2016 Foundation Annual Report

IMPACTING YOUTH Our Leaders of Tomorrow

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2016 JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION

FUNDING FOR THE FUTURE BY AIDING AND .

INSPIRING OUR YOUTH letter from beauty p

baldwin & chip jakins

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or 11 years, the Jackson EMC Foundation has provided funding for a multitude of community-based programs throughout the 10 counties served by Jackson EMC. Grants have gone to support food banks and community health clinics, educational initiatives and emergency shelters, and so much more.

We take pride in all the work the Jackson EMC

organizations for developmentally challenged

Foundation has accomplished, but we’ll admit it:

children to purchasing library books for kids and

We are most proud of the impact the Foundation

funding programs that deliver youth from the

has had on youth.

influence of gangs and violence.

As an electric cooperative, Jackson EMC provides

Whether aiding children in dire need, or inspiring

power to more than 221,000 meters across northeast

youth to achieve their highest potential, the

Georgia. As a community partner, the Jackson EMC

Jackson EMC Foundation Board believes its support

Foundation empowers youth throughout the region.

for young people has been one of its greatest

The impact is possible thanks to Jackson EMC

accomplishments.

members who participate in Operation Round Up® by

In this Annual Report for 2016, we visit eight

rounding up their monthly power bills to the next

organizations that positively impact the youth of

dollar, with the extra pennies set aside for charity.

Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Franklin, Gwinnett, Hall,

Jackson EMC Foundation’s volunteer board of

Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison and Oglethorpe

directors meets monthly to study grant requests

counties. It is our honor and privilege to

from hundreds of area organizations and distributes

support them.

grants to projects that impact the most citizens. The Foundation routinely provides assistance to

Sincerely,

programs that aid and inspire area youth.

These youth are our future. They are future Jackson EMC members. They are future community and governmental leaders. They will be our teachers, doctors, homebuilders and public servants.

Beauty P. Baldwin, Chair, Jackson EMC Foundation

Our world is in their hands, and by investing in them, we invest in our future.

This funding for youth has run the gamut—from

Chip Jakins,

providing for afterschool programs and

President & CEO, Jackson EMC

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Special Olympics Coach Susan Mullis with an athlete.

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2016 JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION

ADVENTURE BAGS

www.adventurebags.org

BASED IN Auburn COUNTIES SERVED All counties served by Jackson EMC

GRANT

$7,500 for comfort bags for displaced children Adventure Bags President/CEO Debbie Gori is affectionately called “the Bag Lady.”

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n 2010, social worker Tracey McMahon took a plane to the West Coast to rescue three siblings from an unsafe situation. Their only possessions were the dirty clothes they wore, and they were fearful of leaving

with a stranger. McMahon was struck by the sadness.

The same scene is played out every

body wash, underwear and a water bottle.

time children are summoned by a stranger

Having their own bag, filled with their own

while based in Auburn, serves all counties

to leave their home, whether it’s because a

belongings, gave the kids a sense of comfort

in Jackson EMC territory—and throughout

parent has been arrested, or they’ve been

in the midst of an uncomfortable situation.

the state. The goal is simple: provide

put in foster care, or their home has

Today, Gori runs the nonprofit which,

When she returned to Georgia,

security and comfort to a child in crisis.

burned. For these displaced children,

McMahon shared the story with her

Adventure Bags does this by supplying

leaving everything they’re familiar with

husband, Eric, and her mother, Debbie

children with essential items so that, as

is a scary thing.

Gori. The trio wondered how many other

they transition during a crisis, they have

children suffer fear when suddenly

something that’s all their own.

To ease the fear of the three kids out West, McMahon took them to a department

summoned to leave behind all they know.

store and let each child pack a book bag

They started brainstorming and, in 2011,

place,” says Gori. “Even if you’re being

with daily necessities like a toothbrush,

Adventure Bags was born.

mistreated, you love your parents. To be

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“You have to put yourself in that child’s

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Volunteers who pack their fair share of Adventure Bags mark the occasion with their handprint on the wall.

taken away from them is difficult. Adventure Bags makes it a

bins filled with items to go in the book bags. The building is

little less difficult.”

stuffed, but the requests for Adventure Bags are multiplying,

Each book bag is stuffed with age-appropriate essentials such

leaving the organization in need of more space.

as toothbrush and paste, shampoo, body wash, underwear, comb or brush, baby bottles, wipes and a stuffed animal. Extras include a water bottle, flashlight, coloring book or journal, pen or pencil, small toy, sippy cup, or other age-appropriate items.

