackson County don’t have

back again, working full time and, most recently, undergoing

a high school diploma, according to Paez. “Without one,

back surgery and a lengthy recovery. Getting her GED was

their potential for earnings is diminished,” she says.

always in the back of her mind, so when she heard that

“Obtaining their GED enables them to enter post-secondary

Jackson County CLCP was helping pay for practice tests and

education, job training or the workforce. Our students start

exams, she knew the timing was right.

out seeking a diploma, but almost everyone ends up with

short-term training or job placement.”

“Knowing there was financial help gave me even more

reason to do it,” she says.

step in developing a highly trained workforce in Northeast

Jackson County CLCP’s grant from the Jackson EMC

“Getting a high school equivalency diploma is the first

Foundation provided financial assistance for students like

Georgia,” adds Shannon Cole, dean for Adult Education at

Anna. “The largest barrier to GED enrollment and graduation

Lanier Technical College.

for Jackson County residents is the $160 exam fee,” says

CLCP Executive Director Lisa Paez. “The expense can keep

Jackson EMC Foundation unites with Jackson County CLCP

students from enrolling. Our goal is to pay for part of the

to benefit the entire community, one student at a time.

exam to allow students to focus more on graduation and less

on the expense.”

underemployed, it’s been a choice between getting to work,

looking for a job, or taking the GED,” says Paez. “With this

Many students who drop out of school do so because of

By helping pay for GED exams and practice tests, the

“For students who are unemployed or extremely

learning challenges, according to Paez. “Some have

grant, we’ve been able to tell them: ‘Don’t worry about it.

undiagnosed learning disabilities,” she says. “Many had a

The Foundation has done this for you. All you have to do is

bad experience in one subject and are convinced they can’t

study.’”

learn it. You take a classroom like ours, where there’s almost one-on-one individualized instruction, and those students realize they can learn.”

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her high school equivalency diploma, but life got in the way.

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Adult education instructor David Butler leads a GED class at Lanier Tech’s Commerce campus.

With this grant, we’ve been able to tell them: ‘Don’t worry about it.

The Foundation has done this for you.

All you have to do is study.’

”

Lisa Paez

Executive Director, Jackson County Certified Literate Community Program

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We instill practical knowledge that will empower the girls to become successful adults.

”

Melinda Frausto

Executive Director, Rainbow Children’s Home

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Going Beyond the Basics to Assure Success

7,500

$

for Beyond the Basics Program

Serving:

Hall and Lumpkin counties

Rainbow Children’s Home rainbowchildrenshome.org

Since opening in 2000 as a home of hope and opportunity, Rainbow Children’s Home, in Dahlonega, has provided shelter for abused and neglected girls. Almost 800 children ages 12 to 18 have found refuge here after suffering trauma from sexual abuse, eating disorders, self-harm or other issues.

“Rainbow Children’s Home is a place where girls who

As girls become acclimated to their new home –

have seen the worst of humanity can come to find hope,

complete with four bedrooms and two bathrooms to serve

security and opportunity,” says Executive Director Melinda

eight children at a time – attention turns to other important

Frausto. “As these girls fight the uphill battles of finding

items, like health and wellness; focusing on schoolwork,

self-worth, academic success and a plan for the future, the

college and career goals; living independently by learning

staff works to meet physical and emotional needs.”

how to drive a car, manage money, and keep a house; and

community involvement, with girls encouraged to join clubs

The organization’s Jackson EMC Foundation grant went

beyond the basics of food, clothing and shelter to provide

or do volunteer work.

substance abuse treatment, independence and wellness

training, and community involvement.

become successful adults,” says Frausto. “We do a lot of

college, tech school and career prep like teaching them how

“Beyond the Basics focuses on personal well-being and

“We instill practical knowledge that will empower them to

planning for the future to help girls break free from the cycles

to interview for a job, how to build a resume, and how to

of poverty and abuse to become productive members of

apply to college. We focus on finances by getting them a

their community,” says Frausto. “Many of these girls have

student bank account and teaching them how to manage

coped with emotional trauma, physical abuse or sexual abuse

their money. We try to help them look toward the future.”

by self-harming, binge eating and using alcohol or drugs. We

teach positive coping mechanisms and provide a support

operates like a family household.

system as they work to break unhealthy habits. We teach our

residents how to build and live successful, healthy and

the girls all of these things as we go,” says Frausto, who has

independent lives.”

headed Rainbow Children’s Home since it opened in 2000.

