The Children's Haven 2025 Impact Report

im pa ct 2025

The Children’s Haven promotes the health and happiness of children impacted by abuse and neglect.

Children are the world’s most valuable resource and the best hope for the future. John F. Kennedy

Table of

Contents 4 A Message From Our Executive Director 5 Board of Directors 6 The Children’s Haven Team 7 Growing to Greater Impact 8-10 Court Appointed Special Advocates 11 Wellstar Family Visitation Center 12-13 Positive Childhood Alliance Cherokee 14-15 Chin Up Mentoring 16 Corporate Partnerships 17 Volunteer Highlights 18-19 2025 Event Highlights 20-21 What Our Community is Saying 22 Mission, Vision & Purpose 23 10th Anniversary 24 Recognitions & Financials 25 Invest In Our Mission 26 2025 Year in Review 27 In Memory

A message from our

Executive Director Dear Friends, I want to thank you for being part of our family at The Children’s Haven. Because of supporters like you, more than 700 children received care, connection, and hope in 2025. This year marked the 10th anniversary of The Children’s Haven and the year we served more children than ever before. Your generosity ensures that children experiencing foster care—and families at risk—feel supported and loved.

While we were blessed by this community to have the resources needed to support 700 children and their families, this number indicates a growing need that we take to heart. At the state level, prevention funding was cut by about 40% across the board.

One of our programs was directly affected. As you always do, you rallied behind us this year to make sure kids and families are supported, safe, and loved. Thank you.

The need remains urgent. By the end of 2025, over 3,500 reports of abuse and neglect were made in Cherokee County.

Your support allows us to meet families at critical moments and provides the compassionate, evidence-based care they need.

Positive Childhood Alliance Cherokee received 140 referrals for services for families needing parent coaching and support.

The small, but mighty team provided 812 in-home visits to 73 parents and 122 children. Our team meets families weekly for six months—one of the few programs in Georgia offering this level of support. The results are extraordinary: 100% of parents improved parenting skills, and 99% of families avoided foster care involvement.

Our Wellstar Family Visitation Center held more than 1,100 supervised visits, offering parent coaching, life-skills support, and opportunities for meaningful connection. We prioritized family time and helped maintain and strengthen bonds while families are separated due to foster care involvement.

Chin Up Mentoring connected 49 teens with 37 trained mentors through life-skills classes in cooking, mindfulness, first aid, and financial management. Chin Up Mentoring ensures that middle and high school students have someone in their corner cheering them on. Even after their required participation ended, 20% of teens chose to continue, underscoring the meaningful relationships they’ve built.

On any given day in 2025, approximately 350 children in Cherokee County experienced foster care. Our 160+ CASA volunteers advocated for 545 children last year. With your support, we expanded our CASA team and trained 37 new volunteers, helping ensure no child navigates the foster care system alone. These volunteers cumulatively drove 63,480 miles to show up for these kids and support their cases.

We are committed to strong governance and financial stewardship. The Children’s Haven earned top ratings from GuideStar/Candid, Charity Navigator, and Great Nonprofits, and once again achieved Accredited Charity status from the Better Business Bureau—an honor shared by only a handful of nonprofits in Georgia.

Thank you for believing in our mission to promote the health and happiness of children impacted by abuse and neglect. As we look ahead to a new year, we carry hope—hope for safety, stability, and a brighter future for every child.

With gratitude, Marcie Smith Executive Director

The Children’s Haven

Board of Directors EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

BOARD MEMBERS

Hayden Holcomb, Board Chair Founder & Lead Advisor Holcomb Financial

Christine Beam Executive Director of Health Parks Wellstar Health System

Francisco Lozano Business Analyst Arylessence

Janet Read, Past Board Chair Board Chair Cherokee County School District

Kim Bishop Director of Development Cherokee Youth Foundation

Trey Ragsdale Public Affairs Kaiser Permanente

Chris Luly, Vice Chair Capital Improvement Plan Administrator City of Woodstock

Major Olen Boughner Commander - Jail Operations and Court Services Cherokee Sheriff’s Office

Steve Page CEO ProntoTrak

Kristi Estes, Treasurer Co-Owner, Occupational Therapist In Harmony Pediatric Therapy Shellie Hollingsworth, Secretary CEO/Realtor Hollingsworth and Company Marcie Smith, Ex-Officio Executive Director The Children’s Haven