Organizations that request bags include sheriff’s and fire

We couldn’t do this without volunteers and donations

departments, departments of family and children services and other foster services, domestic violence shelters, and agencies

Gori, who doesn’t draw a salary for her service as president/

that serve displaced children. Bags are available for children of

CEO, says every penny donated to Adventure Bags goes to the

all ages, infant to 18, according to Gori, who says almost 4,000

mission. “We couldn’t do this without volunteers and donations,”

bags were distributed in 2015. The organization is on track to give

she adds, expressing gratitude for Jackson EMC Foundation

out 6,000 bags in 2016.

grant monies which are used to buy, fill and deliver bags.

Gori often hears back from organizations that use the bags.

In five years of filling bags for children, there were things Gori

One agency shared the story of an angry young teenager who had

knew to expect, most notably: sadness when hearing the plights

been fighting, cursing and spitting. “He reached in his book bag,

of displaced children, and satisfaction when learning how a

pulled out the journal and started writing,” says Gori, “and that

stuffed book bag lightened the load. But there was one thing she

calmed him down.”

didn’t expect.

Adventure Bags is operated out of a 12x32 utility building at Gori’s home in Auburn. The walls are lined with book bags and

“In Barrow County, they call me the Bag Lady,” she concludes.

“I didn’t see that coming.”

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2016 JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION

C.O.R.E.

mulherinfoundation.com

BASED IN Athens COUNTIES SERVED Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Jackson and Madison

GRANT

$10,000 to cover program costs for participants Coach Chris Jordan works out with C.O.R.E. participants at the punching bags.

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.O.R.E. traces its origins to conversations Ken Parris and Sherri Goggin had with Chris Jordan a few years back. After taking a boxing class from Chris at the University of Georgia, Ken introduced his

daughters to boxing training. They loved it—as did Sherri’s children, who also took classes. The three adults started kicking around ideas and, in 2015, C.O.R.E. was formed.

The goal of C.O.R.E. is to improve the lives of adolescents

approximately 35 percent of the nation’s youth. The program

struggling with weight by promoting Confidence, Ownership,

targets adolescent Medicaid recipients at risk for chronic

Responsibility and Exercise through a 12-week program of high

conditions related to obesity.

intensity, high impact exercise and instruction on healthy eating and behavior modification. At the end of three months, C.O.R.E. participants find themselves stronger, more confident and more interested in fitness.

It’s essentially an oasis for kids who live in an exercise desert, according to Parris, C.O.R.E.’s director.

“These kids don’t have access to gyms and, by middle school, aren’t able to participate in school sports because of intense

Based at the Sports Performance and Rehabilitation Center

competition for few positions,” says Parris, noting that less

(SPARC) at Athens Orthopedic Clinic, C.O.R.E. exists through a

attention to P.E. in school has led to many children failing to

collaboration that brings together Athens Regional Health

receive the moderate to vigorous physical activity necessary to

System, the William B. Mulherin Foundation for Health and

stave off being overweight or obese.

Wellness and the University of Georgia Obesity Initiative. All work together to address adolescent obesity, which affects

C.O.R.E. participants learn a high intensity exercise regimen of body weight exercises they can perform without gym

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High intensity training at C.O.R.E. helps young athletes build muscle — and confidence.

A UGA student volunteer, Amanda helps train kids like Gabriel.

equipment. As they train, they benefit from lower BMI, more lean

UGA registered dietitian nutritionists. Athens Regional

muscle development, higher metabolism rates, greater energy,

pediatricians monitor the health of participants.

improved sleep and better health overall. Youth who learn proper

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“In my experience, there are very few truly successful

technique for body weight and resistance band workouts push

programs which address the chronic health issues associated

themselves to higher levels of endurance.

with childhood obesity,” says Dr. Jon Udwadia, an Athens-based

“We teach them how to do a proper pushup and equip them

pediatrician who refers patients at risk for obesity-related

with the tools and intrinsic motivation to exercise regularly at

disease. “In a very short time, C.O.R.E. has delivered meaningful

home,” says Parris.

change in the health of my patients.”

The high intensity training features non-combative shadow

“Jon has seen many of these kids for years, and nothing

boxing, a “cool” sport that piques their interest, according to

reversed their BMI trend like this program,” says Parris. “When

Goggin, director of the Mulherin Foundation. “As their strength

he saw the drop in fasting glucose levels of his patients who

and endurance increase, the participants’ confidence and overall

participated in C.O.R.E., he was excited.”

demeanor grows,” says Goggin.