The girls live in a typical northeast Georgia home that “We cook, we clean, we do laundry, and we’re teaching

“I know this is what I’m supposed to be doing in my life.”

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Rainbow residents learn life skills, like writing a check and balancing a bank account.

ANN U AL R EP O R T 20 21

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Madison Rotary Provides Ramps – and Independence

7,500

$

for Handicapped Accessible Ramp Program

Serving:

Clarke and Madison counties

Rotary Club of Madison County Madisoncountyrotaryclub.org

Rotary Clubs throughout the world are known for providing humanitarian service.

The Rotary Club of Madison County does this with their Handicapped Accessible Ramp Program, which provides ramps, free of charge, for anyone in need.

The ramp building program began in 1995 after the club

Madison County Rotarians used their Jackson EMC

had helped the local Meals on Wheels organization deliver

Foundation grant to purchase building materials. With cost of

lunches. “A club member noticed that one person they

treated lumber increasing, the grant came at a great time,

delivered to had great difficulty getting in and out of his

according to Brown, who says the club gets calls weekly from

home, so the club members came back and built him a

people requesting ramps. “Since 1995, we’ve never caught

ramp,” says Rotarian Ray Gandy, who helped start the

up with the ongoing list of people in need of a ramp,” he

program. “That opened our eyes to the need. We built two

says.

ramps the next year, and it grew from there.”

helped Rotary clubs in both Franklin and Hall counties

As of summer 2021, the Rotarians had constructed more

To fill the need, the Rotary Club of Madison County has

than 820 ramps by building an average of 35 each year.

establish their own ramp building programs.

Initially, Rotary members handled all the construction, but

now Rotarians and volunteers work together on each build,

residents a wooden ramp, what they actually provide is

according to Ramp Program Chairman Ed Brown. Depending

freedom, according to Brown. He says he’ll never forget the

on the size of the ramp, construction typically takes one to

words of one recipient after he rolled his wheelchair down his

two hours.

new ramp for the first time.

“We’re way beyond anybody needing to tell anyone what

While it may appear that Rotarians are simply giving

“He’d been having to wait for his neighbors to bring his

to do next,” says Brown. “We read each other’s minds.

mail and paper in every day,” says Brown. “The first time he

Because we’ve been working together so long, it’s a seamless

rolled his wheelchair down the ramp to the ground, he said,

building process that goes like clockwork.”

‘I’m free. I can come in and out whenever I want to.’ These

types of comments keep us going.”

All that’s required to be the beneficiary of a Rotary ramp

is need, according to Brown. “We build ramps for people with medical conditions, those who have been injured in car wrecks or had surgery, the elderly, and if someone is becoming frail and afraid of falling, we’ll build a ramp before they get hurt,” says Brown, noting that ramps provide a way for wheelchair-bound residents to get out of their house in case of fire.

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»

The ramp program’s first leader, Ray Gandy, left, and current leader Ed Brown, right, drill in the first nail at a summer ramp build.

I’ll never forget the time a recipient rolled his wheelchair down his new ramp to the ground for the first time. He said, ‘I’m free.’

”

Ed Brown

Ramp Program Chairman, Rotary Club of Madison County

ANN U AL R EP O R T 20 21

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The Jackson EMC Foundation grant funded childcare, education and counseling to help the girls meet their goals.