Andrew Smith Chief Associate Judge Magistrate Court of Cherokee County

Dana Cox Mallett Development Manager Penn Hodge Properties Lori Davis Sr. Vice President Community Bank of Pickens County DD Lee President Perfect Stay Rentals, LLC

BOARD OF ADVISORS Buster Cushing Chief of Police Cherokee County School District

Brooke Ford Director Cherokee County Division of Family and Children Services

Judge Jennifer Davis Superior Court Judge Cherokee County Superior Court

Deidre Hollands, Lifetime Ameritus

Dr. Debra Murdock Chief Operations Director Cherokee County School District Dr. Gary Sullenger Retired College Administration

Leadership

2025 Impact Report | 5

The Children’s Haven

Team

Lindsay Pena ˜ Director of Parenting and Visitation Programs Positive Childhood Alliance Cherokee & Wellstar Family Visitation Center Mandy Quigley Administrative Coordinator CASA of Cherokee County Brooke Schmidt Advocacy Coordinator CASA of Cherokee County

Shaunte Barao Family Support Specialist Wellstar Family Visitation Center

Abby Erie Family Support Specialist Wellstar Family Visitation Center

Lisa Carr Operations Manager

Gretchen Hornsby Graphic Designer

Julie Carter Advocacy Director CASA of Cherokee County Christine Clark Advocacy Coordinator CASA of Cherokee County Kathy Crites Family Support Specialist Wellstar Family Visitation Center Pam Culver Family Support Specialist Wellstar Family Visitation Center Jenzhy Torres Curiel Family Care Coordinator Positive Childhood Alliance Cherokee

Brittany Letatau Advocacy Coordinator CASA of Cherokee County June Long Program Coordinator Chin Up Mentoring Megan McDonald Advocacy Coordinator CASA of Cherokee County Katie McRae Facilitator Chin Up Mentoring Michelle Meek Director of Community Engagement

6 | The Children’s Haven / CherokeeChildrensHaven.org

Penny Sibley Family Support Specialist Wellstar Family Visitation Center Marcie Smith Executive Director Lea Stokes Family Care Coordinator Positive Childhood Alliance Cherokee Amanda Sutter Program Assistant Chin Up Mentoring Maggie Walters Advocacy Coordinator CASA of Cherokee County Karen Woolf Family Support Specialist Wellstar Family Visitation Center

The Children’s Haven

Growing to Greater Impact 1993

2015

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Cherokee was established.

TIMELINE

The Wellstar Family Visitation Center was established.

2015

Family Visitation Center

The organization was renamed, The Children’s Haven, with CASA as its flagship program.

2018

2021

Chin Up Mentoring was founded.

®

The Caregivers’ Closet opened at The Children’s Haven.

Cherokee

A Chapter of PCA Georgia

2021

Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Cherokee was established.

2025

2021

Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Cherokee rebranded to Positive Childhood Alliance Cherokee (PCA).

Playground Expansion & Ribbon Cutting at The Children’s Haven

2015-2025

C E L E B R A T IN

2024

New CASA Building Renovation & the creation of a second Wellstar Family Visitation space

C

H

E

R

O

K

E

G 10

Y E A RS

E

2025

The Children’s Haven Celebrated 10 years.

2025 Impact Report | 7

Court Appointed Special Advocates

CASA

CASA of Cherokee County recruits, trains, and empowers dedicated community volunteers to advocate for children and teens who have experienced abuse and neglect. Our Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) champion each child’s best interests, working to ensure they have safe, permanent homes and the opportunity to thrive.

CASA

For more than 32 years, CASA of Cherokee County has been a steadfast advocate for children in the local community. In recognition of its impact, the program was honored by Georgia CASA with the 2025 Established Affiliate of the Year Award of Excellence, celebrating its outstanding service to children experiencing foster care.

The Children’s Haven CASA Team

CASA Appreciation

By the Numbers

Celebrating our CASA volunteers

CHILDREN SERVED

CASA VOLUNTEERS

545

184

8 | The Children’s Haven / CherokeeChildrensHaven.org

6

A

2025 CASA graduates sworn in at the courthouse by Judge Rick Jones and Judge Amanda Speights.

CASA of Cherokee County receives Georgia CASA’s 2025 Established Affiliate of the Year Award of Excellence.

