Clayton State Cares… as Part of President Hynes’ Inauguration

As part of the inauguration ceremonies of President Dr. Thomas J. “Tim” Hynes, Jr., the Clayton State University Department of Campus Life will be sponsoring a day of community service, entitled “Clayton State Cares” on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010.

The First Clayton State Cares Day will feature volunteer service projects for Clayton State students, faculty, staff, administrators, and their families at five locations in the Southern Crescent. All five service projects will run from 9 a.m. to noon and will be followed by a cookout for the volunteers at the Clayton State Student Activities Center from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The five service projects are as follows…

Helping the City of Forest Park turn a vacant lot into a community garden.

Spreading mulch, planting flowers and doing basic equipment maintenance at the Lake City Park Playgorund and the Run Creek Playground.

Volunteering at the Lafayette Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fayetteville.

Helping with morning set-up and registration for the Second Annual Ride to Break the Cycle Motorcycle Ride in Henry County.

For more information on Clayton State Cares, contact the Departmentof Campus Life at (678) 466-5433.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

Tic Tac® Mints Partners With CancerCare® on the Shake, Share & Care Campaign in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness

/PRNewswire/ -- The Tic Tac® brand announced today the launch of their Shake, Share & Care program in support of Breast Cancer Awareness as well as all those affected by cancer. As part of its six-year partnership with CancerCare, an organization focused on raising awareness of the affect cancer has on people with the illness, caregivers, loved ones and the bereaved, the Tic Tac® brand has made an initial donation of $100,000 to CancerCare as part of its commitment to the cause. Tic Tac® has also launched its official Facebook page to encourage fans to Shake, Share & Care by posting their kind acts in an effort to help the brand reach its goal of an additional $100,000 donation to the organization.

The Tic Tac® brand will contribute additional funds on behalf of consumers who get involved in an effort to spread CancerCare's mission of helping those affected by cancer. Fans are encouraged to visit www.facebook.com/tictacusa and share their acts of caring. For example, driving a patient to and from treatments or bringing a home cooked meal once a week to someone with cancer. For each person that shares their act of caring, the Tic Tac® brand will donate $5 to CancerCare, up to an additional $100,000(1).

The kick-off of Shake, Share & Care also marks the introduction of the brand's limited edition Pink Grapefruit flavor Tic Tac® as part of the brand's ongoing support of CancerCare.

"We are delighted to partner with the Tic Tac® brand to help raise awareness and support for individuals affected by a cancer diagnosis," said Christina Wyman, Director of Corporate Relations at CancerCare. "Together, we hope the Shake, Share &Care program will go far in offering professional support services for anyone whose life has been affected by cancer." The limited edition Pink Grapefruit flavor will be available at select drug, grocery, mass merchandiser, warehouse club and convenience stores from August through October 2010.

"CancerCare is a remarkable organization, and the Tic Tac® brand is thrilled to continue its support of such a great cause," said Tic Tac® Category Manager Noah Szporn, of Ferrero U.S.A., Inc. "The Shake, Share & Care program not only raises money for a great cause, but allows consumers to share their inspiring stories to generate greater awareness of the effect cancer has on people's lives," Szporn added.

To help bring the message of Shake, Share & Care to a broader audience, this August Tic Tac® will also be a supporting sponsor of the GBK Luxury Gift Suite in Honor of the 2010 EMMY Awards Nominees and Presenters. Tic Tac® and CancerCare know that cancer affects everyone, including celebrities and their families, which is why the brand is thrilled to be a part of the excitement surrounding the EMMY Awards. The suite will give celebrities and influencers the chance to upload their own acts of caring to the Tic Tac® brand Facebook page. In addition, each celebrity that visits the suite will walk by the Tic Tac® wall, a 8x12ft wall featuring a diamond pattern made entirely out of limited edition Pink Grapefruit and Freshmint flavor Tic Tac® mints.

(1) Only one donation to Cancer Care per person/per act of caring. Minimum guaranteed donation of $25,000 to Cancer Care. Donation capped at $100,000.

----

Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Fayetteville Business Leaders Go "Behind Bars" for MDA

Approximately 150 local business and community leaders will be “arrested” and hauled off to “jail” at the 2010 Fayetteville Executive Lock-Up to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Local resident Christopher Jackson will serve as the Judge, and two local MDA families, the Eaglesons and the Jacquins, will attend the event to speak with the participants and share their stories.

Participants (“jailbirds”) will attempt to raise “bail,” money which is donated to MDA to help fund groundbreaking research and provide services to local families dealing with neuromuscular diseases. With community support, MDA hopes to raise $43,000 this year. The event includes free food for the participants, networking opportunities, raffle prizes, and a DJ. “Jailbirds” are transported to and from work in police cars and luxury vehicles.

Businesses interested in supporting the event may purchase a $250 or $500 “STAR” to receive recognition on the 2011 local MDA Telethon.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010; 10:00AM to 2:00PM

Historic Train Depot, 250 Lanier Ave East, Fayetteville, GA 30214

Funds raised will benefit over 2,220 families in the Metro and North Georgia areas by providing assistance in the maintenance of wheelchairs, leg braces and speech communication devices; MDA Clinic visits; a week-long summer camp for children living with muscle disorders; lifesaving research, and much more.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. To learn more about MDA, visit www.mda.org. 

---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga
---
Also check out :
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
www.HorizonsLTD.com
www.SoftCoolers.com
www.Chair-ity-Event.org
www.ClothesLessTraveled.org
---

Grants Office Launches Suite of Free Funding Information Sites

/PRNewswire/ -- Each year, federal and state governments release over 1,000 programs and approximately $400 billion in grant funding for a wide variety of applications, and the sheer volume of funding data makes it difficult for eligible municipalities and organizations to find the programs that could make a difference in their communities. Consequently, larger, more sophisticated entities are often better positioned to access these resources.