Children who once struggled with depression begin to smile a lot as they live out one of the program’s mantras: “Train like a fighter. Live like a champion.”

“These are children who’ve been pushed to the margins and, here, they find a place where they can engage in fitness with people like them,” says Parris, noting that many C.O.R.E.

In a very short time, C.O.R.E. has delivered meaningful change in the health of my patients

participants go from being unable to do one proper sit-up to mastering 100 at a time. “They struggle to exercise the first few

Seventeen research scientists from the UGA Obesity Initiative

weeks, but around the seventh week, they begin working out at

have been following C.O.R.E. participants since January to

a higher level, and during the last four weeks, they convert

monitor their anthropometric, metabolic and behavioral changes.

excess fat to muscle at a rapid rate as their endurance and capability grow.”

“This research shows C.O.R.E. is making significant improvement in the health of participants,” says Parris.

Since C.O.R.E. began, 62 youth have completed the program, which includes healthy diet instruction offered to parents by

Researchers plan to submit their findings to the National Institutes of Health this fall.

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2016 JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION

EXODUS OUTREACH

www.unionbaptistchurchbuford.com/exodusoutreach-ministry

BASED IN Buford COUNTIES SERVED Gwinnett and Hall

GRANT

$15,000 for children’s summer educational program Twins Kylin and Kylia, 5, make the most of their break from school at the Exodus Outreach Summer Fun and Educational Program.

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t Union Baptist Church in Buford, summer doesn’t mean “shut-down,” but, instead: “Let’s keep going!”

That’s the mantra of certified teachers, like Linda Murray, who lead the Exodus Outreach Summer Fun

and Educational Program.

“Kids get behind in the summer, and this program gives

“We target students considered at-risk due to home

them a head start when they get back to school in the fall,”

environment, social-economic status, or parents’ inability to

says Murray, a 33-year educator who retired from Buford High

pay for quality daycare or summer camp,” says the Rev. Kary

School as assistant principal in 2015. “During the school year,

Harris, founder and CEO of Exodus Outreach. “Our main focus is

teachers don’t have much time for one-on-one instruction

educational so that when the children go back to school, they

with students, but here we have time to break it down for

are at or above their academic level. Before, some of our

the kids.”

students would not have gone to the library to pick out a book;

Started in 2006, the summer program serves at-risk

now, they see they can have fun along with education.”

students in grades K-8. Classes are conducted in the church

The summer program includes healthy meals, field trips,

fellowship hall, and the kids eat lunch there, too. Funded by

guest speakers, and physical education. Students receive both

church members and through grants, like the one from the

remedial and enrichment activities. Daily lessons are based on

Jackson EMC Foundation, the program is free to participants.

Georgia Department of Education standards with a focus on

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STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning, according to Lacrecia Smith, summer camp program director and curriculum developer.

During the school year, teachers don’t have much time for one-onone instruction with students, but here we have time to break it down for the kids Most impressive, Exodus Outreach employs certified teachers whose experience in the school classroom leads to success in the summer program. In the summer of 2016, the staff at Exodus included teachers with masters and specialist degrees and one working on a doctorate degree. A certified nutritionist serves as dietitian and invites students to help plan meals as a way of instilling healthy habits and lifestyles.

Smith has witnessed the education and experiences offered

Summer Program Director Lacrecia Smith helps Mariah and Miracle at the computer.

through the program spark change in children’s behavior. “We have one student who’s been coming here for three summers who had behavior issues his first year,” she says. “We’ve seen a positive change. Being exposed to activities rather than at home watching TV and playing video games has really benefited him both academically and socially.”

Since 85 percent of their church membership is living on a fixed income, Exodus Outreach at Union Baptist wouldn’t be able to operate the program without financial assistance, according to Smith, who says, “Every time we turn to Jackson EMC, they always come through.”

In addition to the Summer Fun and Educational Program, Exodus Outreach operates a food bank that distributes food to almost 5,000 people monthly and offers computer classes weekly to anyone in need of basic computer knowledge.

Kids get behind in the summer, and this program gives them a head start when they get back to school Brennan tackles summer studies at Exodus Outreach.

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2016 JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION

GEORGIA CHILDREN’S CHORUS georgiachildrenschorus.org

BASED IN Athens COUNTIES SERVED Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe

GRANT

$10,000 to enable 20 students from lowincome families to participate Georgia Children’s Chorus participants learn not only music but valuable life lessons through choral training.

