non-profit

Reeder Interviewed on Atlanta Business Radio

December 2, 2014 // by admin

Georgia CALLS executive director, Jay Reeder was interviewed on Atlanta Business Radio. Be sure to listen in as Jay talks about his vision for Georgia CALLS and the impact this organization can have on the Atlanta business community.

Listen now: http://www.gacalls.org/reeder-interviewed-atlanta-business-radio/

Reeder Interviewed on Atlanta Business RadioRead More

Good News At Noon Homeless Shelter Receives Donation from Voice4Nations

November 21, 2014 // by admin

Adaria and LeeAnna deliver canned goods to Thomas, of Good News at Noon in support of World Homeless Day.

In recognition of World Homeless Day, Voice4Nations, the non-profit outreach of virtual phone service company VoiceNation, donated to the food bank of the Good News At Noon homeless shelter which serves the homeless community in Gainesville and Hall County.

The shelter, which is open 365 days a year and serves 55,000 meals a year, is a faith-based community ministry that relies on donations. World Homeless Day, an annual event held on October 10th, raises awareness of homeless peoples’ needs and offers opportunities for local communities to help. Voice4Nations collected canned goods from their staff and donated them to people in need at Good News At Noon.

Ongoing Outreach

Voice4Nations has made it their initiative to assist the homeless population in any way possible. Every Saturday, their homeless outreach team volunteers at a homeless shelter in downtown Atlanta. The objective is to simply show this population in need that people really do care. Voice4Nations also provides hygiene products, clothing, Internet access so individuals can communicate with family, food, and reading materials to the shelter.

For more information on homelessness and to learn how you can help the homeless crisis, visit http://www.voice4nations.org/homeless.

About Voice4Nations

Voice4Nations, the non-profit outreach of VoiceNation, acts as a voice for the nations – a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves, like the 50 percent of all children who live in poverty. Voice4Nations’ goal is to create awareness, encourage people to make a difference, and connect them with successful organizations where they can make a contribution directly funding the need.

Voice4Nations.org was launched to address three key initiatives: bullying prevention, the global water crisis, and homelessness. To learn more about Voice4Nations, visit http://voice4nations.org/

Good News At Noon Homeless Shelter Receives Donation from Voice4NationsRead More

Georgia CALLS Non-Profit to Hold Grand Opening Ceremony on September 12th

September 9, 2014 // by admin

Georgia CALLS, a unique 501(c)3 non-profit helping high-risk, returning citizens make a successful transition from incarceration back into society as business entrepreneurs, will officially announce their partnership with the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support & Reentry (GOTSR), Georgia Department of Corrections, and Phillips Transitional Center in a Grand Opening Ceremony on Friday, September 12, 2014 at 10 a.m.

The ceremony will be held at the Georgia CALLS custom-designed, pilot work/training facility at 1705 Enterprise Drive in Buford. State officials from all partnering government entities will be in attendance. A representative from the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will speak along with the non-profit’s Executive Director Jay Reeder. The event will include a ribbon cutting ceremony and tour of the facility, followed by light refreshments.

Georgia CALLS is partnering with the GOTSR, Georgia Department of Corrections, and Phillips Transitional Center in support of The Georgia Prisoner Reentry Initiative (GA-PRI) as a groundbreaking effort to change the way supervised individuals are reintegrated into the community. During the first year of the elite program, Georgia CALLS will provide social services, which includes intensive case management and the implementation of TAP strategies; unrivaled and newly-developed job/life skills training; paid work experience at its inbound call center, created specifically for this initiative; and optional spiritual development to returning citizens who are seeking a life change. The Georgia CALLS re-entry program is designed with excellence by way of intentional training, both in the workplace and through distinguished, all-inclusive job/life skills coaching. Top program graduates will be invited to enter year two where they explore entrepreneurship opportunities that include extensive business and leadership training, executive-level mentoring, and capital funding options that will advocate the launch of new businesses within the community.