In order to help all municipalities, companies, and citizens navigate the massive amount of information that is available on federal, state, and foundation grant funding, Grants Office, LLC, a national grants development services firm, announces the release of 15 free, informational Websites dedicated to providing useful, relevant funding information related to specific functional areas.

These Grants Office .info Sites, so named for their .info extensions, can all be accessed from the directory portal at http://www.grantsoffice.info/. Grants information on the sites comes at no cost to users from the Grants Office UPstream(TM) Online Knowledge Base, a proprietary database of funding information that is updated every business day with federal, state, and foundation grant opportunities.

The websites are organized as follows:

Justice Grants - http://www.justicegrants.info/ - Information on grants for law enforcement, courts, and corrections issues.

Homeland Security Grants - http://www.homelandsecurityfunding.info/ - Information on grants for preparedness, surveillance, and detection.

Health IT Grants - http://www.healthitgrants.info/ - Information on grants for leveraging technology for comprehensive management of medical information and its secure exchange between health care consumers and providers.

Higher Education Grants - http://www.higheredgrants.info/ - Information on grants for post-secondary education, higher education infrastructure, and development of new programs.

School IT Grants - http://www.schoolitgrants.info/ - Information on grants for leveraging technology to enhance school administration, improve student outcomes, and provide innovative opportunities for students and teachers.

Tribal Grants - http://www.tribalgrants.info/ - Information on grants for a wide range of Native American and tribal projects.

Connected Community Grants - http://www.connectedcommunitygrants.info/ - Information on grants for projects that link community services, expand access to Internet resources, and enhance life for community citizens.

IT Grants - http://www.itgrants.info/ - Information on grants for a wide range of technologies in education, public safety, healthcare, and more.

Firefighter Grants - http://www.firegrants.info/ - Information on grants for fire departments and other disaster response agencies.

Public Safety Grants - http://www.publicsafetygrants.info/ - Information on grants for community policing, school safety, drug enforcement and more.

Healthcare Grants - http://www.healthcaregrants.info/ - Information on grants for a wide range of healthcare-related issues. Be sure to sign up for e-mail updates to get access to funding news and invitations to our exclusive Web-based training opportunities!

School Safety Grants - http://www.schoolsafetygrants.info/ - Information on grants for school safety and security, including grants for schools, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations. Be sure to sign up for e-mail updates to get access to funding news and invitations to our exclusive Web-based training opportunities!

Distance learning and Telemedicine Grants - http://www.dltgrants.info/ - Information on grants for leveraging video conferencing technology to extend educational and healthcare services to underserved areas.

Utility Grants - http://www.utilitygrants.info/ - Information on grants for smart grid, renewable energy and energy efficiency opportunities.

Interoperability Grants - http://www.interoperabilitygrants.info/ - Information on grants for interoperable communications among police, fire, healthcare, and other emergency management service providers. Be sure to sign up for e-mail updates to get access to funding news and invitations to our exclusive Web-based training opportunities!

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Who Gives, Why do They Give, How do They Give to Nonprofits?

/PRNewswire/ -- A new research study was released Tuesday that may change the way many nonprofits approach their fundraising budgets. The report, Heart of the Donor, Insights into Donor Motivation and Behavior for the 21st Century, uncovers valuable insights on donor behavior and preferences as well as insight into age, demographic and other factors.

The report will be unveiled at the Direct Marketing Association Nonprofit Federation conference at the Sheraton New York City. The research was commissioned and created by Russ Reid and conducted by Grey Matter Research & Consulting. The survey took place in June of this year.

As many would expect, the study finds that today's most valuable donors - boomers and older donors - primarily give through the mail. But those in the 25-54 age range tended to give both online and through the mail. "One thing we find interesting is this nexus in the 25-54 year old group," said Lisa McIntyre, Russ Reid Senior Vice President, Strategy Development. "The donors who will be most important to us in the coming decade seem equally facile with both mail and online."

But according to the study, older donors are more generous.

"The point is this: if the goal of a nonprofit is to effectively target today's best donors, then they should focus significant and smart attention on the donors giving the most money - seniors and boomers," said McIntyre. "For example, the number of donors in the 18-24 group and 70-plus are comparable, but the 70-plus donor gives three times as much."

"Does that mean nonprofits should turn a blind eye to the younger segments?" McIntyre continued. "Of course not. Their value will likely increase as they age. But fundraising expenditures must be weighted according to a strategy that maximizes those who are giving now."

The report suggests that fundraisers should focus their money on the channels that perform the best. While social media is an exciting means of reaching the younger community, the report indicated those who are active there don't use it for donations.

Another striking result of the survey shows that people want to give to charities that spend money on good management. Given a choice, the respondents preferred organizations that hire top-quality managers, even with higher salaries, over hiring less experienced managers and spending fewer dollars on salaries. An even greater percentage would rather support an organization that spends more on fundraising and brings in more money to help the cause than would support an organization that spends little on fundraising but raises less money. "Only 28 percent would opt for efficiency over effectiveness," said McIntyre.

"Nonprofits are under relentless scrutiny for their fundraising costs," said McIntyre. "The questions on costs tell us that what donors want more than anything else is value for their money. Spending money on salaries is fine, as long as your leaders are effective. If you spend more on fundraising, it's fine as long as it effectively raises more money for the work."

The report also focused on the impact of the disaster in Haiti on nonprofit fundraising. 38 percent of Americans gave to help Haiti. 52 percent of active donors - those who regularly give to nonprofits - donated. Very surprisingly, nearly 30 percent of Haiti donors say they did not support any nonprofits in the last year, including 16 percent of fairly determined non donors. Most likely to give to Haiti were African Americans (51 percent), Latinos (53 percent), Asians (59 percent) as were people not born in the US (59 percent).

Four out of ten donors said that if they had not given to the Haiti disaster, the money would have gone elsewhere. Still, 58 percent of donors believe that what they gave to Haiti was unique - it was over and above what they normally give. Haiti was a first-time giving impetus for 3 percent of all Americans, 6.7 million people.

Haiti donations saw massive channel donation differences, with text-to-give having a big impact. While 32 percent of donors said they gave to nonprofits working in Haiti through places of worship, another 22 percent gave online, and 19 percent through texting. Questioned if the limits on text donations resulted in lower donations, 90 percent of text donors claim they would have donated through another channel had texting not been provided.

"The Haiti experience reminds us that emergency donors and everyday donors are different," said McIntyre. "And the best donors will give over and above what they normally do, not instead of what they typically give."

DMANF participants were able to review portions of the study at the conference, and more elements of the study will be released in the coming months.

More than two-thousand respondents participated in the study. It was conducted both by phone and through a pre-recruited online research panel. The study was also conducted in English and Spanish.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Social work students and faculty help foster community in Reynoldstown

Reynoldstown, a historically working-class African-American neighborhood, has recently seen demographic changes in race and income, and some people don’t know their neighbors as well as they used to.

Social work faculty and students are helping to bring the neighborhood together to build community and strengthen ties through a six-week training program this spring that had neighbors starting the process by simply talking to one another.

The students, faculty and community residents dedicated an art project as part of the efforts on Aug. 14, celebrating the training program and its results. The GSU School of Social work partnered with Resources for Residents and Communities in the project.

Mary Ohmer, assistant professor of social work, said the Reynoldstown project was inspired by a similar successful GSU six-week training program in Thomasville Heights that helped to build relationships between neighbors.

“We wanted to create a gathering place to show that if you do this, you can make your community a better place to live,” Ohmer said.

The program, aimed at both youth and adults, included sessions on how to build relationships with neighbors and respect, as well as communication and conflict resolution skills.

Erich Harvey, a resident of Reynoldstown, said the program helped to open his eyes about needs in the area, as well as the possibilities of change.

“The most important thing that I saw was there were people who cared about me and cared about my well being,” Harvey said.

Young Hughley, CEO for Resources for Residents and Communities, said the program helped to bridge the divides between races and ages.

“The unique thing about this project was that it helped to deal with perceptions that the different groups had, and enabled them to sit down and talk with one another,” Hughley said. “It helped them to realize that they have more in common than they thought they did.

“They discovered that they liked each other, and that they were all a member of a community from one neighborhood,” he added.

The effort’s art project reshaped a once unused, vacant area of land bordering the CSX rail yards on Wylie Street between Selman and Kenyon Streets, allowing residents to work together to create a piece of public art, a platform that helps to tell stories about the neighborhood.

GSU alumna Emma Adair, who earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture this year, helped spearhead the creation of “Memory Map,” a stage where residents painted tiles and created a map of the area, featuring icons that indicated stories that happened in different parts of the neighborhood.

“I wanted to work on this project because I like working on projects that involve a bunch of different, diverse people,” Adair said. “I hope that we keep adding onto it.”

The next phase of the art project includes the installation this fall of sculptures of standing figures with solar-powered lights, said Adair, who is now pursuing her master’s degree in Pennsylvania.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Amerigroup Donates More Than 100 Computers to Georgia Nonprofits

/PRNewswire/ -- At a ceremony today in Atlanta, Amerigroup Corporation (NYSE:AGP) announced the donation of more than 100 gently used computers to 13 community organizations throughout Georgia.

The 103 computers will go to organizations that help children and families, such as Families First and Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless, and to job readiness organizations, such as Cobb Works and the Goodwill Centers of North Georgia (Duluth/Decatur). The computers also will be used by businesses to take and track orders and to help educate children.

Atlanta organizations such as Families First, the Empty Stocking Fund and Helping Hands Outreach, as well as Savannah organizations Youth Futures Authority/St. Pius Resource Center and Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless, each will receive at least 10 computers. Other organizations receiving some of the computers include Zion Hill Community Development Corporation, STAND (Standing to Achieve New Direction), The Ryan Cameron Foundation, The Burke Community Partnership and Vision, Inc. Some of the equipment also is being donated to Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed's Centers of Hope, which are newly renovated recreational centers that have been closed for years.

All of the computers and monitors are HP desktop or laptop models. The contributions are part of an Amerigroup program that donates gently used equipment to community organizations across the country.

"Amerigroup Community Care appreciates the opportunity to partner with these local organizations that strive to help others," said Amerigroup Georgia Chief Operating Officer Francesca Gary, who attended the event. "Amerigroup's mission is to help those who may need a little more assistance in their care, and we value the opportunity to give back to our communities in a meaningful and beneficial manner."

Georgia Sens. Renee Unterman, Jason Carter (grandson of former President Jimmy Carter) and Ronald Ramsey; and Rep. Randal Mangham and DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson all were scheduled to attend the event, which was held at Atlanta's Atlantic Station.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Sponsor a Child Today and Give Hope for a Better Tomorrow

I bet you would be shocked to know that every 30 seconds in the United States, a child is abused. And, that annually, there are over 100,000 abuse cases reported in Georgia alone. Many more children need a safe place to live, free from the threat of abuse in the night, or abandonment in the morning.

Since 1965, The Children’s Village at Christian City has been “home” to over 1,000 abandoned, abused, and neglected children! Christian City is a nonprofit, nondenominational organization that provides these special children a safe haven in a loving, family centered, residential setting. They also provide foster care placement in well qualified homes in the community.

The Children’s Village cares for children both by private placement and from the Department of Family and Children Services. With a focus on family, education and healing, Christian City is known and respected throughout the State of Georgia for providing a program of excellence. We minister to those who are dealing with life crisis, such as the death of a parent, divorce, or sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. The program’s family environment allows children from every background to have access to a traditional family unit and support systems to help mend their wounded spirits. The Children’s Village may be the only home some children ever know.

On a 500 acre campus in Union City, the children live in cottages with full time house parents. Each cottage functions as one big family including daily chores, homework, regular church attendance and traditional sit-down meals. Dedicated house parents are an important component of why the Children’s Village has so many successes in turning broken-spirited, angry or sad children, into productive, successful, good hearted kids. Many of these children grow up to become happy, healthy adults who serve the community as firefighters, school teachers, air line employees, or in the legal field. Sara’s story demonstrates this well:

Sarah’s father was in prison and her mother had the mental capacity of a third grader and was unable to care for her. She spent her adolescent years living at Christian City. Sarah says, “If it weren’t for Christian City, I don’t know where I would be. I came to Christian City at the end of my 6th grade…I was twelve. I had been living in and out of emergency shelters. My house parents treated me as their own child from the first time we ever met. Even if I was hard to get along with, they still loved me. We had a great life and were very connected as a family. My house parents encouraged me in my school work and in extra activities. When I was struggling academically, they hired a tutor. They were always there to help me with my homework, and then later to help me apply for a good college. I recently graduated from Goizueta School of Business and am planning to go to law school. I am where I am today, because of the positive influence of my house parents and of Christian City.”

Christian City has a new focus on fundraising through their Child Sponsorship Program, where you can Sponsor a Child for as little as $30 a month. This is an easy way to support The Children’s Village and is very simply done with a check, debit, or credit card. If you are able to give less than “a buck a day” on a monthly basis, would you please consider Sponsoring a Child Today?

For more information on The Children’s Village at Christian City access www.christiancity.org or call Heidi Becker at 770-703-2636.

Note from Georgia Front Page: The Children's Village at Christian City is one of "our" charities. We can vouch for the fantastic work they do with children and with all ages. They are a great group of caring people who are ethical, honest, and give their hearts and time to help so many. We hope you'll join us in supporting these kids! - JMD

Salvation Army Issues a Call to Action for Metro Atlanta Residents

/PRNewswire/ -- Never has the demand for The Salvation Army's work been so dire, nor more taxing on its program staff, volunteers and operational resources. Record-breaking unemployment, hot weather, and the economy have The Salvation Army fielding some 40,000 calls a day from metro Atlanta residents struggling to make ends meet this summer. The Salvation Army is issuing a Call To Action asking metro Atlanta residents to phone, mail, or click donations of $50 or more to help raise an additional $300,000 in much-needed revenue by September 30, 2010.

"It's disheartening for our staff and volunteers to see and hear the calls for help from hurting individuals and families," says Major James Seiler, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Area Commander who says the Army is working diligently to try to meet the needs of the callers. "People are not just calling on the phones for our assistance."

Seiler notes an August 4th Back To School Bash at The Salvation Army's Lawrenceville facilities where more than 900 people showed up in hopes of receiving one of the 482 back to school backpacks the organization was distributing, as well as, the fact that since opening a new shelter for homeless families in November 2009, "177 families (which included 253 homeless children) have moved from the shelter to permanent housing and yet the beds are once again filled and calls are coming in everyday from more families seeking shelter."

While partnerships with agencies such as Georgia Power and United Way have provided the necessary funds to grant these callers emergency financial assistance, the cost to continue to serve these individuals and families in need is taxing the organization's operational expenses.

"Thus far, we've had to restructure our phone systems to allow a greater number of calls to get through, but the number of calls has already shut-down our phone system twice. We've also spent an additional $140,000 in overtime and other staff expenses to allow more hours to schedule appointments."

Seiler says with the recession forcing many local organizations to reduce their workforce and operational hours, The Salvation Army is one of the few remaining agencies where these callers can be referred and possibly receive help. "But, we need the community's full support to continue to meet these needs."

The Salvation Army is asking metro Atlanta residents with the capacity to give, to make a minimum $50 donation today through a number of user-friendly options.

Donations may be made by using the Call To Action link at www.salvationarmyatlanta.org, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY, by mailing your donation c/o Call To Action, The Salvation Army PO Box 49247, Atlanta GA 30359.

Donors can share the Call To Action message through Facebook and Twitter widgets and get real-time updates at www.salvationarmyatlanta.org, or at www.facebook.com/salvationarmymetroatlanta.

"Additionally, we are reaching out to our major donors, corporate and foundation partners to raise an additional $500,000 in support," explains Seiler. "We are committed to meet these growing needs, and no stone will be left unturned in our efforts to do so."

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Web Users Increasingly Rely on Social Media to Seek Help in a Disaster

/PRNewswire/ -- A new American Red Cross survey shows many web users would turn to social media to seek help for themselves or others during emergencies--and they expect first responders to be listening.

The online survey asked 1,058 adults about their use of social media sites in emergency situations. It found that if they needed help and couldn't reach 9-1-1, one in five would try to contact responders through a digital means such as e-mail, websites or social media. If web users knew of someone else who needed help, 44 percent would ask other people in their social network to contact authorities, 35 percent would post a request for help directly on a response agency's Facebook page and 28 percent would send a direct Twitter message to responders.

Web users also have clear expectations about how first responders should be answering their requests. The survey showed that 69 percent said that emergency responders should be monitoring social media sites in order to quickly send help--and nearly half believe a response agency is probably already responding to any urgent request they might see.

And the survey respondents expected quick response to an online appeal for help--74 percent expected help to come less than an hour after their tweet or Facebook post.

"The first and best choice for anyone in an emergency situation is to call 9-1-1," said Gail McGovern, American Red Cross president and CEO. "But when phone lines are down or the 9-1-1 system is overwhelmed, we know that people will be persistent in their quest for help and use social media for that purpose."

The Red Cross commissioned the survey in advance of an Emergency Social Data Summit set for Thursday, August 12, in Washington, D.C. The meeting, convened by the Red Cross, will bring together thought leaders and experts in the government, social media, emergency response and the non-profit sectors to discuss better ways to handle information that flows through the web during disasters.

"The social web is creating a fundamental shift in disaster response--one that will ask emergency managers, government agencies and aid organizations to mix time-honored expertise with real-time input from the public," McGovern said. "We need to work together to better respond to that shift."

The Red Cross survey also found that among web users, social media sites are the fourth most popular source for emergency information, just behind television news, radio and online news sites. More web users say they get their emergency information from social media than from a NOAA weather radio, government website or emergency text message system. One in five social media users also report posting eyewitness accounts of emergency events to their accounts.

Online Survey of 1,058 respondents representative of the U.S. population aged 18 and older. Survey conducted on July 22-23, 2010 by Infogroup / ORC.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Start The School Year Right - Donate Your Old Cell Phone to HopeLine

/PRNewswire/ -- Students with the hottest new cell phones on their back-to-school shopping lists have an easy way to get rid of their old ones. Verizon Wireless encourages students and their parents to donate their no-longer-used cell phones and accessories to HopeLine®, the company's cell phone recycling and refurbishing program, to benefit victims of domestic violence.

HopeLine collects no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider. The phones are then refurbished or recycled in an environmentally sound way. Refurbished phones - complete with 3,000 minutes of wireless service - are provided to local domestic violence organizations or local government and law enforcement agencies for use with their domestic violence clients.

As part of the refurbishing and recycling processes, HopeLine's recycling vendor removes all customer information from donated phones, including contacts, text messages, games and apps, and images, prior to distributing the cell phones for reuse.

Donating a no-longer-used wireless phone to HopeLine is an easy way for students to help victims of domestic violence and support domestic violence awareness organizations. Students, graduates and family members can donate their wireless phones and accessories at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store across the country. For students who can't make it to a store, phones and accessories can also be sent by mail with the postage-paid label. Students, faculty members and parents planning activities and events for their schools, colleges or universities should also consider organizing a HopeLine phone drive.

Since the October 2001 launch of the HopeLine cell phone recycling program, Verizon Wireless has collected more than 7 million phones, distributed more than 90,000 phones with free wireless service to victims of domestic violence, and awarded cash grants of more than $7.9 million to organizations working to prevent domestic violence. HopeLine has properly disposed of nearly 1.6 million no-longer-used wireless phones in an environmentally sound way and kept more than 200 tons of electronic waste and batteries out of landfills.

For additional information on Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program and for Verizon Wireless Communications Store locations, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

How Shopping Smart Can Help Your Favorite Charities

(StatePoint)  How do you shop? When faced with aisles of cleaners that all claim to do the same thing, electronics that play the same content or cars that all get you where you need to go, most people choose products based on quality and price.

But a new trend is developing as more consumers are taking into account a company's charitable contributions or standing in the community.

Now more than ever, shoppers want to buy products from good corporate citizens. Especially in light of recent worldwide crises, many companies are providing assistance quickly -- and consumers are taking note. For example, Wal-Mart financially supported Red Cross emergency relief efforts in Haiti after the earthquake and sent pre-packaged food kits, helping to raise its standing in the eyes of many.

But corporate social responsibility isn't limited to international disasters. Many organizations contribute to their local communities daily, supporting such efforts as education, environmental sustainability, disease prevention, animal care and rescue, and safety programs.

If educational causes are important to you, for example, look for products from companies such as Honeywell or Toyota, that have long sponsored programs to assist teachers and students. By providing science education grants to teachers and scholarships to minority and disadvantaged students, Toyota is among many corporations helping enhance community schools, while Honeywell supports classroom safety programs.  

Here are some other tips for becoming a more conscientious shopper:

* Do Your Research: There are several publications that report on companies' corporate social responsibility, but you can also go straight to the source and check the Web sites for your most frequently bought purchases. Search "environment" or "corporate social responsibility" to learn what companies are doing to make the world a better place.

* Switch Teams: If a company doesn't give to any charities or causes, or you don't like the ones to which they give, switch products and start buying from a company whose charitable work you support.

* Start with the Cause: Instead of researching companies, you can research causes and organizations to learn which companies are supporting them. You can usually find this information on a nonprofit's Web site or in its annual report.  For instance, by visiting the National Safety Council's Web site, you can find lists of corporate partners and the initiatives they co-sponsor, such as free teen driving programs.

* Participate: Take part in corporate-sponsored events. For example, National Public Lands Day is the largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance U.S. public lands, and has been made possible by a 10-year sponsorship from Toyota. In 2009, 150,000 volunteers built trails and bridges, removed trash and invasive plants, planted trees and restored water resources. If you're interested in attending this year's event, visit publiclandsday.org.

Remember, actions speak louder than words. Buying products benefiting causes and charities close to your heart is more powerful than talking. With every purchase, you can change your community or even the world!
-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

MetLife Foundation Announces Grants to Twelve Local Food Banks

/PRNewswire/ -- MetLife Foundation today announced grants to twelve food banks. The grants, which total $450,000, will help the food banks respond to increased needs in local communities around the country. Since December 2008, MetLife Foundation has contributed $900,000 to food banks nationwide.

"Food banks and their partners play a critical role in meeting the needs of communities' most vulnerable residents - children, older adults, and the economically disadvantaged," said Dennis White, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. "We are pleased to support their work, which is vital to community health and well-being."

The food banks receiving MetLife Foundation grants are:
-- Atlanta Community Food Bank (Atlanta, Ga.)
-- Community FoodBank of New Jersey (Hillside, N.J.)
-- Feeding America Tampa Bay (Tampa, Fla.)
-- The Foodbank, Inc. (Dayton, Ohio)
-- Food Bank of Central New York (East Syracuse, N.Y.)
-- Food Bank for New York City (New York, N.Y.)
-- Foodshare, Inc. (Bloomfield, Conn.)
-- Greater Boston Food Bank (Boston, Mass.)
-- North Texas Food Bank (Dallas, Texas)
-- Northern Illinois Food Bank (St. Charles, Ill.)
-- Rhode Island Community Food Bank (Providence, R.I.)
-- St. Louis Area Food Bank (St. Louis, Mo.)


MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife in 1976 to carry on its longstanding tradition of contributions and community involvement. Grants support health, education, civic and cultural programs. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Extremely Active Hurricane Season Looms - American Red Cross Launches New Disaster Relief Fundraising Drive

/PRNewswire-/ -- The American Red Cross has launched a new fundraising drive in anticipation of a very active hurricane season that could be made even worse by the Gulf Coast oil spill.

"We are worried about predictions of a severe hurricane season and the possibility that people will need to evacuate their homes for longer periods of time, given the oil in the Gulf," said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the Red Cross.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts three to seven major hurricanes this year. Major hurricanes are those Category 3, 4 and 5 storms that do the most damage -- such as Hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Rita and Wilma -- with winds of more than 100 mph.

These predictions bear an eerie resemblance to the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, when multiple major hurricanes, including Katrina, struck the United States. More than 35 million people live in regions vulnerable to Atlantic Ocean hurricanes, and many in the Gulf Coast region are already experiencing hardship as a result of the oil spill.

In preparation for this hurricane season, the Red Cross has already spent $30 million training and preparing volunteers and pre-positioning equipment and materials and is gearing up to provide 1 million meals a day, shelter for 350,000 people a day and deployment of 50,000 volunteers.

"Practicing what we preach on preparedness, we are asking the public for their support in advance, rather than after a disaster strikes," said McGovern.

"Contributions to the fundraising drive will support our readiness to the 70,000 disasters the Red Cross responds to every year, whether they are hurricanes that affect millions of people, floods that affect thousands, or a house fire that drives one family from their home," added McGovern.

While media attention has focused on the Gulf oil spill and on Haiti, the American Red Cross has responded to 29 significant disasters in the U.S. so far this year. These have included floods in Tennessee, North Dakota, the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, tornadoes in the South and Midwest, and major fires in communities across the country.

As part of the new disaster response fundraising effort, kicked off just before the height of the hurricane season in August and September, the Red Cross is airing television ads, sending targeted fundraising appeals, using social media and making public appeals for disaster donations.

"Red Cross chapters across the country will be asking for help for disaster relief, and we hope people will respond," McGovern said. "Please click, text or call to donate to the Red Cross to help people affected by disasters. Every single donation brings hope to those in need."

People who want to make a contribution can go to www.redcross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief -- or text REDCROSS to 90999.

The Red Cross spends about $450 million a year responding to nearly 70,000 disasters across the country -- floods, hurricanes, wildfires, tornados and home fires.

You can help people affected by disasters like floods, fires, tornadoes and hurricanes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Major Trail, Rail Corridors get Boost from Norfolk Southern

/PRNewswire/ -- Employees of Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) are teaming up with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and local trail-maintaining clubs in a one-day "Spruce-It-Up" campaign to clean and improve one of the nation's longest and most popular scenic trails.

The 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail roughly parallels the 2,500-mile Crescent Corridor, a multistate freight rail network that Norfolk Southern is improving with the help of local, state, and federal partners to create green jobs, stimulate local economies, and help relieve highway congestion.

"These two initiatives - the Appalachian Trail and the Crescent Corridor - demonstrate how the employees of Norfolk Southern share and support our corporate commitment to responsible sustainability practices that are good for communities, customers, and stockholders," said Blair Wimbush, vice president real estate and corporate sustainability officer of Norfolk Southern. "The Appalachian Trail is adjacent to a large portion of our operating territory, and many of our employees are avid hikers and outdoor sports enthusiasts."

Members of the company's official employee volunteer organization, The Thoroughbred Volunteers, are pooling resources in four locations on Saturday, July 24, for the "Spruce-It-Up" campaign. It's the biggest single volunteer project taken on by the organization, founded in 2006.

"We're delighted that Norfolk Southern employees have joined the ranks of volunteers who are dedicated to preserving the Appalachian Trail," said Jeanne Mahoney, volunteer resources coordinator for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. "The trail is a natural resource to be treasured and forever preserved, and this effort helps us achieve our mission."

NS employees will work on the Appalachian Trail at three locations, and another group will work at a seaside state park.

In Atlanta, employees will work with the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club to transport lumber and other materials for refurbishing the Plumorchard Gap Shelter in North Georgia, one of more than 250 backcountry shelters located along the AT.

A group in Harrisburg, Pa., will work with the Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club, clearing brush from the AT at Pine Grove Furnace State Park and spreading stone in a nearby parking lot.

Roanoke, Va., employees, working with the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club, will clean culverts and ditches and cut back tree overgrowth at AT landmark McAfee Knob near Catawba, Va.

Norfolk, Va., employees will assemble at False Cape State Park on the coast in Virginia Beach, working with the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club to remove trash and debris. The Tidewater club helps maintain the AT as well as the park.

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Sodexo's 'Feeding Our Future®' Program Provides 13,000 Summer Lunches to Atlanta Children

/PRNewswire/ -- Leveraging a $20,000 "Feeding Our Future®" grant from the Sodexo Foundation, the Sodexo account at UPS Headquarters and The Coca-Cola Company celebrated serving 13,000 free lunches to Atlanta's children. Former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young acknowledged volunteers for their efforts during a special barbeque held for city youth yesterday at the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA. Sodexo's Feeding Our Future program provides school children who rely on free and reduced-price meals during the academic year with nutritious lunches during the summer break.

"With nearly one in four children living in households that find it increasingly difficult to put food on the table, there are bound to be additional challenges when the school doors close for the summer," said Stephen J. Brady, president of the Sodexo Foundation. "As the leading food service provider to public schools throughout this country, we understand the needs that exist and we are determined to make a positive impact that leads to the elimination of hunger in this country."

Every day, an estimated 17 million U.S. children rely on school breakfast and lunch programs as their only guaranteed meals. When schools shut down for the summer, federal meal programs feed only about three million, leaving 13 million children at risk for hunger. To help bridge this gap, the Sodexo Foundation, the independent charitable organization of Sodexo, Inc., has provided free lunches to children through its summer feeding program, Feeding Our Future, since 1997. The Sodexo Foundation provides grants to local Sodexo accounts to purchase food for the meals and local Sodexo employees prepare the meals each day.

In addition to Atlanta, Feeding Our Future will be providing more than 300,000 summer lunches in 19 other cities in the United States: Boston, Mass., Buffalo, N.Y., Camden, N.J., Chattanooga, Tenn., Chicago, Ill., Denver, Colo., Detroit, Mich., Fort Worth, Texas, Honolulu, Hawaii, Houston, Texas, Los Angeles, Calif., Miami, Fla., New York, N.Y., Oklahoma City, Okla., San Jose, Calif., St. Cloud, Minn., St. Louis, Mo., Terre Haute, Ind. and Washington, D.C.

Feeding Our Future is a program of the Sodexo Foundation, an independent charitable organization supporting hunger-related initiatives that focus on eliminating the root causes of hunger in the U.S. Sodexo pays all administrative costs of the Foundation to ensure that all money raised is directed to those in need.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes: JDRF Georgia Chapter and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ga. Need Your Help

/PRNewswire/ -- As the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's (JDRF) largest and most successful event, the Walk to Cure Diabetes brings together corporations, families, friends and schools to walk three miles in support of the three million Americans living with type 1 diabetes. This year's event will take place Saturday, October 16, at Centennial Olympic Park and Sunday, October 17, at Johns Creek Technology Park.

For the second year in a row Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) will team up with JDRF as the Presenting Partner of the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes. "JDRF is immensely appreciative of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's continued participation," said Clanci Jordan, Executive Director. "With the support of our partners, the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes is expected to once again exceed $2 million dollars to bring us one step closer to the ultimate finish line-a cure for type 1 diabetes."

"It was important for us to sponsor the Walk to Cure Diabetes again this year," said Monye Connolly, President, BCBSGA. "It is our mission to have a direct impact on the well-being of the customers we serve and the overall health of our communities, and JDRF helps us in achieving this mission."

There is still time for additional companies to become a part of the Walk to Cure Diabetes and help find a cure for the more than 400,000 Georgians living with this disease. JDRF will host a Corporate Recruitment Breakfast at the Buckhead Club on Thursday, July 15, 2010, at 7:15 a.m. For more information on this opportunity or to attend, call 770-395-5957.

Additional Partners of the JDRF Georgia Chapter Walk to Cure Diabetes include, Aflac, AGL Resources, Belk, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Crunchmaster, Delta Air Lines, Geico, Medtronic, Mohawk, Novo Nordisk, Siemens Energy and Andretti Indoor Karting and Games.

JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes National Sponsors are: Advance Auto Parts, Delta, Ford Motor Company, LifeScan, Marshalls, Turner and Walgreens.

For further information on JDRF or the Walk to Cure Diabetes visit www.jdrfgeorgia.org or call Angie Hammond at 770-395-5957.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Thousands of Metro Atlanta Children to Get a Head Start on School This Saturday

Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Orange Parking Lot
Saturday, July 10, 2010, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

/PRNewswire/ -- Did you know that more than 3,000 of Atlanta's children will start school this year without the basics - school supplies, health screenings and clothing? Every year Hosea Feed the Hungry & the Homeless (HFTH) identifies children in desperate need and provides them with the means to have a healthy and successful school year at the Back to School Jamboree.

As a family-oriented, community event, the Jamboree will host self-empowerment/mentor workshops, dental and health screenings, diabetes screenings, the National ID program, fun activities, games, special guests and family entertainment, including Ronald McDonald, the Black McDonald's Owners Association Wheels of Dreams Youth Foundation, the Braves Mascot, and actor, Afemo Omilami.

This year's Presenting Sponsor is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia and this year's co-sponsors, include The Braves Foundation, Cox Enterprise, Aaron Rents and Amerigroup - which will lend on-site support.

WHO can receive supplies, health screenings and clothing? Any child with a need can receive a backpack, health screening and clothing. The event is FREE and families are welcome to participate in the activities.