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articipation in the Georgia Children’s Chorus (GCC) is about music—and so much more. In its eighteenth season, GCC is a 115-voice children’s chorus in residence at the Hugh Hodgson School of

Music at the University of Georgia. Its members, ages 7-18, receive professional choral training and opportunities to perform.

Founded in 1998, the Georgia Children’s Chorus offers

The chorus practices weekly during the school year. Music

beginning, intermediate and advanced vocal training through

students at UGA assist with training, and the GCC performs

three groups: a Prelude Choir for its youngest singers, an

one major concert each semester at the UGA Performing Arts

Intermezzo Choir for upper elementary and beginning middle

Center. In addition to concerts onsite, the Chorus has

school students, and the Concert Choir for advanced middle

performed in venues such as the Georgia Museum of Art, State

school and high school singers. The Ensemble is another

Botanical Garden of Georgia, and the Lincoln Center in New

advanced choir for its most vocally mature high school members

York City.

who also participate in the Concert Choir. Singers are selected

Besides music, according to Artistic Director Carol Reeves,

through an audition process and placed in a choir according to

GCC singers learn responsibility, commitment, teamwork and

their singing ability and age.

self-confidence.

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The Georgia Children’s Chorus presents a concert each semester at the UGA Performing Arts Center.

“Every voice counts,” says Reeves. “Just like on a football team where every player counts, in the choir, every voice has to pull its own weight.”

Lifelong benefits for students of music include enhanced critical thinking skills, higher test scores, better vocabulary and advanced reading skills, according to Reeves.

“Kids who’ve been through the program tell me they learned music but so much more,” she says. “It’s built their confidence and helped them learn communication skills. When they go into the work field or college for interviews, they feel they can better

We are so grateful to the Jackson EMC Foundation for supporting the Georgia Children’s Choir—but also for investing in the youth in northeast Georgia

handle themselves with more confidence and poise.”

Reeves recalls one young chorus member who was “so bashful she wouldn’t look you in the eyes.” Now, according to the

“With 115 members in the choir, that adds up quickly,” says

artistic director, the once-shy student is involved in a multitude

Reeves, adding that the sheet music provided by the JEMC

of activities, including drama.

Foundation remains in the GCC music library forever, leaving

“I have seen lives changed by the chorus, and it just amazes me,” says Reeves, noting that some chorus members go on to

a legacy for future generations of chorus members.

“We are so grateful to the Jackson EMC Foundation for

major in music and some teach music themselves. “All chorus

supporting the Georgia Children’s Choir—but also for investing

members learn to be good citizens and to be part of a

in the youth in northeast Georgia through all the organizations

community… We stress that.”

they support,” says Reeves. “Jackson EMC truly is helping

Along with helping GCC provide choral training to lowincome, the Jackson EMC Foundation grant also helps pay for

to build future leaders and outstanding citizens for the next generation.”

sheet music that routinely costs $1.95 to $2.50 apiece.

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2016 JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION

JACKSON COUNTY 4-H ROBOTICS PROGRAM www.team4189.org/joomla/index.php/about-us

BASED IN Jefferson COUNTIES SERVED Jackson

GRANT

$6,000 for equipment for FIRST Robotics Competition The Jackson County 4-H Robotics Team won the 2016 Excellence in Engineering Award at state competition.

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or six weeks each winter, the Jackson County 4-H Robotics Team lives, breathes, eats and sleeps robotics.

It’s practically a must when competing in the FIRST Robotics Competition.

The acronym stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition

Throughout the year, the robotics team studies STEM

of Science and Technology” and the global competition

subjects in preparation for the big event—the FIRST Robotics

reinforces STEM (science, technology, engineering and

Challenge. Each January, the challenge is unveiled via a global

math) skills while inspiring innovation and promoting

internet broadcast where all FIRST teams across the world learn

life skills.

of the challenge simultaneously. From the time the challenge is

With its primary focus on STEM experiences that build

revealed, teams have six weeks to design, build and test an

interest in technology careers, the Jackson County 4-H

industrial-strength robot that’s remotely controlled with

Robotics Team formed in 2011 and now boasts 25 members

onboard computers and capable of playing that year’s game.

who meet at the 4-H Center in Jefferson. Teammates hail from

The six-week build is intense, to say the least, according to

each of Jackson County’s public and private schools; about

Robotics Mentor Harold Jarrett, who leads the team with

one-third of the team’s members are girls.

assistance from other volunteer mentors.

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whole project. In recent years, the team has built remote controlled robots to play basketball, ultimate Frisbee, and other competitive games—all while learning skills related to engineering, manufacturing, computer programming, electronic marketing and more.

