CHANGING LIVES F O R T HE BET T ER
J ac kson EMC Fo undatio n 2011 O R U ANNUAL REP ORT
A Message from Randall Pugh and Shade Storey
T
he Jackson EMC Foundation has been a source of positive community impact since it began in 2005. The change donated by Jackson EMC members has
funded 733 grants, including 109 grants to charitable organizations and 36 grants to individuals for the year ending May 31, 2011. Even in these belt-tightening times, nearly 90 percent of Jackson EMC members have sustained their commitment to Operation Round Up by rounding up their monthly electricity bills to the next dollar.
The Jackson EMC Foundation is a true
needs to financial issues related to job loss
example of pennies adding up to make
and the recession. Families that usually
a difference—and every penny donated
manage to make ends meet are finding
is put back into the community to change
themselves unable to stretch their budgets
lives for the better. While participation
to cope with emergency expenses, such
in the program remains strong, charitable
as repairing a storm damaged roof or
organizations and individuals alike are in
replacing a broken heating system.
greater need of assistance. During the
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past year, the Jackson EMC Foundation
Finding ways to economize is on everyone’s
received applications from established
minds these days, and that’s true for the
nonprofits that had never applied for grants.
Jackson EMC Foundation, too. Staff and
The applications for grants to individuals
board members look for ways to extend the
shifted from requests for health-related
reach of Foundation funds. In some cases,
Whether the amount requested is large
The Jackson EMC Foundation is a true example of pennies adding up to make a difference—and
or small, we focus on the outcome, working to ensure that every dollar granted has the highest possible benefit for the community. Even small grants can have an enduring impact. The following stories are a sample of the many ways in which donors’ change
every penny donated
has worked to improve the lives of people
is put back into
would have been possible without the
the community to change lives for
in our community. None of these grants generosity of Jackson EMC’s members and their commitment to work together, cooperatively, to better their communities and help their neighbors in need.
the better. this means dividing funds among worthy
Randall Pugh, President & CEO, Jackson EMC
organizations. In other cases, it means fulfilling grant requests in creative ways by partnering with other charitable organizations to most efficiently use donors’ dollars.
Shade Storey, Chairman, Jackson EMC Foundation Board
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Jackson EMC Foundation
Barrow County Habitat for Humanity—A Brush with Kindness
T
he morning was already hot as Brenda Hudson spread fresh paint onto her Winder home. To her left and right, eager, paintbrush-wielding teens were on a mission to help Brenda with some minor repairs and maintenance to the exterior of her house. They were participating in A Brush
going into disrepair saves homeowners
funds which are used to purchase necessary
with Kindness, a Barrow County Habitat
money and saves us work.”
materials that aren’t donated by partner
for Humanity program that expands the organization’s reach.
manufacturers. The homeowner then A Brush with Kindness is a program that
reimburses the program for the value of
just makes sense. While the overriding
the materials—interest free, over time—
“We found that we could help more
objective of Barrow County Habitat for
making the Foundation grant to A Brush
folks by coming out and doing repairs
Humanity is to eliminate substandard
with Kindness self-sustaining.
to their homes than by trying to come
housing in the county, keeping the existing
up with enough money to build a
homes of low income residents in good
“The grant means that we can finish the
house,” explained Paul Brown, Executive
repair is far more economical than building
projects we start,” Brown said. Volunteers
Director for Barrow County Habitat for
from scratch. The Jackson EMC Foundation
:can’t know for certain the extent of a repair
Humanity. “Keeping a house from
provided a $10,000 grant to the program,
until they start working on it, he explained.
Crews of kids from Barrow County churches helped repair and spruce up the homes of low-income owners during a four-day Habitat for Humanity home rehabilitation marathon. From left to right, back row: Mitch Norman, Youth Minister and crew leader, Kayla Johnson, adult leader, Alaina Beasley, Morgan Davis, and Rose Frazier. Left to right, front row: Connor Mullis, Ethan Farmer, Leanne Bowyer, Tim Baldwin, and Brenda’s grandson Nasir Stephens.
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ORU Annual Report 2011
“We found that we could help more folks by coming out and doing repairs to their homes than by trying to come up with enough money to build a house,” explained Paul Brown, Executive Director
Middle school students and their adult leaders, like Kayla Johnson, repaired and repainted Brenda Hudson’s (right) home.
inauguration this summer, Habitat part-
ment of a few rotted trim boards and
for Barrow County
nered with the City of Winder, Winder
one piece of siding. She had called a
Housing Authority, and Winder First
couple of contractors for estimates, but
Habitat for Humanity.
Baptist Church for a 4-day, 14-house
after being laid off from her job, the
marathon. Brenda’s home was part of the
cost was out of her reach.
“Project Winder” push. Church youth groups provided much of the labor. They may discover that additional repairs are
“When Paul called and told me I’d been approved, I was ecstatic,” she said.
needed. Without the Foundation grant, they
After traveling to other cities to do similar
would have to stop work until they could raise
work, the middle and high school aged kids
As with the Habitat for Humanity
enough funds to buy additional materials.
decided they wanted to do a mission trip in
home building program, homeowners
their own community. Behind lawn signs
approved for A Brush with Kindness
Applicants for the program go through a
that read, “Restoring homes, relationships
must put “sweat equity” into the project.
stringent approval process. The repairs to
and lives through community collaboration,”
Brenda worked with volunteers on her
the house must be within the scope of the
overall-clad teens tightened gutters, replaced
own home, and will contribute four
abilities of the volunteer crews, and must
trim boards, and painted houses alongside
hours of volunteer labor to another Barrow
be things that can be completed within one
the homeowners.
