Daily Update April 23, 2014 -  Highlights of Annual Executive Retreat

Members enjoyed a restful retreat compliments of WinShape Retreat.  Their staff were the best we have ever experienced.  WinShape Homes graciously opened their group homes for a brief evening tour.  The foster parents and children were welcoming and seemed delighted to have guests visit their homes.  Thank you to Tyra Walker and WinShape for all of the above!

Highlights of the agenda unfolded as follows:

MONDAY, APRIL 21

Capella University reviewed their discount program available to Together Georgia (GAHSC) member agency staff, families, foster parents and volunteers. Be sure to pass this along within your agency - http://www.gahsc.org/ms/2014/du20140228_Capella.html

Ron Scroggy introduced the following new members:

Agencies: 

  • Bloom our Youth – Becky Davenport
  • Care Partners – David Crooke
  • Centerstone – Gino De Salvatore
  • The Imara Center – Sala Hilarie

Individuals:

  • Kenneth Joe
  • Wayne Naugle
  • Cindy Simpson

New Member Candidate 

  • Creative Community Services – Sally Buchanan

Welcome Back: 

  • Eagles Ranch – Eddie Staub
  • Elks Aidmore – Abe Wilkinson
  • Georgia Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministeries – James Harper
  • Rainbow House – Holly Adams

Appreciation was expressed and recognition was given to Hugo Mullins and Mike Angstadt who were scheduled to roll off the Board this year.  The following slate of officers were elected to serve the Association this year beginning June 1, 2014.

President -   John Blend (09) Goshen Valley – 13, 14
Vice President – Karl Lehman (11) Childkind - 13, 14
Secretary - Kate Cantrel (12) Youth Villages – 13, 14
Treasurer - Nashon McPherson (12) Georgia Center for Youth/Rescare – 13, 14
Immediate Past President -  Hugo Mullins, Family Ties

BOARD
Child Caring Institution - Alison Evans (13) The Methodist Home for Children and Youth - 13, 14, 15
Child Placing Agency – Doug Mead (13) Georgia Agape -  13,14,15
Family Preservation and Support Services/Intensive Residential Provider – Nicole Aldred, (10)  Transitional  Family Services – 14,15,16
Mental Health Service Provider - Dewanda Jackson (12) Marvelous Light Consultants - 12,13,14
At Large - Stacie Conliffe (12) NYAP -  12,13,14
At Large - Floyd Blair  (13) Lutheran Services of Georgia - 13, 14, 15
At Large -  Shelly Hutchinson (13) Social Empowerment Center - 13, 14, 15
At Large – David Crooke (14) Care Partners of Georgia  14, 15, 16
At Large -  Nonyem Drayton (14) Bethany Christian Services 14,15,16
At Large - Milton Brown (14) Eastchester Family Services 14,15,16

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

Chair – Hugo Mullins, Family Ties
Phil Kouns, Christian City – 14,15
Mike Angstadt, Twin Cedars  - 14,15
Ralph Comerford, Vashti - 13, 14
Tony Everett, Neighbor to Family - 13, 14

Ron Scroggy delivered a State of the Association   and did not miss opportunity to included reference to the Berry College Eagle Cam noting the powerful influence of watchful parents.              
Breakout Sessions were provided on timely topics and providers enjoyed small group discussions lead by Mike Stone (Hutchinson-Traylor), Angela Tyner (CASA), Steve Rumford (GAHSC alumnus), John Blend (Goshen Boys Ranch) and Mike Angstadt (Twin Cedars).

We ended the day circled around the outdoor Fire Bowl enjoying picture perfect weather for a time of rest and relaxation.  Dr. Sharon Hill arrived early and joined us for the evening  “inactivity.”  

TUESDAY, APRIL 22

State of the State updates were delivered by Fran Gary, (Amerigroup), Commissioner Keith Horton (DHS) and Dr. Sharon  Hill (DFCS), and Joe Vignati (GOCF) and Carl Brown (DJJ). Attendees were provided time for questions and discussion.      

State of the State Panelists delivered the last session of the day.  Polly McKinney (Voices), Melissa Carter (Barton Center), Mark Washington  (The Washington Group) and  Stan Jones and Helen Sloat  updated on the state of child welfare, the 2014 legislative session and privatization initiative.  

Before adjourning to the closing luncheon, Dr. Sharon Hill was able to deliver an announcement about the upcoming privatization pilots. Two pilots will be conducted in Region 3 and Region 5. The criteria for selection of these two areas was driven by the number of children served outside there home region, additional transportation demands and low number of DFCS homes in these areas.  

Region 3: Bartow, Cherokee, Douglas, Floyd, Haralson, Paulding, Polk Counties

Region 5: Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe and Walton Counties

The presenters lingered between and after the sessions allowing providers time for more specific agency discussion.  

Many agreed that this was one of our best executive retreats. Thank you to all who participated.

photos by Ron and Carolyn



 

 

 

 


 


TOGETHER GEORGIA is the new name of our state’s most venerable organization for child and family services providers: the Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children (GAHSC). Since its inception 50 years ago, GAHSC has been a tireless champion of children all across the Peach State. While we’re proud of what GAHSC has accomplished over its long history, we’ve redesigned the organization from the ground up to add even more value to the hard-working providers serving Georgia’s children and families. Find out more by being our guest at a meeting, talking with our friendly members and leadership team, and by visiting our website at www.gahsc.org.

An email newsletter as a public service Editor   
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