Here at Families First, we like to monitor the national trends and data as it pertains to children so that we offer the best services that will ensure the success of children in jeopardy by empowering families. The 22nd Annual Kids Count Data Book profiles the status of children on a national and state-by-state basis and ranks states on 10 measures of well-being.
The Kids Count Data Book is produced annually by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The Annie E. Casey Foundation is a private charitable organization, dedicated to helping build better futures for disadvantaged children in the United States. The data below shows the number of children in poverty in the state of Georgia in comparison to national statistics.
We are proud to introduce our new video series which will cover everything from our programs, success stories and celebrations to current events and our impact on our community.
Published every other week, you'll be able to come back here to our blog to view a new video every other Friday. We will continue to publish new written blog entries on the alternating Fridays.
Help us name this series! Watch the video below and submit your ideas by commenting here or going to our Facebook page and submitting your ideas there.
About a week ago, Families First had the honor of hosting about 200 young Atlantans at our first Revel for a Cause event. The goal of Revel for a Cause is to garner the excitement, commitment and passion of our next generation of leaders in the mission of Families First. Perhaps the most exciting part of this event is that it was created and organized by a diverse group of young professionals who believe in the work of Families First and, most importantly believe that they have an opportunity and obligation to make a difference in our community; These “younger” friends of Families First know and believe they are part of “the village” and want to ensure that they contribute to make our community a better place for all families and children. The planning committee of about 23 highly energetic individuals went out into the community to spread the word, share their passion and invited their friends and colleagues to join them and “revel for a cause.”
The author of this week’s blog is Mr. Jon Birdsong, Families First supporter and co-founder of Revel for a Cause. Jon shares an empowering story about what motivated him to actively contribute to the betterment of his community and why he chose to become involved at Families First.
Kim Anderson, Families First CEO
A few people have asked the catalyst of my involvement in Families First. Each time, I mention that a board member suggested I get involved a few years back. It was about two years ago when I started committing time to the non-profit. Nothing much: a meeting here about marketing, or a get together there about Dining for a Difference (their annual fundraiser). However, truth be told, my committed involvement with Families First didn’t occur until I experienced something that I never expected.
It was the last night of September in 2010 around 10:45 p.m. I and two other friends finished a drink in the Virginia Highlands neighborhood. As we relocated to the next watering hole a few blocks down the road, we exited my car and began walking up the street.
With my friends a pace ahead of me, we were enjoying the anticipation of what the night had in store. One block away from the well-trafficked N. Highland Rd., I looked up and saw a young guy walking towards us with a peculiar shaped object in a garbage bag. Before I could finish the expletive of shock, a shotgun was pointed at our chests. After we were forced to lay face down in the middle of the street, another guy walked over, and added his shotgun to the back of our heads as we all emptied our pockets.
Two on-lookers walking their dogs called the police. Seconds seemed like hours and all I wanted was not to hear a sound. As they demanded us to get up and “go back where we just came from,” a brief moment of hope spawned -- “maybe we’ll all get out of this situation alive, who knows?” Blessed and fortunate, all three of us made it back to my apartment alive.
After months of sorting out a wide range of emotions that included hate, fear, empathy, and compassion, just to list a few, I came to a conclusion. When a person’s most actionable option is to threaten the life of an individual in exchange for a few days worth of resources, it is disconcerting at best - better stated as horrific.
Reflecting on the cause was a deeper enigma: was it a lack of education, the economic “system,” drugs, etc.? Reflection upon reflection lead to one reason: lack of love. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs proposed it over half a century ago: safety and love are necessary for psychological development. There is no doubt in my mind that the individuals who robbed me came from broken families with little love and support in their youth.
Through the Make-It-Click project and the advanced initiatives coordinated by Families First, children who would never have love, mentorship, and friendship, are receiving it.
My love for my family, my friends, my community, and my city, are the reasons for my involvement with Families First.
To learn more about how you can become a part of the Make it Click community,visit the Make it Click page on our website.
During our momentous 120th Year Celebration in May Families First instituted a new tradition. The Sarah Grant and Lucetta Lawson “Service Above Self Award” was created to honor a Families First volunteer, board member, client or employee who embodies the commitment to the service of children in jeopardy that is the cornerstone of our agency’s legacy. As the founders of the Leonard Street Orphans’ Home, Ms. Lawson and Ms. Grant’s enduring dedication, tenacity and compassion to children and their families continues to inspire and impel our board, staff and volunteers as well as many of our clients. Each year this award will highlight one individual’s extraordinary commitment to service as demonstrated through their personal involvement with Families First.
We presented the inaugural Sarah Grant and Lucetta Lawson “Service Above Self Award” to one of our most faithful supporters whose service to the families and children of Georgia spans decades; Mrs. Evelyn Messer. We were saddened to learn of her passing last week.
Evelyn’s association with Families First began in the early 1970s. She served the agency and it clients in various capacities including as a member of the Board of Directors where she was an early proponent of the rigorous evaluation and assessment of our programs and services. Most recently Evelyn was a highly engaged member of our Honorary Board where she provided both staff and board counsel related to a variety of governance and program related issues. As a result of her extensive international travels, as well as her work nationally including with the Florence Crittenton Foundation and the Child Welfare League of America, Evelyn brought a unique, thoughtful perspective which led to the development and enhancement of many of Families First’s programs.
Evelyn was a stalwart champion of professional excellence in the field of social work. She indubitably believed that when we educate a social worker we impact countless lives for generations to come. Given her undying commitment to the profession, and with an eye to the need for more Spanish speaking social workers, Evelyn created, in honor of her parents, the William F. and Caroline V. Catton Bilingual/Bicultural Fellowship program offering bilingual MSW candidates the opportunity to combine their academic studies with practical experience at Families First. Georgia State University students, Graciella Perez and Carla Fulco, are the most recent graduates of the Fellowship.
Mrs. Evelyn Messer lost a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, June 22. We are sad to say good bye to this inspiring woman but graciously accept the challenge to celebrate her life and continue the crusade she so faithfully championed over the years.
While accepting The Sarah Grant and Lucetta Lawson “Service Above Self Award”, Evelyn simply said “It’s always my interest to help other people. I think that is one of the primary things for us to do.” Like Sarah Grant and Lucetta Lawson, Evelyn’s vision and commitment helped make Families First better, stronger and more effective in its role as a leader in the field of social service in Atlanta as well as nationally.
May we all embrace Evelyn’s passion and continue to make it our mission to serve others whenever and however we can.