Participation in FIRST Robotics is a plus for college applications, notes Jarrett, adding that three former Jackson County 4-H Robotics Team members are currently pursuing engineering degrees at Georgia Tech.

Last year’s FIRST challenge was the most complex so far, according to Jarrett, who said his team rose to the occasion.

To create a robot that would defend a castle described in the challenge, students had to take into consideration items such as weight and height restrictions, which type of drive train would best maneuver the terrain, and the height of the robot for optimum movability.

We’ve learned the keys to success at competition are to have a good bot, be as skilled as possible, make a good group of friends, and be lucky The team build began with discussions; then transitioned to designing the robot; then building, testing and modifying it; and, finally, taking it to competition. Team members put in numerous late night and weekend hours building their bot, all while keeping up with their regular school studies and activities, according to Jarrett.

The Jackson team qualified in regional finals four of the

Students test the second version of their T-shirt cannon.

past five years and did well at this year’s state competition, bringing home the 2016 Excellence in Engineering Award.

Along with the STEM skills they hone, team members learn

“The team is designed in the form of a small business with a

valuable life lessons during the competition, according to Ean

board of directors made up of adult mentors and the kids as the

Plunkett, president of the Jackson County 4-H Robotics Team.

managers and employees,” says Jarrett. “Projects are split up between people and there’s usually a lot of haggling involved.”

The team works together the same way any small business would with different departments handling their piece of the

“We’ve learned the keys to success at competition are to have a good bot, be as skilled as possible, make a good group of friends, and be lucky,” says Plunkett, explaining that unforeseen circumstances can spoil even the best day for a bot.

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2016 JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT DISCOVERY CENTER AT GWINNETT www.georgia.ja.org

BASED IN Lawrenceville COUNTIES SERVED Gwinnett

GRANT

$10,000 for JA Biztown and JA Finance Park Gwinnett County in microcosm welcomes sixth graders to JA BizTown, where they get a feel for employment and what it takes to run a business.

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y learning about financial literacy, business and entrepreneurship at JA Biztown and JA Finance Park, almost 30,000 Gwinnett County middle school students go through an eye-opening experience that many

of their parents didn’t have until adulthood kicked in.

“In many ways this is an awakening for students,” says Niambi Sampson, Vice President of Programs for Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia. “Many of us had to figure it out

interactive, marketplace environments representative of Gwinnett County’s business community.

“The facilities are big learning labs that give students their

after our first paychecks and $10,000 on a credit card. We hope

first shot at studying business practices, balancing budgets,

we can help this generation figure it out sooner.”

and other business-related instruction to give them an idea of

Open to students in August 2015, the JA Discovery Center is an interactive simulation center on the grounds of Discovery High School in Lawrenceville. Here, students take part in JA

how they will use what they’ve learned in the classroom in the real world,” says Sampson.

JA BizTown serves sixth graders who assume the roles of

BizTown and JA Finance Park, immersive programs embedded

employee, taxpayer and consumer at the simulated city complete

into the core curriculum for sixth and eighth graders in

with 18 businesses. Students experience a market economy by

Gwinnett County Public Schools. Both are designed as

completing a day’s work and making purchasing decisions.

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Sixth graders from Louise Radloff Middle School in Duluth manage operations at Home Depot during hands-on learning at JA BizTown.

“Sixth graders earn a day’s pay and then decide whether they’ll spend all their paycheck or bank some,” says Sampson.

“JA BizTown looks at the macro-economy, giving students social skills to move into the market and communicate effectively. JA Finance Park looks at the micro-economy.”

Eighth graders at JA Finance Park learn what their financial futures could hold based on the decisions they make. Students receive a life situation with job, income, education and family

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At JA Finance Park, Louise Radloff Middle School eighth graders discover how their financial decisions impact their quality of life.

At JA Finance Park, students discover the relationship between education, career and the future lifestyle they want to live

scenarios and then visit businesses to gather details for making wise financial decisions, using banking services, and

“Companies like Chick-fil-A, Assurant and Cisco send

determining investment options.

employees who work with students as facilitators and mentors,”

“At JA Finance Park, students discover the relationship between education, career and the future lifestyle they want to live,” says Sampson. “They learn key concepts such as how

she says. “Who better to show them than those people who are in the industry?”