According to the GOTSR, together with Superintendent James Payne of Phillips Transitional Center, “Phillips Transitional Center is proud to announce its In-Reach partnership with Georgia CALLS, an organization primarily focused on serving people who were formerly incarcerated. Georgia CALLS will be a partner in providing two (2) major components needed for residents of Phillips Transitional Center to make a successful transition back into society. These two (2) components are: Life Skills Training and Employment.”

Georgia CALLS will employ 24 highly motivated individuals to not only become the CEOs of their lives, but also of their own businesses. The goal of Georgia CALLS’ reentry initiative is to make a direct community impact by transforming mindsets, growing leaders, and building entrepreneurs up, one life at a time. Through a participatory and holistic approach, Georgia CALLS will reduce recidivism and boost economic growth.

“Supporting the transition and reentry for those who have been in prison is an undertaking that government alone can’t do.” – Governor Nathan Deal, Atlanta Rotary Club, December 16, 2013

According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, “Research has shown that offenders who have the opportunity to re-enter the community after a stay in a transitional center are up to a third more likely to succeed in maintaining a crime-free life.” Georgia CALLS is hoping to increase these odds.

Many years in the making, a team varied in skill sets has put forth exceptional effort to make the Georgia CALLS dream become a unique opportunity for success among those in need. Georgia CALLS has built out a custom-designed facility where dedicated staff members are passionate about building up, mentoring, and empowering individuals to become the CEOs of their lives. Furthermore, success is not limited to the community of Buford, Georgia. The Buford facility was intentionally designed as a small pilot site to launch, test, and prove the Georgia CALLS program. Once a favorable outcome is achieved, Georgia CALLS will expand into a much larger operation to serve as many individuals in need as possible.

“The Georgia CALLS initiative will make a lasting change in our communities. It is a unique collaboration between non-profit, for profit, and government entities working together for the common good of society,” explained Reeder.

Georgia CALLS is made up of these powerful components that give program participants the greatest chance at success. 1) Social Services are highly important in providing intensive case management procedures utilizing TAP strategies and “Thinking for a Change” principles. 2) The comprehensive job/life skills training program was finely crafted to expand one’s world-view, teach higher-level executive functioning skills, and motivate individuals to take the necessary steps towards a life transformation. 3) The inbound call center is where participants learn to work, nurture their inner entrepreneurial spirit, generate an income, and gain valuable work experience. 4) Optional Spiritual Growth allows for discipleship classes that encourage individuals to be a positive influence in their home and community.

Reeder continued, “By equipping the population with the tools and support they need to succeed in the community, Georgia CALLS is working with the GOTSR to create safer neighborhoods within the community. At the same time, we are empowering individuals to make a successful life transformation and become the CEOs of their lives.”

For more information, visit http://gacalls.org/.

To view video testimonials of successful individuals who have rewritten their life stories and become CEOs of their own lives, visit the website at http://www.gacalls.org/testimonials/.

About Georgia CALLS

Located in Buford, GA, Georgia CALLS, Georgia Center For Abundant Living Life Skills, is a 501(c)3 organization created to ease the transition from incarceration back into a productive, healthy routine in the community. This unique reentry initiative is a pioneering collaboration between non-profit, for profit and government entities working together for the common good of society.

Georgia CALLS, in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support & Reentry, Georgia Department of Corrections, and Phillips Transitional Center, is transforming mindsets, growing leaders & building entrepreneurs up, one life at a time.

Utilizing a powerful combination of exclusive job/life skills training, paid work experience in the call center, intensive case management services, and optional discipleship classes, participants in the Georgia CALLS program learn to build strong character, explore their own entrepreneurial desires, and in turn give back to their own communities. Georgia CALLS works to make a last community impact by cultivating entrepreneurs and mentoring participants to be the CEOs of their lives.

For more information about Georgia CALLS, visit http://gacalls.org/.

Georgia CALLS Non-Profit to Hold Grand Opening Ceremony on September 12thRead More

Traveling Chef Whips Up Delicious Meals at Two Congregate Meal Sites

August 12, 2014 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, offers themed specialty meals prepared by the “Traveling Chef” at two congregate meal sites in August.