”

Executive Director, Sacred Roots Farm

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Recovery for Women Rescued from Sex Trafficking

10,000

$

for Safe Haven Program

Serving: Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Franklin, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin,

Sacred Roots Farm

Madison and Oglethorpe counties

Sacredrootsfarm.org

Sex trafficking operates in the shadows of society. For girls stuck in the darkness, it’s a harrowing nightmare. While several organizations in Georgia work to rescue young women from sex slavery, few offer long-term recovery. Sacred Roots Farm is one that does.

A home for women who have been sexually exploited,

“We use a relational approach to the recovery process

Sacred Roots Farm accepted its first participant in 2018 and

with goals for women to overcome trauma, have healthy

has served six young women since then. The goal is to provide

relationships, and increase education and employment skills,”

women ages 18 to 26 with long-term support and community

says the director, noting that the Jackson EMC Foundation

for healing. The ladies participate in daily classes designed to

grant funded childcare, education and counseling to help

help them in their recovery process as they learn about

girls meet these goals.

animals, plants and nature on the farm. The idyllic beauty of

the 26-acre farm and farmhouse, donated by a supporter, is

from human trafficking and probably doesn’t have a lot of

the polar opposite of the misery these women have endured.

support. It takes everybody coming from different angles to

address the problem. Until they have a place to land, chances

“We hear some horrible stories,” says the executive

“It’s a ministry of after-care,” he says. “A lady gets free

director (name withheld due to the sensitivity of his position).

of them being prepared for the future are slim. That’s the space

He describes girls targeted by sex traffickers as those who

we seek to fill by providing a long-term place for healing.”

have experienced emotional trauma, such as a loved one’s

death or a divorce in the family: “With a little grooming,

by therapeutic horseback riding, Sacred Roots works to instill

Along with providing counseling via traditional methods or

traffickers can exploit that. They sometimes start out as a

healthy habits and what the director calls “a rhythm for life.”

concerned boyfriend. They lure girls in, and when they’re

trapped, the girls are either unable to leave or afraid to leave

go to bed at the same time in order to shift their circadian

due to shame or physical threats to them or their families.

rhythm from what they were used to, which for most was

We had one girl say she’d had a gun put to her head with the

staying up all night working for their trafficker,” he says. “It’s

trigger pulled so often, she didn’t care if she was shot.”

not a quick fix. Whatever you think of as a worst-case scenario,

these girls have had it a hundred times worse. We had one

Nationally, approximately 100,000 children are forced

“We have to teach these young women to wake up and

into sex slavery each year, according to the Sacred Roots

lady who did not have a memory of life apart from being

director, who says the average age of entry in Georgia is

sexually trafficked. It takes a while to normalize after going

12-14. With a rate of 3.85 per 100,000 persons, Georgia had

through that.”

the fourth highest rate of human trafficking among U.S. states

«

in 2019, according to World Population Review.

Sacred Roots Farm residents are secure and safe in their new life with new friends at the farm.

ANN U AL R EP O R T 20 21

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Working in Unity to Feed the Hungry

2,500

$

for Food Pantry Ministry

Serving:

Spirit of Joy Food Pantry

Banks, Barrow, Hall and

sojchurch@gmail.com

Jackson counties

The Spirit of Joy Food Pantry originated in 2001 as one of the first food pantries in Hall County.

“So many people in our area were without food and there

Food Pantry volunteers stock the shelves and pack boxes

weren’t many local food banks at the time, so we started this

for families in need. In 2020, Spirit of Joy served 803 families

ministry,” recalls Rev. Garen Dodson of Spirit of Joy Church.

with a total of 2,565 individuals. “We were swamped with

“The responsibility we’re given by God is to care for other

twice the need and our resources were strained,” says

people, and this is a way we can show we care for and love

Dodson.

them.”

displayed by Cornerstone Assembly, which partners with the

The food pantry in Flowery Branch is a member of and

The pastor expresses gratitude for the unity in community

receives most of its food from Georgia Mountain Food Bank.

food pantry to offer food to the hungry. He recalls how, at

Spirit of Joy distributes food on the second and third

the same time Spirit of Joy was searching for a larger space

Saturdays to residents of Banks, Barrow, Hall and Jackson

to store and distribute food, Cornerstone Assembly was

counties. Food distributions take place at Cornerstone

praying about starting a food pantry. When Dodson called

Assembly, a Flowery Branch church that houses the food

Cornerstone Pastor Steve Stewart in 2017, Spirit of Joy was

pantry.

welcomed with open arms.