VOLUNTEER HOURS

Welcome new CASA Volunteers

MILES DRIVEN BY CASA VOLUNTEERS TO ADVOCATE FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE

6,201 63,480

2025 Impact Report | 9

Thank You to Our

2025 CASA Volunteers Greer Ezrine

Anna Logsdon

Heather Shelton

Charles Arnold

Scott Fabricius

June Long

Wendy Shyer

Cynthia Arnold

Debra Farist

Tonya Lovelace

Penny Sibley

Molly Ball

Eric Foley

Loretta M’Latamou

Sonya Simmons

Sue Barfield

Parisa Foley

Jill MacGregor

Casey Simpson

Jane Berger

Marleigh Galt

Suzanne Mahoney

Melanie Skinner

Kelly Black

Angela Gentry

Deirdre Manke

Debra Smith

Heather Blevins

Miriam Gibson

June Mann

Emily Smith

Addie Bowen

Katherine Gilbert

Sandy Martin

Linda Smith

James Bradshaw

Karen Gosdin

Madison Mathews

Michele Smith

Claire Brannon

Jessica Gravley

Kathleen McPherson

Tami Smith

Katy Brown

Lily Greenway

Janet Merkel

Robin Snider

Mitzi Brown

Sean Grizzle

Rebecca Miller

Rhonda Speck

James Brownlowe

Misty Groves

Ann Moore

Lauren Stallings

Heather Burmesch

Lori Haigwood

Beth Moore

Lorraine Stallings

Stacy Butler

Lisa Happe

Susan Moya

Jammie Stamey

Karina Cameron

Marie Hartman

Paul Mullins

Michelle Stann

Gene Carraway

Linda Hartsfield-Briscoe

Cindy Murrill

Barbara Stell

Christina Caruso

Catherine Head

Michelle Nevis

Elizabeth Strickland

Diane Castle

Patricia Henderson

Andrea Newberry

Melissa Tarrant

Ann Cave

Shawn Heth

Maggie Orozco

Patricia Taylor

William Cecil

Melora Hiler

Whitney Parks

Lorraine Thompson

Charles Chambers

Catherine Hill

Phuong Pham

Karen Toholsky

Beth Choppa

Steve Hillis

Sherrie Phillips

Nina Torrence

Michelle Clark

Terra Hitzing

Primrose Picart

Freddie Tucker

Debra Cohen

Sandy Hogan

Michele Prance

Sherry Tucker

Annelise Collins

Dan Homiller

Jennifer Puckett

Jenni Vereen

Afton Conner

Sandra Hordos

Jeffrey Rasberry Jr.

Michelle Von Trott

Valerie Corpora

Charles Howell

Elizabeth Ray

Wendy Wagner

Jeff Costa

Mary (Katie) Huff

James Reddy

Ellen Ward

Kim Costa

April Ifkovits

Carol Redman Macie

Randy Watson

Marilee Coughlin

Lynn Johnson

Christy Redovian

Sara Whitaker

Pam Culver

Jonathan Jones

Beverly Reece Churchwell

Sherry Wiedman

Amanda Cutts

Robert Jones

Barbara Richard

Jeff Wilbur

Marc Dandrea

Sharon Jordan

Erin Richardson

Christina Williams

Samantha Davidson

Cheryl Karr

Kathleen Rodriguez

Gordon Williams

Nancy Davis

Dawn Kasha

Leslie Roper

Stefanie Williams

Amber De Marche

Linda Katz

David Saltz

Julie Wood

Phyllis Deeb

Angela Kelly

Rachael Sanford

Karen Woolf

Militza DeShields

Susan Kimmel

Susan Schipske

Polly Yaguchi

Cristin DiCicco

Kelli Jo Lane

TyAnne Schmidt

Mary Zamorski

Lorraine Downs

Margaret LaPorta

Florence Semenuk

Nicholas Downs

Janice Latoza

Christine Semones

Linda Etheridge

Kimberly LePage

Lori Shackleford

Tony Ewers

Morgan Lewis

Elizabeth Sheeley

10 | The Children’s Haven / CherokeeChildrensHaven.org

Thank You

Ginny Arcangelo

Our CASA volunteers advocated for the best interests of 545 Cherokee County kids who experienced foster care in 2025.

Supervised

Family Visitation Center

Visitation The Wellstar Family Visitation Center provides a safe, comfortable, home-like environment where children and teens in foster care can maintain meaningful connections with their parents, siblings, and extended family. Within this supportive setting, families are able to share important milestones—such as birthdays, first steps, and learning to ride a bike—together.

Parents receive guidance through Nurturing Parenting, along with ongoing encouragement and support. In partnership with the Cherokee County The Children’s Haven staff wear orange in May Juvenile Court and Family Treatment for Supervised Visitation Awareness Month.

Court, the center offers supervised visitation for up to two families at a time, ensuring individualized attention within two separate visitation spaces. Families also have access to a thoughtfully designed playground that promotes positive interaction and connection.

Bringing Families Safely Together

By the Numbers

VISITS FOR FAMILIES IN THE NEW FAMILY TREATMENT COURT PROGRAM

HOURS OF REFERRALS AND RESOURCE CONNECTION

1,100

100+

382

CHILDREN SERVED

HOURS OF PARENT COACHING

FAMILY VISITS

146

650+

2025 Impact Report | 11

Positive Childhood Alliance Cherokee

PCA

CHEROKEE

Positive Childhood Alliance (PCA) Cherokee is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect by increasing public awareness and expanding access to effective programs and practices.

Through community education, training, and resource connection, PCA Cherokee empowers families to remain safely together and reduces unnecessary involvement in foster care.

The program offers in-home parenting support in both English and Spanish, including weekly visits that provide parent education, life skills The Children’s Haven PCA team training, case management, and referrals.

PCA Cherokee also facilitates group parenting classes, with a focus on supporting families raising teenagers.

Formerly known as Prevent Child Abuse Cherokee, the organization’s rebrand to Positive Childhood Alliance Cherokee reflects an enhanced, strengths-based approach centered on hope, collaboration, and positive outcomes. While the name has evolved, the mission remains the same: ensuring all children grow up in safe, nurturing environments.

TOTAL PARENTS SERVED

SPANISH-SPEAKING FAMILIES SERVED

73

IMPROVEMENT DEMONSTRATED FROM PRE-TEST TO POST-TEST

100%

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PCA

23

HOURS OF THERAPY PROVIDED

72

CHILDREN SERVED

122

PARENT SUPPORT GR CONDUCTED

ONE

PCA Georgia Day at the Georgia State Capitol

The Children’s Haven team and community partners wearing blue for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April

FOSTER FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

ONE

ROUPS

E

IN-HOME VISITATIONS

812

FAMILY TREATMENT COURT GRADUATES

2 PARENTS

By the Numbers HOURS OF LIFE SKILL COACHING

259

NUMBER OF REFERRALS RECEIVED

140

2025 Impact Report | 13

The Children’s Haven

Chin Up Mentoring ®

Chin Up Mentoring is a relationship-centered program designed to create meaningful, life-changing connections through life skills education and intentional engagement. Originally established as a site-based initiative, the program brings mentors and mentees together monthly to share a meal and participate in educational and empowering activities led by community professionals.

The program has since expanded to include in-home visits, providing opportunities for deeper, more personalized connections beyond the group setting. Both site-based and in-home models prioritize trustbuilding, consistency, and support, enabling mentors to invest their time and talents into each mentee.

These intentional relationships foster a sense of being heard, valued, and supported.

Through site-based group sessions, mentees also engage with community partners who offer exposure to diverse experiences and career pathways.

Presentations have included topics such as safety, science, and technology, as well as career exploration panels featuring professionals from fields including public safety, cosmetology, military service, and cybersecurity.

Chin Up Mentoring appreciation

By the Numbers STUDENTS SERVED

MENTORS

49

37

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STUD REMA AFTER T

2

What are some of the life skills taught during Chin Up Mentoring?

Cooking Financial Literacy

Tool Safety Art Therapy Fire Safety First Aid

Chin Up

Gardening And More!

Mentoring

DENTS CHOOSING TO AIN IN THE PROGRAM THEIR COURT REQUIRED PARTICIPATION

20%

1/3 OF OUR MENTORS HAVE BEEN SERVING YOUTH FOR TWO YEARS OR MORE. 2025 Impact Report | 15

Corporate

Partnerships

CarMax Grant

Soleil

Georgia Jeep Invasion

Eggs Up Grill

Glorybound Ministries

16 | The Children’s Haven / CherokeeChildrensHaven.org

Sheriff’s Golf Tournament

Community Donors

O’Reilly Auto Parts Grant

Volunteer

Highlights Bargain Hunters Coat Drive

Eagle Scout Project

CarMax Cares

Waleska UMC

Waleska UMC

Linked Up Church

Service League of Cherokee County

Girl Scout Project

Kennesaw State University

Elders from The Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints

Arylessence 2025 Impact Report | 17

E

2025 Event

Highlights Proclamations & Awareness

1920’s Prom

Our annual signature fundraising event raised over $50,000.

Congratulations to Prom King and Queen, Chris and Sarah Hobson.

18 | The Children’s Haven / CherokeeChildrensHaven.org

Events sCAREcrows for Kids

2025 Jeep Run

Community Partners

2025 Impact Report | 19

The Children’s Haven

What Our Community is Say

unbelievable. The program is able

intentions by delivering well

“Every has alw commit have ex neglect filled w to our c

to help so many children in foster

designed programs that truly support children and families affected by

Loyal C

care, facilitate the CASA program, mentor teens and families, and

abuse and neglect. From a donor

“As a donor and the spouse of a

“Working with this group of caring, giving people has been more rewarding than ever expected. What The Children's Haven does in this community is

partner with DFCS to make the lives of these children and families the best it can be when a situation is thrown at them. I'm proud to be

highly involved board member, I have seen the work of The Children’s Haven up close. The organization operates with exceptional integrity, compassion, and accountability. The Children’s Haven goes beyond good

perspective, there is strong confidence that resources are stewarded responsibly. From a board family perspective, the dedication of staff and volunteers is evident in

a part of the board and know this

every decision. I am proud to support

program will continue to do

The Children’s Haven and highly

amazing things.”

recommend it to anyone looking to

Dedicated Board Member

make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in Cherokee County.”

Valued Donor

“Being a CASA affords the opportunity to defend the vulnerable, to be a voice for ones who cannot speak for themselves, to be another link in the chain of those fighting for what is in the best interest of the child. I am able to build bonds and relationships with so many people that otherwise I never would have met.

Volunteering as a CASA allows me to be part of changing a child’s story. But it also changes my story; it changes me!”

“When CASA v found m my calli

Dedica Volunte

“This outs offers a sa parents to appointed education help heal vulnerabl

Dedicated

Dedicated CASA Volunteer

20 | The Children’s Haven / CherokeeChildrensHaven.org

Com

ying

time I’ve engaged with The Children’s Haven, the focus ways been on the children and their well-being. Their tment to the health and happiness of children who xperienced, or are at risk of experiencing abuse and/or t is evident in everything they do. This organization is with people who truly care, and the service they provide community is nothing short of incredible.”

Community Volunteer

I became a volunteer, I my passion and ing.”

ated CASA eer

standing nonprofit afe place for o visit kids, court d advocates and nal programs to l and empower le youth.”

d Chin Up Mentor

“As a pastor in our community it has been amazing to work with The Children's Haven. Not only are they doing really important work by caring for the orphans of our community, they are professional and joyful in all they do! I and our church have partnered with them on all levels and it has been wonderful to work with them in caring for so many kids, youth and families that are going through really difficult times. I highly recommend you check out The Children's Haven and find a way to get involved by sharing your time and your resources. They make our community better!”

Valued Community Partner

“I have seen how special The Children’s Haven is, how well they serve those in foster care, and how the staff help meet other needs in our community!

With reunification always the goal, they provide a safe, comfortable, and joyful space for family visitation for both the child and the parent. The board and staff work tirelessly to fundraise and host events that are always top-notch, while making sure everyone has the utmost awareness of foster care in Cherokee County. I am so grateful for everything The Children’s Haven does as it goes way beyond just the couple of things I have mentioned!”

Valued Community Partner

“Having advocated for 43 children so far… “each one has left footprints on my heart.”

Dedicated CASA Volunteer

mmunity

2025 Impact Report | 21

The Children’s Haven

Mission, Vision & Purpose OUR MISSION The mission of The Children’s Haven is to promote the health and happiness of children impacted by abuse and neglect. We are committed to building successful children through programs that increase their safety and improve their educational, social and emotional functioning.

OUR VISION We envision a community where every child impacted by abuse has the opportunities and supports they need to fully realize their potential, pursue their dreams and become productive members of our

community.

OUR PURPOSE We believe that every child should have the opportunity to thrive in a safe and permanent family.

Our Challenge: to find the volunteers, resources, commitment & passion that will get us there.

22 | The Children’s Haven / CherokeeChildrensHaven.org

The Children’s Haven

10th Anniversary 2015-2025

C E L E B R A T IN

G 10

YEARS

The Children’s Haven celebrated our 10 year anniversary in 2025.

Krause Family Ford joined in the celebration, supporting our organization, selecting us as a Drive 4 Your Community partner.

Our community, volunteers, board and partners joined us to celebrate our anniversary, test drive a Ford, take a tour of our facility and enjoy delicious BBQ generously prepared and donated

by Williamson Bros. BBQ. Here’s to the next decade of Building Happy, Healthy Children!