OCES’ congregate meal sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals Monday through Friday to older adults age 60+. Congregate meal participants will enjoy several upcoming themed specialty meals.

“A Taste of Italy” will be held at Brockton Council on Aging (COA) at Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton on August 12, 2014 at noon. Reservations required.

“BBQ Chicken Lunch” will be held at the Commercial Club, 1 Neilson Ave, East Bridgewater on August 21, 2014 at noon. To reserve a seat, call the East Bridgewater COA at 508-378-1610 by August 14th.

Meals are planned by a Nutritionist and meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. The meals do not feature high sodium foods and no salt is added. Low-fat milk is provided.

“Anyone age 60 or older is encouraged to attend a congregate meal site where they can enjoy delicious meals, social interaction and fun activities,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Congregate meal menus are published in local newspapers and in COA newsletters. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visiting the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 179 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Traveling Chef Whips Up Delicious Meals at Two Congregate Meal SitesRead More

Stride for Stride for the Greater Good. Plymouth Rock Racing launches Non-Profit Division

March 26, 2014 // by admin

Collyn Brenner and Craig V. Brenner, son and father, work together to manage Plymouth area road races.

In tandem with helping Whale and Dolphin Conservation manage the upcoming “Race to Save Species 5K”, Plymouth Rock Racing announces their new Non-Profit Division with a suite of special services to direct organized and financially successful road race events.

Race to Save Species 5K is set for Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m. and will start at the Roo Bar, Cordage Park, Plymouth and continue along the waterside running path. Pre-registration fee is $27, race day registration fee is $30. For full race details, visit http://www.running4free.com/RaceDetails.aspx?raceid=303.

“We are excited about both working with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation to move their race to the next level and to launch our Non-Profit Division to provide similar consultation and structure to assure the success of other charity road races,” note Craig V. Brenner, founder of Plymouth Rock Racing which directs 20 races throughout the year in Plymouth.

Brenner added, “We understand non-profits are overwhelmed with delivering great services to their constituents. Organizing a road race includes a punch list of over 400 tasks. Most non-profit executives don’t know where to start, how to prioritize, and when to schedule all the details that are necessary for a successful road race. We look forward to helping great causes make great strides in fund-raising, community building and visibility through well run road races.”

Plymouth Rock Racing offers a turn-key solution for non-profit organization to manage the complexities of a road race including a step by step operations manual and workbook that covers the over 400 tasks involved; a marketing manual that provides a detailed outline of how to promote the race through social media, online presence registration sites, public relations and traditional registration flyers, postering and signage; consultation on race permitting and working with town officials and police departments; the specifics of marking the course, race timing, insurance, announcing and music services and photography services; resourcing course equipment such as generator, tables, chairs and Gatorade jugs; handling registration, finish line logistics; and post-event awards and celebration.

Previously, Plymouth Rock Racing has assisted a variety of non-profit organizations including Run for Faith, Boys Scouts Girl Scouts of Hull, Run for your Mother (formerly the Earth Day Race and Run for One.

For more information, please visit www.Plymouth RockRacing.com.

Stride for Stride for the Greater Good. Plymouth Rock Racing launches Non-Profit DivisionRead More

Non-Profit Organization Working to Restore Families is Seeking Proud Supporters to Sponsor Exclusive Building, “The Family Life Center”

September 7, 2013 // by admin

SAFFT has launched its Fall Corporate Building Campaign to give local businesses the opportunity to help families in crisis by sponsoring the new Family Life Center building.

Atlanta and Cumming, GA

September 10th, 2013 – Supporting Adoption & Foster Families Together (SAFFT) is excited to announce new partnership opportunities for Corporate Business Sponsors, as the non-profit unveils its groundbreaking building, The Family Life Center, located in Cumming, GA this Fall. SAFFT’s newly renovated, state-of-the-art Family Life Center will provide natural families, temporary foster caregivers, and adoptive families a place for restoration, healing, and support. Generous businesses in the area currently have a unique opportunity to innovate alongside SAFFT by sponsoring a room in the new Family Life Center.

