Jackson EMC Foundation 2011 Annual Report: Changing Lives for the Better

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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Jackson EMC Foundation

Fragile Kids Foundation— Expanding the Worlds of Fragile Children

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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.

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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

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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

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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