“Our mission is to distribute food to those in need and to

“I cannot stress enough the amazing participation from

refer people to sources that provide things we don’t,” says

Cornerstone Assembly,” says Dodson. “They have given us

Dodson.

room for the food pantry operation along with moral,

physical, financial and spiritual support. By partnering with

Families may visit the food pantry once a month and are

required to show a photo ID and proof of residency to

Cornerstone Church, the two have become one when it

receive food. Most families are referred to the food pantry by

comes to helping others.”

the Department of Family and Children Services, Gainesville

Action Ministries, and other area food pantries, nonprofits

Joy Food Pantry for 15 years, providing grants to help the

and churches. Clients receive boxes filled with vegetables,

ministry serve the nutritional needs of its community.

pasta, soup and other staples.

our area,” says Dodson. “We’ve never had to turn anyone

“We see that everybody gets some of everything,” says

Dodson. “We also distribute frozen meat, something that many people lack now because it’s gotten so expensive.”

The Jackson EMC Foundation has partnered with Spirit of

“The Foundation has enabled us to feed the hungry of

away, and we are indeed grateful for that.”

»

Rev. Garen Dodson, left, of Spirit of Joy Food Pantry, thanks Rev. Steve Stewart, of Cornerstone Assembly Church, for his congregation’s partnership in serving the community’s hungry.

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J A C KSON E M C F OUNDATI ON

The Foundation has enabled us to feed the hungry of our area.

We’ve never had to turn anyone away, and we are indeed grateful for that.

”

Rev. Garen Dodson Leader, Spirit of Joy Food Pantry

ANN U AL R EP O R T 20 21

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STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEARS ENDED MAY 31 2021 Change in Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions Revenue and Support Contributions

$ 1,197,793

2020

$ 1,169,738

Interest 86 511 Contributed Services 59,890 58,382 1,257,769 1,228,631 Expenses Program Services Community Assistance 1,001,847 1,230,076 Family Assistance 47,651 27,955 Supporting Services

Administrative and General

59,890 58,382

1,109,388 1,316,413 148,381 (87,782) Change in Net Assets Without Donor Restictions Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions, Beginning 175,504 263,286 Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions, Ending

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J A C KSON E M C F OUNDATI ON

$ 323,885

$ 175,504

COMMUNITY GRANTS SCHEDULE OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2021

A-CC High School Completion Initiative, Inc.

$

5,908

Adults Protecting Children, Inc.

5,000

Adventure Bags, Inc.

10,000

American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia

15,000

Angel House of Georgia

10,000

Annandale at Suwanee, Inc.

10,000

Asian American Resource Foundation

10,000

Athens Area Habitat for Humanity

15,000

Atlanta Union Mission Corporation

10,000

Barrow County Habitat for Humanity

15,000

Bethany Christian Services of Georgia

10,500

Bethel Haven, Inc.

7,500

Books for Keeps, Inc.

8,500

Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County

15,000

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier

15,000

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta

20,000

Burn Foundation of America

5,000

Butterfly Dreams Farm Therapeutic Riding Program, Inc.

10,000

Camp Amplify, Inc.

10,000

Camp Koinonia, Inc.

15,000

Camp Twin Lakes, Inc.

15,000

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Inc.

10,000

Center Point Georgia, Inc.

15,000

Children’s Center for Hope and Healing, Inc.

15,000

Chris 180

10,000

Downtown Ministries, Inc.

