HIGHLIGHTS FROM STRATEGIC PLANNING

Sarah Schanck, Site Coordinator for the Family Justice Center, welcomed participants and introduced District Attorney Anita Howard who provided opening comments and shared her commitment to seeing the FJC and Camp HOPE America begin in Macon. Sarah then provided a PowerPoint presentation about the grant that was submitted to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) and why Macon was chosen by CJCC as one of the three sites in Georgia to establish a Family Justice Center, noting the diverse geographical features of each location (rural, urban and mid-metro). With that, Macon-Bibb will be the first FJC to become operational in Georgia and will serve as the model for similar communities that will be looking at Macon for the roadmap. Sarah welcomed and introduced President Casey Gwinn who facilitated two-days of an actionpacked agenda which also included: — Comments from The Alliance Team — Overview of the FJC Framework — Overview of the Strategic Planning Process — Crafting the Vision – What do we want our Center to be in five years? — Group Photo — Special Presentation and Announcements — Articulating our Mission, Values and Beliefs — Identifying Blocks and Barriers — Overcoming Blocks and Barriers with Proactive Strategics and Actions — Comments from Sheriff David Davis — Funding and Sustainability presentation by Gael Strack and Dr. Denise McCain — Successfully Working Together presentation by Gael Strack and Dr. Denise McCain — Overview of the Work Group Process and Group Rotations — Personal Commitments from Participants — Next steps

“I’m glad to be back. Be proud of yourselves and what you have accomplished to get to this point. When I flew in yesterday, I saw a sign on the plane. It said: 'How far you go, depends on how far you will go.' You have come a long way but you’re not there yet. But you have the right people in the right place at the right time. Stay committed. You’re going to be proud of what you accomplish today and tomorrow. Starting a Family Justice Center is a tremendous investment, but it is worth it.”

DR. DENISE MCCAIN, PRINCE GEORGE’S FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER