A new state initiative has chosen four Athens-based organizations to be a part of its network of groups that support children and families’ safety and overall well-being.
The initiative, State of Hope, was created in June by the Georgia Division of Family and Children’s Services. It is intended to encourage nonprofits, business organizations, and other community groups to work together to better their communities in the areas of education, quality care-giving, trauma-informed treatment, and economic self-sufficiency.
One organization, the Oconee Area Resource Council, was granted funding by the initiative in order to support its community program Food for Kids.
When asked how she felt about receiving the funding by State of Hope, Executive Director Amanda Davis told the group she is excited for how the money will help the community as well as the organization.
“We are so excited to be able to expand hope in our community through the State of Hope support,” Davis said. “This assistance means more families will be able to meet the basic need of having enough food for their children, specifically when they are not in school. But it also means we will be able to recruit more ambassadors for our program and ultimately move closer to our vision of serving vulnerable families in multiple ways.”
Chosen for Life Ministries, Inc., Family Connection Communities in Schools of Athens and Community Partnership of Elbert County, Inc. were also chosen to be a part of the supportive network State of Hope offers.
As part of the initiative, State of Hope will be hosting a series of meetings in Athens Sept. 24-26.
For more information, please email StateofHope@dhs.ga.gov.