2025 Impact Report | 23

The Children’s Haven

Recognitions & Financials THE CHILDREN’S HAVEN HAS RECEIVED THESE PRESTIGIOUS DISTINCTIONS

®

give.org

6% 8%

Federal Funding

12%

41%

Local Community Support Fundraising Events State Funding Foundation Grants

33%

90

CENTS OF EVERY DOLLAR

GOES DIRECTLY TO PROGRAM SERVICES 6 cents goes toward administration 4 cents goes toward fundraising efforts

Total Income: $1,448,845 Program Expenses: $1,069,178 Fundraising Expenses: $55,036 Administrative Expenses: $67,354 Total Expenses: $1,191,568 Ending Net Assets: $1,455,381

24 | The Children’s Haven / CherokeeChildrensHaven.org

The Children’s Haven

Invest in Our Mission VOLUNTEER We have many meaningful ways to connect and get involved with our mission. Scan the QR code to find out more.

Invest

ORGANIZE A FUNDRAISER

Make your birthday extra special this year! Rally your friends, family and networks to support our mission alongside of you.

MAKE A GIFT TODAY

Donate online: CherokeeChildrensHaven.org

Give by check: 1083 Marietta Hwy., Canton, GA 30114

CONNECT WITH US The Children’s Haven

thechildrenshaven

Sign up for our newsletter: CherokeeChildrensHaven.org

PLANNED GIVING

By including The Children’s Haven in your estate plans, you’ll be helping us continue our mission for years to come. We would be honored to have a conversation about making a legacy gift. Please contact our Executive Director, Marcie Smith, at marcie@cherokeechildrenshaven.org. Thank you for considering this extraordinary way to make a lasting difference.

2025 Impact Report | 25

The Children’s Haven

Year in Review The Children’s Haven served more than 700 children.

Our Prevent Child Abuse Cherokee program was renamed Positive Childhood Alliance Cherokee and provided 812 in-home visits.

99% of our PCA program participants successfully avoided foster care involvement.

73 parents and 122 children were served through our PCA program.

Our Wellstar Family Visitation Center held more than 1,100 supervised family visits.

There were over 100 visits for families in the new Family Treatment Court Program.

37 mentors supported 49 teens through our Chin Up Mentoring program.

20% of Chin Up Mentoring participants opted to continue in the program even after completing their court mandated participation.

184 CASA Volunteers advocated for the best interest of 545 Cherokee County kids experiencing foster care.

Our CASA volunteers drove 63,480 miles to advocate for children in foster care.

37 new CASA volunteers were sworn in.

26 | The Children’s Haven / CherokeeChildrensHaven.org

We honor the lives of two extraordinary individuals who gave their time, talents, and hearts in service of The Children’s Haven.

Their dedication strengthened our mission and forever impacted the children and families we serve.

The Children’s Haven

In Memory

State Representative Mandi Ballinger We are deeply saddened by the loss of State Representative Mandi Ballinger, who served on The Children’s Haven Board of Advisors and Board of Directors for more than a decade. Throughout her years of service, Mandi was a tireless champion for our mission and an unwavering advocate for children and families.

Mandi was especially passionate about improving outcomes for children in foster care and supporting victims of violence. She played a critical role in advancing the statewide CASA network by advocating for funding, legislation, and resources to better serve Georgia’s children. In 2023, Mandi partnered with The Children’s Haven to present the first statewide proclamation recognizing May as Supervised Visitation Awareness Month in Georgia—an enduring testament to her leadership and commitment.

Her legacy of advocacy, compassion, and action will continue to inspire our work for years to come.

Gini Arcangelo, CASA Volunteer Gini Arcangelo served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Cherokee County for five years, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to the children she served. During her time as a CASA, Gini advocated for 12 children, ensuring their voices were heard and their best interests remained at the center of every decision.

To know Gini was to know her caring heart, contagious spirit, and keen intelligence. The children and families she supported were profoundly fortunate to have her guidance, advocacy, and compassion. Our community is stronger and more compassionate because of her service.

The Children’s Haven is deeply grateful to have shared our mission with two remarkable individuals.

We honor their memories and the lasting impact they made on Cherokee County families and beyond.

2025 Impact Report | 27

THE HOME OF ®

®

CHEROKEE

Family Visitation Center

1083 Marietta Hwy Canton, GA 30114 CherokeeChildrensHaven.org