More than 90 percent of teachers involved in the program

credit score determines loan eligibility or the role savings can

last year, its first year of implementation, said it helped them

play on acquiring certain luxuries.”

become more engaged with students. A typical response from

Both JA BizTown and JA Finance Park begin in the

students, according to teachers, has been: “Okay, I understand

classroom with four weeks of JA curriculum devoted to

now why fractions are important, why teamwork is important. I

business and financial concepts. Following the in-classroom

get it now.”

lessons, the program culminates with the one-day experience

Best of all, says Sampson, JA BizTown and JA Finance Park

at the JA Discovery Center at Gwinnett, where students apply

help students realize the relationship between education to

math, science, social studies and language skills they’ve

career, career to income, and income to lifestyle.

learned in class.

“They learn that it all goes back to education—not just about

JA BizTown and JA Finance Park would not be possible without the partnerships with area businesses that donate both

going to college but preparing yourself for whatever career you seek,” Sampson concludes.

financial and human capital, according to Sampson.

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2016 JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION

L.A.M.P. MINISTRIES

www.lampga.org

BASED IN Gainesville COUNTIES SERVED Hall, Jackson Lumpkin and Gwinnett

GRANT

$11,000 for community children and youth program Children like Pedro benefit from homework assistance, music and crafts.

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or almost two decades, L.A.M.P. Ministries, based in Hall County, has served as a beacon, guiding children out of the darkness of violence and abuse into the light of care and compassion.

“It’s like a lighthouse that’s illuminated a path for children

Mary saw it as a problem that, with God’s help, she could

to learn skills, to learn about life, to give children a way to

work to solve. She formed L.A.M.P. (Latin American

embrace life,” says Mary Mauricio, who started the faith-based,

Missionary Program) to address gang activity in Hall County.

nonprofit organization in 1997, along with her husband, Ruben,

In the past 20 years, the agency has worked with hundreds of

and a batch of volunteers. “Children’s futures are at stake.

children and teens who have experienced the heartache of

L.A.M.P. is a guide that leads them to learn and strive to reach

homelessness, abuse, neglect and violence. Young participants

their potential.”

are referred to L.A.M.P. in an effort to get them on the

Mary was working in a jewelry shop at Lakeshore Mall in the mid-1990s when the idea for the ministry first came to her.

“There were a lot of Hispanic kids getting in trouble at the

right path.

“Drug dealers use children as young as 5 to make deliveries; older teens teach them to steal,” says Mary. “This traps

mall,” she recalls. “I asked them ‘Why is it 1 o’clock and you’re

children into the subculture of gangs and drugs… Our goal is to

not in school?’ and they’d answer, ‘I don’t care about school.’”

reach out to any destitute or at-risk child to provide stability,

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We couldn’t reach the children we do without the Jackson EMC Foundation. We just can’t tell you what it means to us—that they enable us to serve the community attention, love and discipline needed for the normal development of personality and character.”

The Jackson EMC Foundation grant supports L.A.M.P.’s Community Youth and Children’s Program, which features three-month sessions open to children, ages 7-17, at risk of becoming involved in gang activity. Group counseling, community activities and education assistance provide a positive alternative to gangs, drugs and crime.

The after-school sessions offer homework assistance, sports, music, crafts, community activities and automotive work training. Instruction runs the gamut—from promoting

Jasmine shows affection for volunteer Jessica White as Javier plays a mobile game.

teamwork and self-discipline to teaching boys how to wear a tie and girls, how to set a table. Community guests visit with students, including police officers who explain the consequences of crime. Tutoring, individual and family counseling are offered as needed, and the program is one of few in the area that’s bilingual.

“We’ve seen grades go from 28 to 96,” says Mary, noting that more than 80 percent of L.A.M.P. participants are doing well in school or have graduated and are at work or in college—and no longer involved in crime or delinquency.

“We couldn’t reach the children we do without the Jackson EMC Foundation,” says Mary. “We just can’t tell you what it means to us—that they enable us to serve the community, to get kids off the streets and move forward with their lives.”

Some former students are now in college, culinary school or nursing school, according to Mary.

“One young man who was in a gang is a minister now,” she says. “When they leave here, we tell them: Be a blessing to somebody… Sometimes all they need is encouragement and someone to believe in them.”

Jasmine, Jayline, Maria and Pedro gain self-confidence and life skills in L.A.M.P.’s Community Youth and Children’s Program.

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2016 JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION

SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF BARROW COUNTY facebook.com/barrowcountyspecialolympics

BASED IN Winder COUNTIES SERVED Barrow

GRANT

$7,000 for equipment and supplies Coach Susan Mullis wheels Emily around during a summer soccer exercise.