Witness hope on children's faces as they receive backpacks, school supplies, health screenings and clothing. Families engaging in wholesome entertainment.

HOW can you help? This year, due to the tough economy, HFTH needs the community's assistance more than ever. To make a donation, please visit www.hoseafeedthehungry.com and click on the Jamboree Donation icon - a stocked backpack costs a mere $20 and will ensure a child starts school fully prepared.

You can bring school supplies (pencils, paper, rulers, scissors, crayons, T-180 calculators, backpacks, etc.) directly to our facility at 1035 Donnelly Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. For additional sponsorship info, please contact the HFTH offices at 404-755-3353.

As the school year nears, HFTH will also dispense backpacks filled with schools supplies to selected schools within the greater Metro Atlanta area. This weekend merely kicks off their back to school supplies campaign.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

HUD Secretary Donovan Announces $190 Million in Homeless Grants

Funding supports unprecedented federal strategy to prevent and end homelessness

U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced nearly $190 million in new grants to assist hundreds of local homeless assistance programs across the country. The funding will provide support to 550 local projects that will offer critically needed housing and support services to nearly 20,000 homeless individuals and families over the extended lifetime of these grants. For a complete listing of those local programs awarded funding, visit HUD's website.

Last December, HUD awarded nearly $1.4 billion through its Continuum of Care programs to quickly renew funding to 6,445 existing local programs. The grants announced today build on that investment by funding new projects, awarded by competition and funded through the 2009 Continuum of Care funds. In addition, the funding supports the Obama Administration's far-reaching and ambitious plan to end homelessness. Last month, Donovan and 18 other federal agencies unveiled Opening Doors, an unprecedented federal strategy to end veteran and chronic homelessness by 2015, and to end homelessness among children, families, and youth by 2020.

"This funding is an important part of the Obama Administration's new strategy to end homelessness in all its forms," said Donovan. "We know that these programs are critical in moving people beyond a life on the streets and placing them on a path toward dignity and self sufficiency."

HUD's Continuum of Care grants are awarded competitively to local programs to meet the needs of their homeless clients Continuum of Care grants provide permanent and transitional housing to homeless persons. In addition, Continuum of Care grants fund a wide range of programs including important services such as job training, health care, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and child care.. These grants also fund street outreach and assessment programs to transitional and permanent housing for homeless persons and families (see attached summary of the funding awarded today).

HUD's homelessness grants are reducing long-term or chronic homelessness in America. Based on the Department's latest Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR), chronic homelessness has declined by 30 percent since 2006. This decline is directly attributed to HUD's homeless grants helping to create significantly more permanent housing for those who might otherwise be living on the streets. It was also reported in the AHAR that the number of homeless families increased for the second consecutive year, almost certainly due to the ongoing effects of the recession.

In addition to the funding provided through HUD's Continuum of Care Programs, the Department allocated $1.5 billion through its new Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing (HPRP) Program. Made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, HPRP is intended to prevent persons from falling into homelessness or to rapidly re-house them if they do.

------

Highlights of HUD's Homeless Assistance

HUD is awarding nearly $190 million to support 550 local programs throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

$170 million is being awarded to 474 projects that provide permanent housing solutions for homeless families and individuals, including persons who are chronically homeless.

189 programs will primarily assist homeless veterans.

182 local programs will assist persons living with severe mental illness.

28 projects primarily serve victims of domestic violence.

123 projects provide services to chronic substance abusers.

12 local programs will offer housing and support services to persons living with HIV/AIDS

HUD's housing and service programs funded through the Continuum of Care competition establish the foundation for communities to serve many of the nation's most vulnerable individuals and families. Based on the 2009 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) released by HUD last month:

1.56 million persons spent at least one night in an emergency shelter or transitional housing programs between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009; and

On a given night in January, 2009 approximately 643,000 people are homeless.

While the total number of homeless persons declined slightly between 2008 and 2009, the number of homeless families and the total number of persons in families increased for a second consecutive year.

----

HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

Camp Hollywood Serves Special Needs Children and Siblings in Newnan

“Everyone is a Star” next week at new location at Cornerstone United Methodist Church

FOCUS, www.focus-ga.org, a 27-year old non-profit that serves children with disabilities or medical conditions, announces an additional location for its “Camp Hollywood” series at the Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Newnan, Georgia Monday, July 12 through Friday, July 16 from 10 am to 3 pm. Each day at Camp Hollywood centers around the theme of a favorite children’s movie, and activities include art, cooking, science, music and recreation.

FOCUS offers ten Camp Hollywood locations throughout metro Atlanta. This is the first year that Camp Hollywood has been offered in Newnan, and FOCUS Executive Director Lucy Cusick explains, “We are delighted to offer a camp here in the Newnan/Peachtree City area where special needs children receive all the care they need and have all the fun all children should have!” Camp Hollywood accepts children from ages 4 - 21, as well as their siblings. Cost of the camp is $135 and includes all activities, snacks, and camp T-shirt. Special needs professionals serve as counselors at the camp, which is also staffed by volunteers from the local community. A trained nurse is also on hand at Camp Hollywood.

For more information and to register for Camp Hollywood, contact Lucy Cusick at 770-234-9111 or 404-273-0259 or lucy@focus-ga.org.

ABOUT FOCUS

FOCUS was founded to offer emotional, informational and physical support to families of children with disabilities or ongoing medical needs. FOCUS has grown to reach almost 3,000 families in metro Atlanta through a variety of programs including summer camp, family camp, support groups, community respite, hospital support and family activities. FOCUS is committed to serving ordinary families facing extraordinary circumstances and providing a sense of community.