This unique building is a rare jewel coming to Forsyth County, providing a revolutionary solution to mend families and boost economic growth. In partnership with the CJCC and the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) federal program, SAFFT will begin operating The Family Life Center, one of the very few centers of its kind in the state of Georgia. The Family Life Center expands SAFFT’s current visitation and community center from 2,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet and facilitates new programs that go beyond social services. “We are in lock step with the key social services partners including DFCS, CASA, and the courts to help these families step out of their situation and rebuild their life. This ensures a chance for generational change,” states Ashley Anderson, Executive Director of SAFFT.

This one-of-a-kind facility will feature a unique brick wall display, welcoming visitation rooms, and an engaging grand room available for corporate sponsors at respective levels. With integral support from local business operations, The Family Life Center can provide services such as a supervised visitation center for court ordered visitations, support for domestic violence cases to allow for safe child visitations and custody exchanges, parenting classes, Christian mentoring, a foster and adoptive support network, a resource closet, and child scholarships. “The Family Life Center is one major step towards helping heal families and provides a single place for restorations,” says Mrs. Anderson.

“Families in crisis are part of a generational cycle passed down to children, causing decades of child abuse, substance abuse, homelessness, and severe poverty. In partnership with the community and other organizations, SAFFT is aiming to cover the family with incredible support to restore them for generational change,” Mrs. Anderson illustrates.

SAFFT’s Family Life Center in Forsyth County will open in the Fall of 2013, immediately followed by a new Dawson County Visitation Center. SAFFT will conduct two separate ribbon cutting ceremonies which will include community open house activities.

Business corporations seeking interest in a partnership with SAFFT’s Family Life Center can visit http://safft.org/support-us/fall-campaign-2013 for more information.

About SAFFT

SAFFT, is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving, supporting, and empowering foster and adoptive children, their caregivers, and the entire family in crisis through a Christ-centered supportive network. Through years of working with hundreds of children and families, SAFFT discovered that families in crisis are part of a generational cycle passed down to children causing decades of family abuse, addiction, child neglect, homelessness, unemployment, and severe poverty. Since early 2009, SAFFT has successfully developed and implemented multiple programs of support at the ground level in Forsyth County Georgia and supports neighboring counties including Cherokee, Dawson, Hall, Gwinnett, and Fulton. The SAFFT model includes a supervised visitation center, scholarship programs for foster & adopted children, a resource closet, foster and adoptive gatherings including ongoing parent night out events, a domestic violence visitation & exchange program for victims, parenting classes, and a Christian mentoring program. SAFFT’s leadership strongly believes change begins with the entire community including the families in crisis, the children in foster and adoptive care, caregivers supporting the children, and organizations charged with protecting and serving the children and families.

To learn more about SAFFT and its Fall Corporate Building Campaign, visit http://safft.org/.

Non-Profit Organization Working to Restore Families is Seeking Proud Supporters to Sponsor Exclusive Building, “The Family Life Center”Read More

Care2Call Outreach Program A “Home-Run” with Charities

May 22, 2013 // by admin

VoiceNation, a full service voice communication solution provider and preferred call center partner for thousands of businesses nationwide, has officially announced their unique Care2Call voice communication solution for non-profit, tax-exempt charities.

VoiceNation’s Care2Call provides free access to voice communications infrastructure that charities need to thrive and make a difference in the lives of others. Charitable organizations with 501(c)3 status may now utilize VoiceNation’s Virtual Voicemail and faxmail free of charge, as well as other specialized communication services at reduced cost (for qualified recipients).

Keeping Charities Connected to Key Sources

Communication is vital when it comes to a charity’s ability to function and grow. From fundraising and media campaigns to networking with federal and state agencies, charities depend on reliable, consistent and high-quality communications daily.