County Habitat for Humanity project.
to three days. Having short-term projects
No stranger to volunteer work, Brenda
between builds and during the off-season
Adults, like youth minister Mitch Norman,
said she would like to continue helping
keeps volunteers engaged with Habitat for
handle the tougher jobs. He led the crew of
Habitat in the future.
Humanity. If volunteers stay idle too long,
middle school kids working on Brenda’s
Brown said, they shift their efforts to other
home. “When this group decided to come
Brown said he has an inventory of
organizations and aren’t available when a
out here, I just jumped on board to provide
houses in need of repairs, and he expects
new Habitat project starts up.
a little more adult leadership, and because
publicity from Project Winder to spur more
they needed someone taller,” he joked.
applications for A Brush with Kindness.
The long term plan for A Brush with
“Over time,” he said, “this Jackson EMC
Kindness is to repair and maintain one
In addition to new paint, Brenda’s home
Foundation grant will benefit thousands
house per month. But for the program
needed a minor roof repair and replace-
of families throughout the community.”
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Jackson EMC Foundation
CFY – Putting Learning Technology in Student’s Hands
“We don’t have anything like this at home and, as a single parent I could never give her this,” says Valerie Kahn, with daughter Kayla Powell.
E
xpressions around the room were divided neatly along generational lines— wonder and excitement on the faces of young students, concentration and mild dismay on the faces of their parents. All were spending half their mid-April
Georgann Eaton. “Without this technology,
use the curriculum-appropriate
Saturday in an orientation session at
these kids will never even be able to start
computer software, as well as material
Gwinnett County’s Sweetwater Middle
the trip.”
from CFY’s educational learning platform,
School to participate in the CFY Digital
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PowerMyLearning.com, in class, and
Learning Program—a nationwide effort
Through a partnership with corporations,
can even assign students who need help a
to put home computers in the hands
national nonprofit CFY collects used
playlist of computer programs. The 40
of underprivileged 6th graders.
computer equipment, refurbishes it, stocks
software programs in the learning center
it with a suite of educational software,
teach concepts with games that make
The Jackson EMC Foundation’s
and trains students, parents and teachers to
learning fun for students.
$15,000 grant helped make it possible
use it. At schools selected for the program,
at Sweetwater.
at least 75 percent of the students qualify for
Back-to-back orientation sessions—in
free or reduced lunch programs. The school
English and Spanish—took place over
“People talk about no child left behind,”
receives four desktop and two to three laptop
several weekends. In the end, about 620
remarked Sweetwater Principal
computers for its Media Center. Teachers
Sweetwater Middle School students were
ORU Annual Report 2011
As CFY instructor guided them, students Leslie Molina and Cristian Vega first explored the basics of how to use the computer equipment they will take home later in the day.
prepared to put technology to use at home and at school. “Today you’re going to learn how to use your home learning center to succeed in school, but you’re going to have so much fun you won’t know you’re learning,” instructor James McNiell told an orientation class rippling with excitement. McNiell gave students and parents alike a beginner’s course in computer basics and an overview of the software programs in the center, covering math and logic, language arts, science, art, music, computer programming, tools and training, media and accessibility. While the Internet isn’t needed to use the learning center, students got a crash course on safely navigating it. When their session ended, each student took
As part of their orientation, students like Million MeKonnen and their parents received instruction on safely navigating the Internet, along with information about affordable broadband options.
Through a partnership with corporations, national nonprofit CFY collects used computer equipment, refurbishes it, stocks it with a suite of educational software, and trains students, parents and teachers to use it.
Santiago Restrepo explores one of the 40 software programs contained in his learning center, which can be used by teachers along with CFY’s educational learning platform, PowerMyLearning. com, in class. even greater impact. “This changes the entire community, because it goes beyond one child or one family,” she emphasized. “Family members will go online and get their GED or a continuing education degree. It just has tremendous reach.” Mom Valarie Kahn watched as daughter Kayla Powell explored Freemind, a mindmapping software that helps students brainstorm, plan writing assignments and organize their ideas and projects. “This is an absolute blessing. We don’t have anything like this at home, and as a single parent I could never give her this.” Kayla enjoyed the games and said she is looking forward to the help she’ll get from the math games. At the end of orientation, parents and children lugged CPUs, monitors and
a computer home, along with information
keyboards to their cars. “Our first workshop
about affordable broadband options and
attendance is usually light because parents
four free, year-long subscriptions to online
just aren’t sure that it’s real,” said CYF-
resources. CFY provides free technical
watching TV,” she said as her computer self
Atlanta Executive Director Jeanne Artime.
support and repair services for the life of
began to grow up in Mexico.
“They come in to register for orientation and
these computers.
ask about tickets for the computer door Students and parents must agree to spend
prize. Some don’t believe it until the
Sixth grader Alexis Pitts sat transfixed by
at least one hour per week working on
moment they walk out with their computer,
Real Lives, a social studies program that
the computer as a family. CFY data shows
and we frequently have kids and parents in
allows users to pick a country to be born and
participating students perform better in
tears as they leave.”
live in, experiencing the culture as they go.
school and are more engaged when
“You get your computer to learn and fill your
their parents more involved in their educa-
As they left with their computers, all the
mind with all this cool stuff, instead of
tion. But Eaton said the program has an
Sweetwater kids and parents were beaming.
