While it’s one of the top destinations in the U.S. for business, Georgia ranks 37th in the nation in overall child well-being, according to data from the nonprofit Amy E. Casey Foundation.
Here in Habersham and surrounding counties, Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia (FRC) aims to improve the lives of children and families across the region through multiple initiatives, programs, and an upcoming event to garner community support.
In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, that event – the third annual Pups for Prevention 5K Fun Run – will take place from 8 a.m.-8:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 26 at North Georgia Technical College in Clarkesville. In addition to the 5K run, attendees are invited to bring their pets dressed in costumes for an event filled with activities – including vendors, snacks, face painting and fun.
Those interested in attending can pre-register at here.
FRC is also accepting registrations in person before the event.
Efforts
Efforts to meet the needs of families and not only counter, but prevent, child abuse continue at FRC’s headquarters on Jefferson Street in Clarkesville.
The organization, funded through grants and donations, has a total of four programs that serve families in need – the Counseling Center, the First Steps program, Home Visiting and Supervised Visitation – all of which strive to bring much-needed resources, education and relief to communities across North Georgia.
Linda Johnson, executive director of FRC’s Northeast Georgia location, attributes a number of specific factors to Georgia’s decline in child wellbeing, which her organization continues to address through prevention and intervention. Those factors, according to Johnson, involve socioeconomic disparities, limited resources, as well as other overlooked issues like education gaps and rising costs.
“Some of it is high substance abuse,” Johnson said. “Some of it is that (Georgia) didn’t do Medicaid expansion, so that has left families with less resources. It’s the effects of having less resources…there’s also a section of our population that has low education (levels), and affordable housing and costs of living are so high. Even if people work full time, they’re not making it.”
Through the ongoing efforts, Johnson said the core objective of FRC remains the same as it always has been.
“We’re focused on preventing child abuse, so the best way to do that is strengthen families,” she said. “The families we work with have very little access to support and resources…we do parenting and child development education. Trauma is generational. If you have a family in poverty for two or three generations, then you know there’s going to be some risk factors.”
FRC, reliant on grants, also counts on local support. Those willing to donate can do so here.
Members of the community who suspect child abuse taking place in a home can call 855-422-4453.
“Children need advocates and it takes all of us to have our eyes and ears on what’s going on,” Johnson said. “If you see something suspicious, report it…if it’s just risk factors, (authorities) might send (FRC) into the home. It may be they just don’t access to food, so it maybe just educating them on that. If we can alleviate some of those issues, like helping with food and clothes, it’s all kind of tied in together.”
