Advocates for Children 2022 Impact Report

2022: Advocate's Year of Growth and Change

Dear Friends,

2022 has been a tremendous year of change and growth for Advocates for Children and we are deeply grateful for your support during this exciting year In April, Together for Families, the newest program offered under the Advocate's umbrella opened it's doors in Cobb and Bartow counties. While we knew there was a real need for support for families who risked being separated due to poverty related neglect, we have been nearly overwhelmed, not only by the families who have reached out for help, but also by the incredibly generosity of our community. The TFF Program is continuing to grow to support families just as Advocates is continuing to grow to protect children and build families throughout northwest Georgia.

September was an exciting time as we broke ground on our new regional offices It would be an understatement to say that divine providence didn't play a large part in our ability to finally house many of our programs under one roof. If I ever have the chance to share the story with you in person about how we were able to buy our new building, please ask me! Early this fall, we are looking forward to the completion of our new headquarters and we could not be more excited about the opportunities we will have to remove barriers to services for the families we serve.

While change can sometimes been scary, it has been easier to step out in faith because of the tremendous support we have received from our volunteers and donors. We hope you will take a moment to read this impact report and to see just how much can be accomplished when we work together for children and families.

Rachel Castillo President & CEO Advocates for Children

Board of Trustees

Patrick Nelson

Board Chairman

Bartow Co. Government

Lora Warner Secretary

Warner Trucking

Michele Taylor

Calhoun City Schools

Hannah Hart

Community Volunteer

John Lampley

Mt. Zion Missionary

Baptist Church

Chelcie Griffith Attorney

Marc Feuerbach

Cartersville City Schools

Darnice Moss

Gerdau

Rachel Castillo

President & CEO Advocates for Children

Glen Merritt

Chairman Elect

Raymond James Financial

Barry Justus Treasurer

Ameris Bank

Jim Andrews Shaw Industries

Nancy Newman Emeritus

Dierdra Lanier

Summit Grading Services

Sid Rowser

Georgia Power Company

Leah Harper H&H Realty

Ginger Tyra

Piedmont Medical Center

OUR MISSION

Strengthening our community through education, advocacy, and prevention, empowering families to be free from child abuse.

OUR VISION

Every family in our community is building a life where they are safe, thriving, and loved.

OUR VALUES

Service- We provide quality and excellence in all we do.

Love- We serve our families, children, and youth with care and passion.

Integrity– We work to build relationships built on trust and mutual respect.

Hope – We believe our clients can be more than they are today.

The Flowering Branch Children’s Shelter is a residential program for at-risk youth who have been abused, neglected and/or sexually exploited or who have runaway and are homeless. The goal of the shelter program is to provide safe and stable housing for these youth in the community by partnering with nonabusive parents, relatives, foster parents, and adoptive families while maintaining community ties.

Advocates for Children provides support to children in foster care through a national program, CASA. Trained volunteers help abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system by assessing the child’s situation and reports to the judge what is in the best interest of the child. Our goal is to advocate for a safe, permanent home for each child.

Advocates for Children’s home visitation program is designed to support families and children. This program is free and open to any parents or caretakers in the community. The program gives caregivers simple and practical strategies to he manage their c prevent problem strong, healthy

RISE Youth Independent Housing expanded Advocates’ capacity to assist young adults. The purpose of this program is to assist young people who do not have a permanent home obtain and maintain housing, become self sufficient and grow into

Advocates for and youth who of sexual or se through its Chi (CAC). The rep designed to be and followed u team that inclu medical person protective serv family advocat support for the

Supporting Kids on the Road to Excellence (SKORE) is a program offered to children between ages 12 to 17 years old who have committed noncriminal acts that are considered a law violation because of their status as minors. SKORE, provides services to children and their families to help them access the resources needed to ensure they are able to make better choices at home and school.

Facilitated locally by Advocates for Children, Rainbows for All Children is the largest non-profit program dedicated to helping children heal from painful family transitions. Led by adult volunteers, Rainbows is a free program and is available for children enrolled in grades K-12 in almost all schools in both the Bartow County Cartersville City, and Gordon County school systems.

Newest Program

Opened in April of 2022, Adocates for Children’s latest innovative program, Together for Families, instills hope, empowers, and strengthens families involved in the child welfare system who are struggling with poverty. Our goal is to stabilize families by providing concrete support while working with community partners to meet immediate basic needs, such as adequate housing, food, and healthcare to prevent the trauma of unnecessary foster care removal and help families thrive.