On the cover, far right, Alexis Pitts gets her Dad’s help taking her computer equipment to the car. 7
Jackson EMC Foundation
Fragile Kids Foundation— Expanding the Worlds of Fragile Children
A
train track runs around Matthew Bentley’s room. Some train cars hold heavy construction equipment, like his dad uses at work. There are also monster trucks, a reflection of Matthew’s interests. “Grave Digger” is his favorite. The model railway is on a ledge near the
Matthew needed the ceiling lift to raise
Polakowski, Executive Director of Fragile
ceiling, where Matthew can see it from
him out of bed and transport him to
Kids Foundation, an organization that
his bed. But as a growing 11-year-old,
his wheelchair. Without it, he would
serves medically fragile children throughout
Matthew needed a rail of his own—a
have to stay in bed all day—tough
Georgia. “Even items that are covered may
home ceiling lift. Matthew was paralyzed
on the highly social boy who’s used
not be appropriate for the individual child.
in a car accident when he was three
to going to school every day. But the
The state specifies the model or type of
months old. Without the specialized
equipment was more than Matthew’s
equipment it will cover, but that might
medical equipment, this room would be
family could afford.
not be what the child needs.” She said
the extent of his world. “I’m usually the
Medicare has recently cut back on funding
only adult home,” said Matthew’s mom
“Insurance and Medicaid won’t cover
and classified some items as “accessories.”
Julie. “Now that he’s so long and weighs
home modifications that allow families to
The agency won’t cover those items,
a hundred pounds, I can’t lift him.”
raise kids at home,” explained Carolyn
even if a physician determines they’re medically necessary. The Jackson EMC Foundation provided a
The Jackson EMC Foundation provided a
$15,000 grant to Fragile Kids Foundation’s
$15,000 grant to Fragile Kids Foundation’s
percent of the funds will be used to help
Healthcare Grants Program.
and medical supplies for kids like Matthew.
Healthcare Grants Program. One hundred purchase medically necessary equipment Thanks to the grant, his ceiling lift was installed at the end of May.
One hundred percent of the funds will
“Transferring him from his bed to the
be used to help purchase medically
wheelchair used to take two people and thirty
necessary equipment and medical supplies
myself and complete the process in six
for kids like Matthew. Thanks to the
Matthew off to school each morning.
grant, his ceiling lift was installed at the
The rail supports up to 500 pounds, so
end of May.
grows. Plus, it’s fun. Matthew laughed
minutes,” Julie said. “Now I can do it by minutes.” That makes it much easier to get
it will continue to serve Matthew as he as his older brother Christopher pushed him around the room, spinning and swinging him in the sling.
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ORU Annual Report 2011
There’s another benefit, too. “I can take this sling with Matthew to the hospital,” Julie said. “These rails are installed all over Children’s Healthcare and Gwinnett Medical Center, so I can use their equipment. I won’t have to wait for someone to come help me move him.” The lift also has a mesh sling that can be used in the bathtub. “This type of equipment dramatically improves the lives of whole families,” Carolyn said. “It allows families to stop living in one room.” She said the Jackson EMC Foundation grant made a big dent in Fragile Kids Foundation’s waiting list for medically necessary equipment—but new applications come in every “Transferring him from his bed to the wheelchair used to take two people and thirty minutes,” says Matthew’s mom, Julie.
day. About half of the requests are for van wheelchair lifts, and they get many for ceiling lifts. Because these items are so expensive, this Foundation grant is structured a little differently, to make the best use of donors’ contributions. Families who meet the qualifications may apply for an individual Jackson EMC Foundation grant. If they’re approved, they can then apply to Fragile Kids Foundation, as well as state agencies, for funds to make up the difference between the individual grant and the cost of the equipment. Fragile Kids Foundation works with doctors, physical therapists and Medicare professionals to ensure that the equipment funded is medically necessary and appropriate for the child receiving it. Carolyn estimates that 15-20 children in the Jackson EMC service area will benefit from the partnership between the Fragile Kids Foundation and Jackson EMC Foundation. “This equipment is so important,” she said. “The child has a better quality of life. They can go to school and therapy. This equipment opens the world of wheelchairbound children.”
Brother Christopher adjusts the lift for Matthew. “This type of equipment dramatically improves the lives of whole families,” says Carolyn Polakowski. 9
Jackson EMC Foundation
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“Between Social Security and work, we’ve been able to stay on our feet ever since the Foundation grant got us caught up,” says Lisa Andrews, with husband Richard.
ORU Annual Report 2011
Safeguarding Home and Family
R
ichard and Lisa Andrews were living the American Dream. Nothing fancy, but they had a home in Danielsville, a solid job history and a happy family with two teen-aged children. Nothing fancy, but they had a home in Danielsville, a solid job history and a happy family with two teen-aged children. Then Richard got sick. “I couldn’t eat for three or four months,” he said. “I went from 210
Social workers at the hospital told Lisa about
pounds to 134.”
the Jackson EMC Foundation. She and Richard
Too weak to work by November, Richard
applied for a grant to individuals. A $956 grant
couldn’t continue his job as a heating and air installer and technician. At that point, Lisa took him to a clinic for medical help. They referred the couple to Athens Regional Hospital, where Richard was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and a tumor.
awarded in February allowed them to catch up on their mortgage payments, pay off late fees and penalties, and keep their home.