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n Barrow County, kids of all ability levels can equally enjoy rigorous team sports, thanks to Special Olympics. And thanks in part to the Jackson EMC Foundation, Special Olympics of Barrow County makes

it possible for more than 500 special needs athletes to compete in basketball, bocce, soccer, and other sports at no cost to the athletes or their families.

What the athletes gain from the experience is best summed

“As our kids grow older, it becomes more difficult for them to

up by parents, like Shirley Gunter whose daughter, Kelsey, plays

compete with middle and high school kids, so this fills that gap,

soccer despite having Downs Syndrome.

both athletically and socially,” says Cyndi White, whose

“It helps Kelsey build self-confidence, deepens friendships,

daughter Emily also plays soccer on a Unified Partners Special

and is totally a positive experience,” says Shirley, an assistant

Olympics team, which brings special needs children together

physical education teacher who appreciates the physical

with typical kids on the sports field. “This allows Emily to get

fitness team sports offer her daughter. “Soccer is definitely

together with her friends, meet new friends, and do something

good exercise.”

both fun and active.”

Historically, Special Olympics is known for giving people

Susan Mullis, co-director of Special Olympics of Barrow

with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to exercise and

County, coaches four Unified Partners soccer teams and

experience joy. For most of its participants, Special Olympics is

appreciates what both special needs children and their

the only outlet these athletes have to compete.

typically developing peers gain from the experience, including

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A N N U A L RE P O RT

19

Children of all abilities play together on Unified Partners soccer teams. There’s nothing like being part of the team!

acceptance and leadership skills for the typical athletes and new friendships and inclusiveness for those with special needs.

“You hear talk about why can’t we all just get along,” says Mullis. “Here on the soccer field, that really happens. It’s a caring, loving, patient environment. The real world isn’t always as kind.”

That kindness is exemplified by non-special needs athletes

In Barrow County, the Jackson EMC Foundation has allowed us to offer sports we couldn’t otherwise offer

like Katie Robinson who, along with her twin sister Kellie, plays individual and team sports,” says Mullis. “In Barrow County, the

with Special Olympians on a Unified Partners team.

“Their faces light up when we play with them,” says Katie. “It

Jackson EMC Foundation has allowed us to offer sports we couldn’t otherwise offer to provide more outreach in the

makes them happy, so it makes me happy.”

In her ten years with Special Olympics, Mullis has watched children mature, like the boy who was non-verbal in elementary school but now, in high school, is comfortable traveling out of

community. We couldn’t do what we do without the Jackson EMC Foundation.”

The Foundation’s most recent grant funded $7,000 for uniforms and supplies and to pay for participation in local and state

town independently with his fellow athletes.

“Special Olympics is founded on the belief that people with

competitions, including the state competition held each May at

intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and

Emory University, complete with opening ceremonies, a parade of

encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in

banners, and awarding of medals to the Special Olympians.

JACKSONEMC.COM

20

2016 JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION

J AC K S ON E M C F O U ND A TIO N, INC.

STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEARS ENDED MAY 31

2016

2015

CHANGES IN UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS SUPPORT $ 1,103,065

Contributions

$ 1,074,435

97

232

54,979

53,722

1,158,141

1,128,389

1,045,800

1,121,106

50,395

62,104

Administrative and General 55,064

53,722

Interest Contributed Services

PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES Community Assistance Family Assistance

SUPPORT SERVICE EXPENSES

Increase (Decrease) in Unrestricted Net Assets Unrestricted Net Assets, Beginning

1,151,259

1,236,932

6,882

(108,543)

189,681

298,224

Unrestricted Net Assets, Ending

$

JACKSONEMC.COM

196,563

$

189,681

21

A N N U A L RE P O RT

J AC K S ON E M C F O U ND A TIO N, INC. SCHEDULE OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2016

100 Black Men of North Metro Atlanta

$

6,000

Action Ministries, Inc.

15,000

Adult Literacy Barrow, Inc.

14,010

Adventure Bags, Inc.

7,500

Aids Athens, Inc.

5,000

ALS Association of Georgia

2,500

Angel House of Georgia

7,500

Annandale at Suwanee, Inc.

15,000

Asian American Resource Foundation

7,000

Athens Community Council on Aging

5,000

Athens Regional Foundation

5,000

Athens Urban Ministries

10,000

Athens - Clarke County Treatment and Accountability Court

6,500

Books for Keeps, Inc.

4,800

Boy Scouts of Northeast Georgia

14,985

Boys & Girls Club of Athens

10,000

Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta

15,000

Boys & Girls Club of Winder

15,000

Camp Koinonia

15,000

Camp Kudzu

8,000

Camp Twin Lakes, Inc.