Through referrals, families are able to access our resource center, which is supplied with everything a family may need to create a safe environment for children ncluding beds, clothes, hygie products, and baby supplies. Families may also be connected with a Family Navigator who will meet with them, understand their needs, and help them navigate government systems and become their own advocate. Once immediate needs are met, the Family Navigator works together with the fam to achieve self-sufficiency, coaching them in financial literacy, budgeting, workforce development, credit repair, nutrition, and child safety and development. Families may receive referrals to additional resources withi the community (faith communities, recovery networks, etc.) to provide ongoing support.

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

Sean Ely Ely Corporation Corporate Partner of the Year

AJ Wilson & Natalie Carr Development Volunteers of the Year

Marcia Guse Rainbows Volunteer of the Year

Nancy Haight RISE Volunteer of the Year

Lauren Evans Children's Advocacy Center Multidisciplinary Team Member of the Year

Phyllis Henry Hope in Your Home Volunteer of the Year

Bill Rourke Flowering Branch Volunteer of the Year

Teri Allison CASA Volunteer of the Year

Ingeborg De Brauwer Together for Families Volunteer of the Year

families of newborns were visited in the hospital or at home by First Steps Program. 94% of participating families in Hope in Your Home programs, reported an improvement in their family situation when they completed the 2022 Client Satisfaction Survey.

children bravely shared their stories of physical and sexual abuse during forensic interviews at the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC). 90% of families served at the CAC in 2022 received ongoing Family Advocacy services.

safe nights of sleep were provided for children at Flowering Branch Children's Shelter. 86% of residents earned passing grades in all classes at progress report and report card time during the 2022 school year

youth and dependent children were given shelter and the opportunity to gain the skills needed to successfully live independently. 100% of clients moved from homelessness to housing in 30 days or less upon entering the program.

students graduated from the SKORE program equipped with the skills to hold themselves accountable for their behavior, and empowering them to make changes in their own lives. 100% of the youth served by SKORE received no additional charges while in the SKORE program.

children in Bartow and Gordon counties were given a voice in the court system by CASA of Northwest Georgia's 80 trained CASA volunteers. Our dedicated volunteers devoted 6462 hours and drove 35,904 miles to ensure the safety and security of the children we serve.

children in Bartow County and Cartersville City schools were given the tools and support they needed to process grief through the Rainbows program.

families were able to remain together through the practical and emotional support of the Together for Families program. 100% of children served remained with their family without the need for out of family placement.

children, youth and adults were introduced to the Safe Place program through program presentations in schools and communities throughout Northwest Georgia Advocates for Children partners with 168 businesses, government buildings, schools, and faith based organizations to provide a safe place where children and youth in crisis to be connected with help

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES

Purchase and renovate a building, located on Hwy 41/Joe Frank Harris Pkwy, to create a central headquarters to house all of Advocates’ prevention, education, and advocacy programs.

Renovate our existing property located at 113 Douglas Street to create a safe home environment for children in foster care or who are experiencing homelessness.

Invest in our endowment fund and provide and on-going revenue stream for program operations.

$500,000

MATCH

Advocates for Children has the opportunity to double the gifts received this winter and spring. Gifts raised through May 15, 2023 are eligible for a $500,000 gift match.

GIVING BACK WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN

The first time Irma Gallagos received a visit from D'Von Morgan from our Hope in Your Home: Parents as Teachers Program, she was nervous about being a first time mom to her son, Isaac. Recently when we interviewed Irma with her beautiful family, she said, "I wasn't sure about a lot of things being a new mom, but I knew one thing for sure, I wanted to learn as much as I could about being a good mother to my son."

Seven years ago, on D'Von's first visit to the Gallagos home, a beautiful friendship was formed.. Together Irma and D'Von talked about everything from nutritious foods for baby Isaac to ways to help nurture his development and growth. "I felt so much love from D'Von. I knew she wanted the best for our family and I soaked up everything she taught me. I still keep a little pamphlet about healthy foods, even all these years later", said Irma. "I was worried about how to provide the best start for my son and D'von offered me the love and support to believe I could be a great mother. She not only gave me practical mentorship but she also showed me how much she cared for my family's success."

In our conversation, Irma went on to add, "the lessons D'von taught me are rooted in my heart. She gave me goodies and learning handouts but she also gave me a safe space to share my worries and concerns. She helped me not feel overwhelmed by being a new mother and she taught me that I had the power to succeed as a new parent."

"The lessons

D'Von taught me are rooted in my heart."