“They started radiation treatments
“We were three or four months behind,”
restaurant to help make ends meet.
right away,” Lisa said. “Surgery wasn’t
Lisa said. “We were struggling to keep the
“Between Social Security and work, we’ve
an option because of the spread of the
lights on. Losing our home would have
been able to stay on our feet ever since the
cancer. It had reached his lymph nodes.”
been devastating.”
Foundation grant got us caught up,” Lisa
The Andrews were already facing
Social workers at the hospital told Lisa
has stopped ringing with people asking for
financial stress because Richard had
about the Jackson EMC Foundation. She and
payment of past-due bills.
lost so many work hours prior to
Richard applied for a grant to individuals.
said. She said it’s a relief that the phone
having to leave work permanently. Lisa’s
Richard still struggles to eat. His esophagus
job as assistant manager at a retail store
A $956 grant awarded in February allowed
is scarred and partially blocked. And he
and Richard’s partial disability payments
them to catch up on their mortgage pay-
still takes chemotherapy, although it’s in
weren’t enough to cover all their living
ments, pay off late fees and penalties, and
pill form, now. He hopes to live for two
expenses. Their sixteen-year-old daughter
keep their home.
more years. “It’s kind of sad, but I’m feeling
Haley left high school and pursued her
upbeat,” he said. “Getting our mortgage
GED so that she could drive Richard to
Between the radiation, which shrank the
caught up was one of the most important
his doctor appointments and her mom
tumor, chemotherapy and a feeding
things. Our bills are caught up and my
could keep working. They sold Richard’s
tube, Richard slowly regained some of his
family can go on without me now.
work truck and cut their budget to basic
strength. He began receiving disability
essentials, but as the months of Richard’s
payments in the spring. Haley, who began
“The way the Jackson EMC Foundation
medical treatments continued, the
classes at Lanier Tech in August, worked
helps different folks—not only me—it’s good
Andrews fell behind on their mortgage.
full-time through the summer at a
to know it’s there for people,” he said.
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Jackson EMC Foundation
ORU Individual Grant—Keeping the Roof On
“There was no warning,” says Misty, Mary Coker’s granddaughter. “It got dark and scary and I saw the roof come off.”
T
he chill, February sky grew ominously dark as 87-year old Mary Coker sat waiting for her doctor appointment. Mary rushed to the window and saw heavy winds whipping the trees around. She called home to see if everything was OK. It wasn’t. “My neighbor Sandra was staying
front door, making it impossible for Misty’s
get by on their fixed income, high heating
with Misty while I was at the doctor,”
wheelchair to get through.
oil and gasoline costs had already maxed
Mary said. Misty is Mary’s 29-year
out their budget.
old disabled granddaughter, who she
“There was no warning,” Misty said. “It got
has taken care of since Misty’s birth.
dark and scary and I saw the roof come off.”
“Sandra said the roof was off and the
“It’s rough in the winter time,” Mary said. “We don’t have anything extra, but
front porch was lying against her car.
It’s not the first time Mary’s manufactured
I told the receptionist the doctor
home has suffered storm damage. Four-
appointment would have to wait, and
teen years ago, a tornado took the roof off
We do fairly well unless something extra
I headed home.”
and dropped a tree across her back deck.
comes up.”
we have food.
She had insurance then, but doesn’t now. While the storm didn’t develop into a
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Mary’s neighbors—most of whom call her
tornado, strong winds ripped the metal
“After a trailer gets twenty years old,
“Mom”—helped clear the blockage from
roof from the front porch and right side
companies won’t insure it,” Mary explained.
the front door and gathered larger pieces
of Mary’s home. Debris blocked the
While Mary and Misty usually manage to
of the metal to tack back onto her roof.
ORU Annual Report 2011
“Every time it rained, I went around to every room to see if it was leaking,” remembers Mary.
“It’s rough in the winter time,” Mary said. “We don’t have anything extra, but we have food. We do fairly well unless something extra comes up.”
“They reroofed the side and front porch and repainted it so the whole roof looks the same,” Mary said. Storms were abundant and fierce this past winter, causing damage to
A local church collected money to
About a month after the storm, Teresa
homes throughout the Jackson
purchase plywood to replace pieces
Reed, deputy director of the community
EMC service area. In fact, Mary said
damaged by the storm. But Mary still
services organization that provides
there was a slight delay to her repairs
couldn’t afford the necessary repairs.
support for Misty, told Mary about the
because storm-related roof repairs
Jackson EMC Foundation. Mary applied
had caused a shortage of roofing tin
“I went to the United Way and Red
for an Foundation grant to individuals
at the local supplier. Between November
Cross,” she said, “but they only provide
in March, and her application was
2010 and May 2011, Jackson EMC
food and clothing. Every time it rained,
approved in May for $3,290. Roofing
Foundation grants to individuals
I went around to every room to see if it
professionals completed her repairs
helped five other people repair storm
was leaking. It never did, so I was lucky.”
soon afterward.
damaged roofs.
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Jackson EMC Foundation
The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia—Mobile Pantry Brings Food Aid to Families throughout Northeast Georgia
J
ob loss. Reduced work hours. Those were the themes of families lined up in the July heat to receive a box of food at the monthly Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Mobile Pantry food distribution at Madison County’s Freedom Church of God. “You can have a working family that
tions each month at locations throughout
our partner agencies to get it to the people
still can’t buy groceries,” said Gloria
Northeast Georgia. They send out 18-foot
in need.”
