Jonesboro, Ga. (August 25, 2016) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant to Becky Davenport, Executive Director of Bloom Our Youth, Inc. (Bloom), on August 9, 2016. The grant will be used to purchase two much-needed computers that are compatible with Bloom’s current system. Specifically, Bloom is in immediate need of a business-ready desktop computer system and a laptop that is up-to-date and compatible with its customized and secured network. These computers will be used now by the summer intern and later by a social worker who will be hired very soon. Each month, Bloom receives an average of 150 referrals that cannot be placed because there are not enough foster homes available. To sustain and fuel the growth of its programs to reach Georgia’s at-risk children, having basic office needs such as computers for interns and additional staff is necessary. continue reading →

Jonesboro, Ga. (August 25, 2016) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant to Priti Griffin, Executive Director of the Raise Me Up Foundation, Inc. (Raise Me Up) on August 17, 2016. The $2,500 grant will be used by Raise Me Up to purchase 250 workbooks for its Darkness to Light “Stewards of Children” initiative. The sole mission of this program is to engage the entire community in a relentless effort to reduce the incidence of child sexual abuse through public awareness and education. Raise Me Up’s goal is to train an additional 500 adults and increase its team of facilitators to five dedicated adults before January 2017. The 250 workbooks to be purchased with the grant money will move Raise Me Up closer to this goal. continue reading →

Jonesboro, Ga. (August 22, 2016) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant to Michael Burt, Executive Director and Founder of Life and Money Matters, on August 8, 2016.  The $2,500 grant will be used to purchase the supplies needed by Life and Money Matters to promote financial wellness and literacy.  Mr. Burt is certified as a Dave Ramsey Personal Financial Coach and is also an Estate Design Strategist through Lifestyles Giving.  He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in music. continue reading →

Jonesboro, Ga. (August 15, 2016) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant to April LaLand-Sentmanat, Chief Executive Officer of Woman-2-Woman & Associates, Inc. (W2WA) on August 4, 2016. The $5,000 grant will be used by W2WA to purchase computers and related equipment. The list of items to be bought includes 5 Dell Inspiron notebook computers, 3 HP Laserjet printers, one HP all-in-one printer, ink cartridges, keyboards, and other computer supplies. The new computers will allow W2WA to continue developing and expanding the curriculum of workshops and training offered to clients, with the immediate focus of training on Financial Education and Management, Career Workforce Development, Homeownership and College Preparedness. continue reading →

Jonesboro, Ga. (August 8, 2016) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant to Gary Wright (Executive Director at A Friend’s House) and Nan Jenkins (Director of Development at A Friend’s House) on July 26, 2016. The $5,000 grant will be used by A Friend’s House to go towards the purchase and installation of new security cameras with audio capabilities. A Friend’s House has used security cameras since their facility opened as a means to protect not only their residents, but to protect staff members as well.  It became necessary a year ago that they add an audio component to their security system as an additional resource for their safety. When ordered by the courts, it is imperative that staff members be able to monitor conversations between the children and their parent(s), family members, etc. According to Ms. Jenkins, it is much better to have something concrete to refer to than a he said/she said situation.  The cameras, as well as the monitors/DVRs, will have to be upgraded in order to accommodate the sound features. This grant will allow all of this important work to be done immediately. continue reading →

Jonesboro, Ga. (August 1, 2016) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant to Marjorie Lacy, Executive Director of the Flint Circuit Council on Family Violence, Inc. dba Haven House, on July 26, 2016. The $3,000 grant will be used by the Haven House Shelter to purchase new furniture. Since the shelter moved to its current location in 2011, the family room furniture has undergone heavy use and is in desperate need of being replaced. This grant will allow Haven House to buy 3-4 vinyl/fabric sofas and 4-6 vinyl/fabric chairs to replace of the assortment of worn-out furniture they currently have. The grant will also allow for the replacement of nine room signs in the family wing. continue reading →

Jonesboro, Ga. (July 28, 2016) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant to Heidi Johnson, Director, and Abbie Huber, Associate Director and Coordinator Social/Emotional Development, of ClearWater Academy on July 22, 2016. The $5,000 grant will be applied towards providing Outdoor Recreation Adventures therapy (ORA) for the students. This type of therapy is an essential part of the school’s curriculum. During the upcoming 2016-2017 school year, students between the ages of 6-15 will attend Outdoor Recreation Adventures therapy in small groups each week under the direction of the ORA therapist along with a ClearWater Academy staff member. ORA provides safe, exciting, and challenging therapeutic programs to specifically address the various emotional, social, and sensory needs of students with special needs.  Productive and stimulating settings include but are not limited to hiking, low ropes work, climbing, and team building games introduced by the ORA team. These activities create an environment that physically, mentally and socially challenge each child in an exciting and fun way.   continue reading →

Jonesboro, Ga. (June 21, 2016) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant to Amanda Beck, President, and other Board members of The Genealogical Society of Henry and Clayton Counties, Inc. on June 7, 2016. The $2,400 grant will be used to fund a student-focused genealogy research outreach program. The outreach program will connect with every public elementary, middle, and high school in Henry County, along with three private schools in the county. Funds will be used to purchase age-appropriate materials promoting genealogy research, to print and distribute reproducible packets with resources for student use, and to develop an area for student genealogy research at the Brown House. continue reading →

Jonesboro, Ga. (June 22, 2016) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant to Amy Murray, Executive Director, Katie Lauter, Principal, and Andrea Nelson, Grants Manager, of The Joseph Sams School (JSS) on June 13, 2016. The $2,000 grant will be applied towards the purchase a Rifton Hi/lo Medium Activity Chair. This chair is intended to provide comfortable seating with adjustable support for people with disabilities in the classroom. The chair allows for growth, can be used by multiple users, and is available with various accessories that are easily adjustable to fit the user. The Rifton Activity Chair can be used for feeding, speech therapy, active learning, and for users with sensory processing challenges. According to Ms. Nelson, it is vital for children to have time out of their wheelchairs for alternate positions and weight shifts. The Rifton Activity Chair achieves this goal and also provides opportunities for better inclusion in class activities since it is at the same level as classroom chairs. continue reading →

Jonesboro, Ga. (June 13, 2016) – On May 25, 2016, Board Members of the Heritage Community Foundation introduced Vanessa Wilkins, Executive Director, Fayette County Council on Domestic Violence (also known as Promise Place) to David and Linda Clark, owners of C&C Fence Company in McDonough. C&C Fence Company, a Heritage Community Foundation Partner, has agreed to provide Promise Place with a sliding gate, call box, and gate security system for its shelter. According to Ms. Wilkins, the most dangerous time for victims of domestic violence is when they are leaving or have attempted to leave an abusive situation. Their present wooden gate is not stable and can be easily opened from the outside. Currently, a staff member must physically open and close the gate each time a client leaves or enters as well as during shift changes. The secure gate will provide a new level of emotional and physical safety for the women and children residing in the shelter. continue reading →