Over the years, the Gallagos family added two new members, son Sam and daughter Alina. Irma shares the bond Irma created with D'Von continued. While Irma did not have the same needs as she did when she was a new mom to Isaac, she continued to use the tools she had been given to support the development of her two younger children. She also continued to reach out to D'Von when she encountered new parenting challenges.

Irma credits the Parents as Teachers program for giving her the information she needed in the first three years of her son's life to help her realize her dream of being the best mom she could be for her three wonderful children and she wanted the opportunity to give that same love and support to other mothers who were new the the parenting journey.

Recently, Irma said she had a tugging at her heart to give back to other mothers. She says God answered her prayers for guidance when she was approached about being a bilingual mentor at Bartow Family Resources (BFR). Irma volunteers with BFR regularly and loves having the opportunity to share the lessons and love she learned from Hope in Your Home. "I am able to use the skills and lessons I learned with D'von to help other moms. I have already referred three new mothers to the Hope in Your Home program. I a grateful for the opportunity to share with new mothers the tools I gained from Hope in Your Home."

Irma

*Client's name has been changed to protect her privacy.

Children being raised in dangerous and chaotic homes often have to grow up much faster than their peers. Laney, a high school student, was referred to the RISE Youth Independent Living Program because as she describes it, "urgently needed an environment that wasn't toxic for me." Laney's high school social workers referred her to the RISE program and while at first, she says, "I was hesitant for such a big change." Laney says joining the RISE program was one of the be decisions she has ever made.

Laney's RISE Case Manager, Catherine Dav has been delighted to see Laney succeed w the support of RISE. Laney is finishing high school, applying to colleges, and learning th skills she needs to live independently and thrive. Catherine says, "I am so proud of ho much Laney has accomplished since she joined our program. Many teenagers may n have risen to the challenge of living on thei own but Laney has taken advantage of all o program offers and her future is bright."

Laney credits the skills she's learned by participating in RISE for opening new doors including starting college this fall. "The RISE program helped me mature faster and realize that some of the decisions you make can affect you more than you realize."

When she crosses the graduation stage this spring and prepares to study software engineering at college this fall, Laney will take with her the tools she gained from RISE and the love and respect of everyone at Advocates for Children.

SHOWING THE COURAGE TO RISE

"I wouldn't change my decision to join RISE, because it was one of the best decisions I ever made."

Laney 'sApartment

ANSWERI THE CALL TO LOVE AND SERV CHILDREN

Cartersville native, Dierdra Lanier, facing an empty nest when the call came from a dear friend and suppo of Advocates. "It was God's timing. daughter Ava had just graduated fr high school and my husband, Chad I both felt called to serve children our community. I believe we were j waiting for God to point us in the r direction. When my friend, Barbara asked me to join the Advocate's Fall Benefit Committee, I was excited for the opportunity to be of service and I trusted God’s timing," Dierdra recently recalled. In 2021, the year Dierdra started volunteering for Advocates, the Graze and Raise Fall Benefit surpassed all expectations for fundraising. When Dierdra realized how impactful the money raised would be for the children and families who rely on Advocate’s programs, she knew she wanted to do all she could to support our important work.

Dierdra answered the call to service again when the time came to celebrate two graduating seniors from Flowering Branch Children's Shelter (FBCS) in 2022. Only 50% of children in foster care ever graduate from high school and Dierdra knew how important it was to honor the two young women who defied the odds to earn their diplomas. "I wanted to make their graduation party as special as it would have been if we were celebrating my girls," she recalls, "We made sure to include all of the things that meant the most to the young women we were celebrating. After the party, when I returned to my car, I sat and cried grateful tears. I left that graduation party changed. Seeing

DierdraatFBCS

the joy in our graduates eyes was so humbling. I was able to see firsthand how much the children at FBCS overcome to succeed and how grateful they are for the love they are shown.”

INVESTING IN FAMILIES

Dierdra's commitment to only deepened as she has play an important role in planning, serving on the B Trustees, and looking for connect families in need t resources we offer as part of our Programming Committee. "It is an easy ' yes ' to give and serve. You can witness the immediate impact you can have on the life of a child who needs to feel loved. If I had advice for anyone considering volunteering with Advocates, I would say, don't worry if you don't know yet what gifts you can share. The desire to serve is the most important first step, God will place you where he needs you. "

Ribbon Cutting at Together for Families

“The story starts with Sarah and her big heart.” The “Sarah” that Kaylyn Mayhue is referring to is Sarah Winograd and the story is about the birth of Together for Families, the newest program under the Advocates for Children umbrella of services. “In the beginning, there was