Barrett, Director of Food Bank Ministries
refrigerated box trucks that hold enough
for the church. “Many of our clients are
food to serve 250 families, and tractor
The Food Bank collects food donated by
in the trades – construction and plumb-
trailer trucks with enough food to serve
local and national manufacturers and USDA.
ing. They’re just not getting work.”
600 families.
Most of the food comes in on tractor trailers from outside the region. It’s stored at a
Working through 208 agencies like
“The Food Bank wants to be good at getting
facility in Athens, where it’s broken down
Freedom Church of God, the Mobile
food into our community,” said Develop-
into quantities usable by partner distribution
Pantry program holds 25 food distribu-
ment Director Tina Laseter. “We depend on
agencies. The Food Bank’s 4,500 square foot refrigeration unit and refrigerated trucks make it possible to provide families with perishable items like milk and dairy products. The organization also purchases fresh produce for each distribution point. Several area churches work together to make the Freedom Church of God Mobile Pantry distribution possible. Delilah Waldroup, a volunteer who helped get the food ministry started, said they receive enough food each month to put together 300 boxes. Any food that isn’t picked up on distribution day goes into the food pantry to be given to families facing an emergency situation. Barrett said she has families in need that won’t come to the food distribution because they think someone else needs the food more than they do. “We’ve seen a 30 percent increase in the need for emergency food assistance in the past year,” Laseter said. “People who
Volunteers divide food into hundreds of distribution boxes. “The Food Bank wants to be good at getting food into our community,” says Tina Laseter.
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ORU Annual Report 2011
“We’ve seen a 30 percent increase in the need for emergency food assistance in the past year,” Laseter said. “People who used to donate to Food Bank are now finding that they need help. They still want to give back to the community, so they volunteer.” used to donate to Food Bank are now finding that they need help. They still want to give back to the community, so they volunteer.” In 95 degree heat, volunteer Shirley Robinson helped divide food into hundreds of distribution boxes. She’s been receiving a 25-pound box of food from the monthly
Jo Avant (center) has been volunteering at the monthly food distribution since it started. “I feel like I could do this to help the community,” she said.
Mobile Pantry since it first came to Freedom Church of God in 2008. Shirley’s been unemployed for four years. Her husband, an
has transportation. Anna lost her job in
program, we’d have to use our money to buy
electrician, hasn’t seen work in over a year.
February. She lives with her mom, who is on
food, and then we couldn’t pay our bills.”
Social Security. It’s her second time to “The food helps out a lot,” Shirley said.
receive food from the Mobile Pantry.
They also bring a friend who can’t afford gas for his car.
“Sometimes it lasts a week or two. Used to be it wasn’t a whole lot. It’s getting to be
“We don’t have enough money to go
more food.”
around,” Anna said. “There was no food in
“We know that transportation is a problem
the house at all today.”
for many of our families,” Tina said. “We’re trying to make sure that we have distribution
“We want to be consistent in the work that we’re doing,” Laseter said. “It’s important to
Brandy Martin’s husband has been looking
points around the county, so the Mobile
remember that this is a supplemental source
for work to two years, and she just lost her
Pantry is more accessible.”
of food. We can’t be the sole source of food.”
job. They’ve been receiving food assistance from the Mobile Pantry for a year. “The food
A $15,000 Jackson EMC Foundation grant
Marie Bailey drove her niece Anna Bullock
feeds us for a good week to a week and a
helps keep the trucks rolling and allowed
and friend Andrew Winkle to the Mobile
half,” Brandy said. “That means what money
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia to add
Pantry food distribution because neither one
we have we can use to pay bills. Without this
another distribution point to the program.
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Jackson EMC Foundation
Piedmont CASA—A Voice for Foster Children
W
here you go, I go. This simple, powerful statement, uttered by Piedmont CASA volunteer Annette Stanifer to her young charges, is the heart, soul and driving purpose behind the Court Appointed Special Advocate program.
Being there for a child who has entered
CASAs to serve children in Jackson and
foster care, no matter where “there”
Banks counties.
is—today, tomorrow, or next month is of upmost importance to the child.
Training involves 30 hours of classroom time plus 10 hours observing cases in court.
When children enter foster care their
CASAs learn the parameters of family law,
lives become very complicated and
how to work with families to try to resolve
stressful. Instead of dealing only with the
problems that led to removal of the child,
problems at home, they must meet with
what signs to look for in the dynamics
DFCS case workers, live with foster
between the child and his or her family,
families, and appear in court. Through
how tribal family law differs from state and
this tangle of emotional and legal
U.S. law, how to work with teachers and
interests, CASA volunteers sort out
school administrators, how to write reports
what’s the best permanent home for the
for the Juvenile Court, and how to make
child, and make an expert recommenda-
recommendations to the presiding judge.
tion to the judge hearing the case.
During their first months on a case, they learn even more, including how to partner
Annette Stanifer is one of 62 CASA
with DFCS and how to fill in the gaps when
volunteers serving over 150 foster
DFCS case workers aren’t available. And
“When the children find out that you’re there because you want to be there, they open up,” Kathy said. “They’ll ask to talk with us privately. We’re not counseling. We’re listening to be their voice.
children in Barrow, Banks and Jackson counties. Ideally, each CASA works with just one child or group of siblings throughout the case, from removal from the biological family to placement in a permanent home. This commitment can last from one to three years. “We try to connect a CASA with each child within a few days of the child entering foster care,” said Annette Bates, Executive Director of Piedmont CASA. “We’re serving about 70 percent of foster children right now. We have 62 active volunteers, but we could use 30 more.” A Jackson EMC Foundation grant of $5,094 funded training for 16 new
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CASA volunteers Charlotte Carpenter and her daughter Kathy Berrey work together representing several children in Jackson and Banks counties.