“Charities operate on limited resources. Our Care2Call program gives charities the essential phone infrastructure they need to run as efficiently and effectively as possible. With voicemail and a virtual receptionist, charities no longer have to rely on volunteers or worry about having a full-time staff member available in order to answer important calls,” explained Jay Reeder, the company’s president.

Coverage in an Emergency

Care2Call also ensures that charities will be able to communicate during an emergency or natural disaster as VoiceNation’s system is housed at a secure, offsite location. Communications will not be disrupted if weather or other calamity shuts down normal phone service.

“VoiceNation has been the voice of the nation for my charity The Book Bank Foundation, as well as countless other non profit organizations. It’s critical to share, build and extend opportunities to other hardworking and honorable individuals, groups and organizations,” said Glenn Toby, Chairman & Founder The Book Bank Foundation.

He continued, “I can personally say I have been an eyewitness to the goodwill and care that VoiceNation has given to countless organizations that are philanthropies. Cause marketing and consumer advertising campaigns, but this gift is from the heart and not the pocket.”

To learn more about VoiceNation’s Care2Call, visit http://www.voicenation.com/care2call.shtml

About VoiceNation

VoiceNation is America’s telecommunications leader in virtual PBX, voicemail, and innovative live answering solutions. Named “Top Provider in Industry” by PC World, VoiceNation provides live answering services and call center solutions utilizing the latest in proprietary technology to deliver high quality call answering services at the lowest cost to their customers. In this way, VoiceNation enables businesses of all sizes to compete in the marketplace with 24-hour availability that adapts to any situation.

Founded in 2002, VoiceNation is a privately-held company that serves more than 40,000 customers including FEMA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Dell, AIG and the U.S. Coast Guard. The company also provides qualified non-profit, tax-exempt charities with access to voicemail, faxmail and other specialized communication services at reduced cost through their Care2Call outreach program.

To learn more about VoiceNation, visit http://www.voicenation.com.

Care2Call Outreach Program A “Home-Run” with CharitiesRead More

240K HUD Grant Awarded to Old Colony Elder Services

November 17, 2011 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, is one of five agencies that has been awarded the Resident Opportunities and Supportive Services (ROSS) federal grant.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban development has developed the ROSS program to link public housing residents who are elderly or who have disabilities with supportive services and education designed to ensure self-sufficiency needed for independent living. The $240,000 ROSS grant will be disbursed to OCES over the next three years.

“We’re very pleased to receive the ROSS grant. OCES is one of only three non-profit agencies nationally to receive this special grant that links elderly and disabled public housing residents with supportive services they need to maintain independent living,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director.

The ROSS grant will allow for full time OCES staff coverage at Northfield and Highcliff housing sites in Plymouth. Supportive Housing Programs exist at each of the Plymouth Housing Authority’s five housing sites: Northfield, Cherry Hill, Southfield, High Cliffs and Castle Court. Each site serves more than 100 elders.

The additional staff at Northfield and Highcliff will further increase collaboration among service providers and ensure that residents’ needs are met. The goal of Supportive Housing is to meet individual needs by providing services that are aimed at educating and empowering residents which will ultimately support the prevention of premature institutionalization. Some of the educational programs that will be offered focus on financial literacy, credit counseling, chronic disease self management and emergency preparedness training.

For more information, contact Nicole Welch, Program Development Manager at OCES
(508) 584-1561 extension 249.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:
Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

240K HUD Grant Awarded to Old Colony Elder ServicesRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Lou Avitabile as Congregate Coordinator

October 11, 2011 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving elders, their caregivers and families in 23 towns in the Plymouth county and Brockton areas, has appointed Lou Avitabile to the position of Congregate Coordinator.

Mr. Avitabile held the position of Family Caregiver Support Program Care Adviser in OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program for two years prior to his appointment to Congregate Coordinator. His new role will include overseeing the senior residents who reside in the Marshfield, Stoughton and Bridgewater congregate housing units and ensuring that their needs are supported in order to remain living independently in the community.

Mr. Avitabile holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Western New England College in Springfield, MA. He is a resident of Bridgewater.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Lou Avitabile as Congregate CoordinatorRead More