" I left that graduation party changed. I bl to see, firsthan much our chi overcome to succ how grateful the our love.

no budget, no governing board, just Sarah and her volunteers pouring themselves into the work of keeping families together. Reaching out to her network of friends and contacts, Sarah was doing amazing things for families who were under the threat of being separated because parents didn’t have the financial resources to provide the basic necessities to keep their children in their homes.” Kay Lynn recently shared. One of the children Sarah sought to help was Deshawn, a young man who was on the verge of aging out of the foster care system and still needed the support a family normally provides to a young man entering the world. At the time, the Mayhue family had it put upon their hearts that their family was meant to grow through fostering a child. They certainly didn’t know the “child” that was to join their family was almost an adult but Kay Lynn, her husband Greg, and their four children, welcomed Deshawn into their home and their family. “Having Deshawn join our family has been an incredible gift. Deshawn is our ‘ man child’,” Kay Lynn jokes. “He was still a child in many ways when he came to join our family, but the impact he has made in our lives has been as profound as the impact we

made in his life. ” Three years after DeShawn joined the Mayhue family, he is thriving in college and the Mayhue family are blessed to have another family member.

“Through our relationship with Deshawn, our desire to help others only deepened. We recognized the powerful work being done by Sarah and her network of volunteers to support families, but we also knew to grow and sustain the impact of that work, we needed to partner with a broader organization that was already doing amazing things in our community.” It was over a cup of coffee with Rachel Castillo, Advocate’s President and CEO, that Kay Lynn, Sarah, and Rachel realized the immense opportunity that

could exist if Sarah’s passion for helping families in crisis, was married to the experience, reach, and resources of Advocates for Children. Kay Lynn shared, “Rachel is an amazing leader. She not only has the heart to serve but also the talent for plan execution. We knew that Together for Families would grow exponentially under her leadership and the support of Advocates.”

With the birth of Together for Families (TFF), an initial investment had to be made to secure a location for the Family Resource Center, where families can come meet with the TFF staff, and receive the physical resources to help their family (something like this) and the startup capital for the program. The Mayhue Family shared their story and commitment to the success of TFF with their friends, family, and colleagues and gathered the initial investment money to open the doors of the Family Resource Center. “We have been blessed financially and we have an amazing network of friends and family who also wanted to support the powerful impact Together for Families has on the lives of families in our community.” Kay Lynn recalls. When the ribbon was cut in front of the new home of Together for Families, dozens

of supporters were on hand to celebrate. The ribbon cutting ceremony was a powerful day for the Mayhue family as they were to watch their investment in children and families grow into a reality. While some of the initial financial investors in the dream of Together for Families, Kay Lynn is quick to credit others for the shared success of the program. “Together for Families would not be possible without the legion of volunteers who have donated their time, talent, and resources to make this program a success. Once the seed had been planted, it has taken a multitude of gardeners to grow TFF into the program it is today… serving 96 [RC4] families since the ribbon cutting this past April. The investment in the success of families is a community effort and will have a transformative impact on the lives of families and children. ”

"The investment in the success of families is a community effort"

Kids Helping Kids Fundraiser

Kids Helping Kids Fundraiser

Kids Helping Kids Fundraiser at Cartersville Elementary at Cartersville Elementary at Cartersville Elementary

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Groundbreaking Ceremony for Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Regional Office the New Regional Office the New Regional Office

Graze and Raise Fall Benefit

Graze and Raise Fall Benefit

Graze and Raise Fall Benefit

Summer Vacation to Tybee Island

Summer Vacation to Tybee Island

Summer Vacation to Tybee Island for Children at Flowering Branch Children's Shelter for Children at Flowering Branch Children's Shelter for Children at Flowering Branch Children's Shelter

Annual

Annual

Chick fil A and Big Peach

Chick fil A and Big Peach

Chick fil A and Big Peach

Running Co. Duck Dash 5K

Running Co. Duck Dash 5K

2022 FOUNDATION PARTNERS

Care Source Foundation

Cartersville Service League

Christian Brothers Automotive Foundation

Community Foundation of Northwest GA

Enterprise Holdings Foundation

Fischer Family Foundation

Fisher Crum Foundation

Food Lion Charitable Foundation

Georgia DFCS State of Hope

Georgia Health Foundation

Georgia Power Foundation

Help for Children

Ida Alice Ryan Charitable Foundation

Milton M. Ratner Foundation

Pittulloch Foundation

Price Gilbert Charitable Foundation

Publix Charities

United Way of Bartow County

United Way of Gordon County

Wells Fargo