Pat Graham, former Mayor of Braselton, recently completed CASA training.
ORU Annual Report 2011
Piedmont CASA Executive Director and trainer Annette Bates (standing) meets with several CASA volunteers. L to R: Charlotte Carpenter, Kathy Berrey, Annette Stanifer, Krista Clark, and Pat Graham.
they do a great deal of research that over-
We’re listening to be their voice.”
to her. She’s seen a profound change in
booked DFCS case workers simply don’t
Constancy is another absolute CASAs
them since she began advocating for them.
have time to do.
offer the children they represent. “It takes a build-up of trust through the
But their most important skill doesn’t come
“We’re the one constant in a child’s life
support system—DFCS, the foster family,
through training. “We listen,” said Annette.
they can rely on,” said recently trained
CASA,” she said. “You break the mold.
“We do whatever it takes to get them to
CASA volunteer Krista Clark. “No matter
You stop the chain of abuse. You change
communicate. We make faces. We do flips.
how many DFCS case workers they have,
the child forever. My youngest charge
We act silly.”
you’re going to be there.”
wasn’t talking. Now you can’t get him to stop. The older one went from biting and
“I tell them they can call me at midnight
A guard at the Jackson County Sheriff’s
if they want to talk,” said Charlotte
Office Jail, Krista has a personal invest-
Carpenter. She and her daughter Kathy
ment in CASA.
spitting to being well-mannered.” “That’s what love will do,” Kathy said. “When these kids finally figure out that
Berrey work as a team. Together, they’re serving 13 children from seven
“I’m a product of CASA,” she said. “Who
someone loves them and they have a
different families.
knows where I’d be if not for CASA.
forever home, they will take that into the
Certainly not working in law enforce-
rest of their lives and make good choices.”
“When the children find out that you’re
ment.” Bates summarized the impact of the CASA
there because you want to be there, they open up,” Kathy said. “They’ll ask to talk
During her training, Krista learned about
program. “Every child who has been helped
with us privately. We’re not counseling.
the siblings who were eventually assigned
can truly become a citizen, now.”
17
Jackson EMC Foundation
The Potter’s House: A Healing Mission
Brian Groves (center) with fellow recovery program residents Robert Hood (left) and Chris Scott (right) in the carpentry workshop.
I
t’s been a long road to sobriety for Brian Groves, one that spans 20 years of drug addiction.
“My addictions began at 13,” Brian said.
Because he’d spent a lifetime addicted to
men annually at The Potter’s House.
“It was just me and my step-brother. My
drugs, Brian knew that a short-term drug
A $10,000 grant from the Jackson EMC
dad wasn’t around much. There was no
recovery program wouldn’t work for him.
Foundation helped fund the program.
authority figure.”
On the brink of homelessness, he asked to
Drugs were “all in the family” for Brian
go to The Potter’s House, a facility operated
Beginning on day one, men in the program
as part of Atlanta Mission.
attend classes and work. Based on the 12-step
growing up, but he said he took addiction
18
model, the Christ-centered recovery classes
to a whole different level. His first prison
The Potter’s House is a Christian, 12-month-
focus on personal development, building
stay came at age 15. At 18, he was rescued
plus, work- and faith-based residential
strong relationships and healing broken
from an overdose. But his addictions
addiction recovery program for men that
ones, and preparing for a stable, productive
continued, and so did his trips to prison.
focuses on healing the whole person, not just
reentry into society.
Finally, after failing a probation drug test,
breaking an addiction. The 180-bed facility is
Brian asked his parole officer for help.
housed on a 580 acre farm in Jackson
Work is a large part of the program, and all
She agreed to refer him to a drug
County. It serves a much larger geographic
clients work five hours a day. Their first job
recovery program instead of sending him
region, and with post-residential care,
is sorting donated items in the distribution
back to jail.
Atlanta Mission impacts the lives of 500
center. From there, they go into one of
ORU Annual Report 2011
Work is a large part of the program, and all clients work five hours a day. The Potters House offers several vocational tracks, including appliance repair, furniture repair and manufacture, and landscaping. “The selfishness of addiction causes
“Work helps a lot,” said Brian. “Mentally and physically, it builds me back up. Out in the real world, I didn’t have accountability, and my friends—well, we all went down the wrong street together.
isolationism and broken relationships,” Gunby said. Healing these broken relationships is crucial to recovery. Brian is working to repair his relationship with his 8-year old son. “My son is like a missing puzzle piece in my life,” he said. “I’m trying to fix the broken relationships I made while I was out on the street. I’m working to get mentally and
several vocational tracks, including appliance
to class can be a hurdle. The longer a man is
physically strong. I struggle every day. It’s
repair, furniture repair and manufacture,
in recovery, the better his chances of staying
always going to be a thorn in my side, but
and landscaping.
sober and clean. Twenty-eight days is not
I’m trying to move forward.”
long enough to deal with ingrained habits. “The vocational programs allow clients to
Work therapy is a primary benefit of
Building a plan to move forward—to reenter
work on things with a big global or commu-
vocational therapy.”
the larger world—is the final step of the
nity purpose,” said Jennifer Scholle of
12-month recovery program. This involves
Atlanta Mission’s Office of Development.