5,000

Enotah CASA, Inc.

1,530

Extra Special People, Inc.

15,000

Eyes of Love Lighthouse Mission, Inc.

10,000

Food to Kids - Madison County, Inc.

13,500

For Her Glory

15,000

Foster Siblings Reunited (d/b/a Camp to Belong - Georgia)

2,500

Gainesville Housing Corporation

4,000

Gainesville - Hall County Alliance for Literacy

10,000

Gateway House, Inc.

15,000

Georgia Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, Inc.

10,000

Georgia Healthy Family Alliance

10,000

Georgia Mountains YMCA

15,000

Balance - Carried Forward

$ 413,938

ANN U AL R EP O R T 20 21

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Balance - Brought Forward

Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia

15,000

Good News at Noon

10,000

Gwinnett Children’s Shelter

15,000

Gwinnett County Habitat for Humanity

15,000

Gwinnett County Public Library

15,000

Hi-Hope Service Center, Inc.

15,000

Hispanic Alliance of GA

5,000

Hope Clinic, Inc.

15,000

Iron Horse Therapy, Inc.

3,000

Jackson County Certified Literate Community Program

12,400

Judy House Ministry

10,000

Junior Achievement of Georgia, Inc.

15,000

L.A.M.P. Ministries, Inc.

15,000

Lekoteck of Georgia

7,500

Lumpkin County Family Connection

5,000

Lumpkin County Literacy Coalition (d.b.a. Lumpkin Literacy)

5,000

Madison County Rotary Foundation

7,500

Madison County Senior Center

15,000

Mending the Gap

15,000

Mercy Health Center

12,700

Mosaic Georgia, Inc.

15,000

Muscular Dystrophy Association

5,000

Neighborhood Cooperative

15,000

NOA’s Ark Inc (No One Alone)

10,000

North Hall Lions Club

6,985

Northeast Georgia Care, Inc. (d.b.a. Choices Pregnancy Care Center)

15,000

Our Neighbor, Inc.

10,000

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Georgia Campus

12,500

Prevent Child Abuse Athens, Inc.

7,500

Quinlan Visual Arts Center

10,000

Rachel’s Gift, Inc.

5,000

Rainbow Children’s Home, Inc.

7,500

Reins of Life, Inc.

2,319

Rotary Club of Gainesville

6,500

Royston Housing Authority

1,005

Sacred Roots Farm, Inc.

10,000

Balance - Carried Forward

24

$ 413,938

J A C KSON E M C F OUNDATI ON

$ 781,347

Balance - Brought Forward

$

781,347

Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse, Inc.

15,000

SISU (Formerly Challenged Child and Friends, Inc.)

15,000

Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc.

15,000

Spirit of Joy Food Pantry

2,500

St. Mary’s Independent Living Extensions, Inc. (SMILE)

10,000

St. Vincent de Paul Society - Lawrenceville (Grayson Highway)

15,000

St. Vincent de Paul Society - Norcross

7,500

Step by Step Recovery, Inc.

7,500

The Ark - United Ministry Outreach Center, Inc.

10,000

The Ark Family Preservation Center, Inc.

5,000

The Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, Inc.

15,000

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Georgia Chapter

10,000

The River Community Church

2,500

Tiny Stitches

5,000

United Methodist Children’s Home - North Georgia

10,000

United Way of Hall County

10,000

United Way of Northeast Georgia

10,000

University of North Georgia Foundation, Inc.

15,000

Winder Noon Lions Club

5,000

YMCA of Georgia’s Piedmont, Inc.

10,000

Young Men’s Christian Organization of Athens Georgia

15,000

Young Women’s Christian Organization of Athens, Georgia, Inc.

10,500

$ 1,001,847

ANN U AL R EP O R T 20 21

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J A C KSON E M C F OUNDATI ON

ANN U AL R EP O R T 20 21

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P.O. Box 38 | Jefferson, GA 30549 jacksonemc.com/foundation