12,500

Court Appointed Special Advocates - Enotah

6,000

Chamber of Commerce - Madison County

3,000

Children’s Center for Hope & Healing

15,000

Citizen Advocacy Athens - Clarke, Inc.

6,400

Community Helping Place

2,500

Cooperative Ministry - Lawrenceville

15,000

Cooperative Ministry - Norcross

15,000

Cooperative Ministry - North Gwinnett

15,000

Disabled American Veteran - Chapter 92

4,000

Eagle Ranch, Inc.

15,000

Exodus Outreach, Inc.

15,000

Extra Special People, Inc.

15,000

Eyes of Love Lighthouse Mission

10,000

Families of Children Under Stress

5,500

Family Promise of Hall County, Inc.

15,000

Family Promise of Gwinnett County, Inc.

5,000

For Her Glory

15,000

Foster Siblings Reunited

2,000

Balance – Carried Forward

$

JACKSONEMC.COM

380,695

22

2016 JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION

J AC K S ON EM C F O U ND A TIO N, INC. SCHEDULE OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2016

Balance – Brought Forward

$

380,695

Fragile Kids Foundation

15,000

Gainesville/Hall County Alliance for Literacy

12,000

Gainesville/Hall Community Food Pantry

2,500

Gateway House

15,000

Georgia Children’s Chorus

10,000

Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Inc.

10,000

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

5,000

Good News Clinics

15,000

Good Samaritan Health Center of Gwinnett

15,000

Good Samaritan Ministries of Northeast Georgia

3,500

Gwinnett Children’s Shelter, Inc.

15,000

Gwinnett County Public Library

11,463

Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center

15,000

Gwinnett Sexual Assault Center

15,000

Gwinnett Student Leadership Team

15,000

Habitat for Humanity - Barrow County

10,000

Habitat for Humanity - Gwinnett County

15,000

Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church

2,500

Harmony House Child Advocacy Center

6,893

Hebron Community Health Center

15,000

Hi-Hope Service Center

15,000

HOPE , Inc.

5,000

Hope for the Journey

4,800

Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens

10,000

Interlocking Communities, Inc.

10,463

Jackson County 4-H Club

6,000

Junior Achievement of Georgia

10,000

L.A.M.P. Ministries

11,000

Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring

15,000

MedLink Georgia, Inc.

15,000

Mercy Health Center

12,500

NEGA CARE-NET

9,650

New Beginnings Ministries of Lawrenceville

7,500

New Beginnings Ministry of Franklin County

5,000

Next Stop Foundation

15,000

Noah’s Ark, Inc.

5,000

Northeast Georgia Regional Education Service Agency

951

Balance-Carried Forward

$

JACKSONEMC.COM

762,415

23

A N N U A L RE P O RT

J AC K S ON EM C F O U ND A TIO N, INC. SCHEDULE OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2016

Balance – Brought Forward

$

Our Neighbor, Inc.

762,415 15,000

Partnership for Gynecological Cancer Support

5,000

Path Project, Inc.

2,000

Piedmont Regional Library System

15,000

Pilot Club International

5,000

Place of Seven Springs

5,000

Project Safe, Inc.

7,500

Quilts for Kids

5,000

Quinlan Arts, Inc.

5,000

Reins of Life, Inc.

1,910

Salvation Army of Athens

15,000

Salvation Army of Gainesville

15,000

Salvation Army of Lawrenceville

15,000

Salvation Army of Toccoa

5,000

Samaritan Center for Counseling & Wellness

5,000

Senior Center - Madison County

15,000

Special Olympics - Barrow County

7,000

Spectrum Autism Support Group

10,000

Spirit of Joy Christian Church

2,500

St. Vincent De Paul Society - Flowery Branch

12,000

St. Vincent De Paul Society - Gainesville

12,000

St. Vincent De Paul Society - Jackson County

12,000

Step by Step Recovery, Inc.

15,000

Tree House, Inc.

15,000

University of North Georgia Foundation

15,000

Urban Ministry - Gainesville First United Methodist Church

1,475

William B. Mulherin Foundation

10,000

YMCA - Athens

10,000

YMCA of Georgia’s Piedmont

15,000

YWCO of Athens

10,000

Balance-Carried Forward

$ 1,045,800

JACKSONEMC.COM

24

2016 JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION

2016 Jackson EMC Foundation Annual Report

P.O. Box 38 • Jefferson, GA 30549 www.jacksonemc.com/foundation JACKSONEMC.COM