“Work helps a lot,” said Brian. “Mentally and
learning, or relearning, practical life skills
“We want clients to re-acclimate to life
physically, it builds me back up. Out in the
like managing a budget, applying for jobs,
in a new way. They have the opportunity to
real world, I didn’t have accountability, and
creating a resume, and preparing for job
build into other people’s lives, when
my friends—well, we all went down the
interviews.
before they were only impacting their own
wrong street together. Here, I have a band of
self-destruction.”
brothers. My relationship with God and
Brian finished his 12-month residency in
relationships with friends I’ve made here are
June. He has committed to another year at
the most important part of this program.”
The Potter’s House to become a certified
Program Director Jason Gunby explained some of the challenges the men with a long
addiction counselor. His goal is to go into
history of addiction face. “Some clients are
“One of our values as an organization is that
juvenile counseling, to work with kids and
out of the habit of thinking and functioning.
change occurs through life-on-life relation-
prevent them from developing debilitating,
Just getting up, getting dressed, and getting
ships,” Scholle said.
life-long addictions. 19
Jackson EMC Foundation
Salvation Army of Gainesville – A Bridge Across Hard Times
A
s a single, working mom, Mayda Allen faced some challenges. She was getting along fine until several setbacks hit at once.
“It started when my ex-husband went to jail,” Mayda explained. “Then my hours were cut at work. Then gas prices went up.” Without child support payments and full employment, Mayda couldn’t keep up with her living expens-
Mayda knew there was relief in the near future. Her work hours would pick up after the summer and Jaiden would start school. She just needed a bridge
es. She fell behind on her rent.
to get over her tough spot.
“I tried getting a second job,” she said.
County families with rent assistance and 262
“If they have a crazy cell phone bill or $300
“But I still needed to pay a babysitter,
families in Hall, Jackson, Barrow and Banks
cable bill, they don’t get help,” Matt said. “If
and I only saw my daughter in the
counties with clothing assistance.
a family isn’t willing to prioritize, they don’t
morning.” The long hours and separa-
get help.”
tion were stressful for Mayda and
“Mayda had a good relationship with her
Jaiden, her four-year-old daughter. And
landlady,” said Cathy McPherson, Salvation
The family must also come up with a certain
they weren’t helping to pay the bills.
Army of Gainesville’s case worker. “The
amount of money, depending on their
landlord is part of the program. He or
circumstances, to put toward catching up
“Sometimes I didn’t have enough money
she must be aware of the situation and
their rent payments.
for gas. I was using my charge card to
willing to work with the tenant.”
buy groceries and I was a month behind on my rent,” Mayda said. “I tried every
That’s important because rent assistance
other outlet. My parents’ work hours
is only $150 per year. It’s not usually
were cut and they were having a hard
enough to catch up missed payments.
time, too.”
But the program also includes financial
Mayda knew there was relief in the
repeating budget shortfalls.
counseling to help families avoid near future. Her work hours would pick up after the summer and Jaiden would
“Clients meet with Cathy,” said Lieutenant
start school. She just needed a bridge
Matt Cunningham, who serves as
to get over her tough spot. She went to
Salvation Army corps officer for the
Salvation Army of Gainesville’s Social
Gainesville location, along with his wife,
Services program for help. With the
Danielle. “She looks at their finances and
goal of preventing homelessness, this
helps put their house in order.”
program offers rent assistance and
20
clothing vouchers for people who are
Applicants must provide their financial
struggling financially. A $10,000 Jackson
history—all the bills—going back five years.
EMC Foundation grant allowed Salvation
And they must be willing to prioritize
Army of Gainesville to provide 24 Hall
expenses to qualify for assistance.
“We’re seeing lots of middle class families who’ve been affected by job loss,” says Salvation Army Corps Officer Lt. Matt Cunningham, with fellow Corps Officer and wife Lt. Danielle Cunningham.
ORU Annual Report 2011
“Sometimes I didn’t have enough money for gas. I was using my charge card to buy groceries and I was a month behind on my rent,” say Mayda, with Danielle Cunningham and case worker Cathy McPherson.
The organization has seen a great swell
Matt said. “They’ve lost everything. They’re
scale of decreasing assistance each year.
in applications for rent assistance in
starting over from the ground up. Those
“We know some people will be back,” Matt
the past year. Almost three-quarters of
poor people are your neighbors now.”
said. “But if I only see your face once,
them are from first-time applicants.
wonderful. We were able to give you the The current trend of high unemployment
help you needed to keep going.”
“In the past, there were a lot of repeat
and job shortages has caused a slight shift
applicants,” Danielle said. “Now we’re
in Salvation Army of Gainesville’s mission
Mayda and Jaiden are still going. They’ve
seeing lots of calls from older women on
objective. For years, their goal has been to
|had to make some changes in their everyday
fixed incomes who are falling behind
help families become healthy, functioning
lives—like cutting their cable service, using
because of inflation, increased gas costs and
citizens of the community. As the endur-
less electricity, and buying only necessities.
increases in the costs of their medicines.”
ing economic downturn affects families
But with the rent assistance and tighter
who had previously achieved that status,
budget, Mayda was able to quit her second
“We’re also seeing lots of middle class
they’re now working to get people off of
job. Now she and Jaiden are both a lot
families who’ve been affected by job loss,”
assistance in three years. There’s a sliding
calmer and happier.
