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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J A C KSON E M C F OUNDATI ON
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.
ANN U AL R EP O R T 20 21
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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.
ANN U AL R EP O R T 20 21
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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.
ANN U AL R EP O R T 20 21
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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.
J A C KSON E M C F OUNDATI ON
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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
ANN U AL R EP O R T 20 21
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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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J A C KSON E M C F OUNDATI ON
»
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
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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.
20
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
21
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
22
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
23
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
25
26
J A C KSON E M C F OUNDATI ON
ANN U AL R EP O R T 20 21
27
P.O. Box 38 | Jefferson, GA 30549 jacksonemc.com/foundation