21
Jackson EMC Foundation
JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION, INC. Jefferson, Georgia STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEARS ENDED MAY 31
2011
2010
Support
Contributions
Interest
Other
$1,020,083 $1,040,602 2,697 -
3,883 3,150
1,022,780 1,047,635
Program Service Expenses
Community Assistance
Family and Individual Assistance
921,967 1,003,889 87,547
80,350
Increase (Decrease) in Unrestricted Net Assets Unrestricted Net Assets, Beginning Unrestricted Net Assets, Ending
22
1,009,514 1,084,239 13,266
(36,604)
255,395
291,999
$268,661
$ 255,395
ORU Annual Report 2011
JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION, INC. SCHEDULE OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2011
Action Ministries, Inc. $ Alliance for Literacy American Heart Association Northeast Georgia American Red Cross - East Georgia Chapter Annandale at Suwannee, Inc. Ark of Jackson County Athens Nurses Clinic Athens Pregnancy Center Athens Urban Ministries Atlanta Mission Banks County Literacy Council Boys and Girls Club of Hall County Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta Boys and Girls Club of Winder Brenau University Camp Koinonia Camp Twin Lakes, Inc. CASA - Piedmont, Inc. Center Point Childkind, Inc. Children First, Inc. Citizens for a Better Auburn, Inc. Come Alive Ministries of Barrow Co. Community Helping Place Cooperative Ministry - Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry - Lilburn Creative Enterprises Diamond in the Rough Youth Development Program Dream House for Medically Fragile Children Eagle Ranch, Inc. Elachee Nature Center Exodus Outreach, Inc. Extra Special People, Inc. Family Connection, Jackson County Family Connection, Lumpkin County Family Ties - Gainesville Fellowship of Christian Athletes Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, Inc.
15,000 10,000 5,000 9,409 15,000 7,500 5,000 7,000 7,500 10,000 5,000 10,000 9,000 15,000 2,000 15,000 5,000 5,094 7,000 5,000 5,000 9,700 6,500 10,000 15,000 5,000 15,000 2,325 15,000 7,500 5,000 10,000 10,000 15,000 5,000 10,000 5,500 15,000
23
Jackson EMC Foundation
JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION, INC. SCHEDULE OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2011
Foster Children’s Foundation, Inc. Four Corners Primary Care Fragile Kids Foundation Friends of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia Gainesville State College Foundation Gainesville/Hall Community Food Pantry Gateway House Georgia Children’s Chorus Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation Georgia Mountain Food Bank Georgia Options, Inc. Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia Good News Clinics Good Samaritan Ministries GRN Community Service Board Gwinnett Children’s Shelter Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Service Gwinnett County Public Library Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center Gwinnett Hospital System Foundation Gwinnett Student Leadership Team Gwinnett Tech Foundation Habitat for Humanity - Barrow County Healing Place of Athens Health Department - Hall County Health Department - Madison County Hebron Community Health Center Hope Clinic I Am, Inc. IDEALS Foundation, Inc. Junior Achievement of Georgia - Gainesville L.A.M.P. Ministries Lumpkin County Literacy Coalition Madison County Chamber Youth Leadership Madison County Senior Center Meet the Need Ministry, Inc.
24
14,920 5,000 15,000 3,200 15,000 2,500 15,000 10,000 410 10,000 5,000 5,000 15,000 7,500 15,000 15,000 12,600 3,400 10,000 7,000 14,800 15,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 4,000 15,000 12,000 14,810 5,000 7,500 7,500 2,400 3,000 15,000 10,000
ORU Annual Report 2011
JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION, INC. SCHEDULE OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2011
Mentor Program - Clarke County Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc. Newtown Florist Club North East Georgia History Center - Brenau University Northeast Atlanta Ballet Ensemble NSPIRE Outreach, Inc. Nuci’s Space Opportunity House, Inc. Our Neighbor, Inc. Partnership Against Domestic Violence Pilot International Foundation, Inc. Prevent Child Abuse Athens Project Safe, Inc. Reins of Life, Inc. Safehouse Ministries, Inc. Salvation Army of Athens Salvation Army of Gainesville Salvation Army of Lawrenceville Set Free of Gainesville Sexual Assault Center of Northeast Georgia Side-by-Side Brain Injury Clubhouse Signs and Wonders, Inc. South Hall Community Food Pantry Southern Ballet Theatre of GA Spectrum Autism Support Group Spirit of Joy Christian Church Food Bank Step-by-Step Recovery Success by 6 of United Way of Northeast Georgia Sweetwater Middle School Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc. Word of Faith Church, Inc. Food Bank YMCA - Georgia Mountains YMCA - Winder Barrow YMCA of Athens YWCO of Athens Zion Baptist Church Food Bank
7,500 3,500 5,000 7,500 2,500 7,500 4,000 5,287 7,500 15,000 2,874 2,400 5,000 1,000 1,500 10,000 10,000 15,000 13,738 2,600 5,000 10,000 2,000 5,000 10,000 2,500 7,500 7,500 15,000 10,000 2,500 10,000 10,000 10,000 5,000 2,000 $921,967
25
Jackson EMC Foundation
Jac kson EMC Fo undatio n 201 1 O RU ANNUAL REP ORT 26