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Hope Herald
An enewsletter of
Twin Cedars Youth & Family Services

          Colleen, a Kindergarten Graduate at Midland Academy.  Colleen is the daughter of Brooke Daniel, Assistant Program Coordinator of Children's Tree House.

Graduate
Graduation Issue May 2010
Chloe Harrell, Daughter of John & Diane Harrell. John is the Assistant Coordinator of the Children's Advocacy Center of Troup County.
Chloe Harrell
   Dear Friends,
 
Graduation ceremonies have touched so many of us here at Twin Cedars this month. John Harrell, Assistant Coordinator of the Children's Advocacy Center of Troup County, recently attended his daughter's Kindergarten graduation. Chunk Newman, Vice President of Twin Cedars' Board, will not only be attending his daughter's high school graduation, but also his son's college commencement.  Shannon, a resident at our Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home, will be receiving her diploma from Jordan Vocational High School. Steven, a Bradfield resident, recently graduated from LaGrange High School with a 3.5 GPA and plans to attend Gainesville State College. Our CASA program recently honored its 10 newest volunteers at a volunteer appreciation picnic. Similarly, many of our our staff members at the Georgia Industrial Children's Home in Macon will be graduating with various undergraduate degrees. The list goes on.  Many of our residents are moving on to new chapters in their lives. Current staff members are being promoted within the company by earning their degree in their chosen area of study.  This e-newsletter addition features stories of hope and inspiration. Sir Francis Bacon once said that "Knowledge is Power."  Through your gifts and volunteers efforts we have made education services possible through our on-site schools.  These young adults will leave the foster care system better equipped to succeed as they move forward.

                                                                          For the children leaving our care,
                                                        Mike
 
Shannon & Her Faithful Mentor
Shannon and Cort
Shannon Gonzales  
Staff members, therapist, mentors, and friends from Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home will all gather in Columbus this weekend for Shannon Gonzales' high school commencement. This is a overwhelming accomplishment considering that Shannon has been in foster care since age 4. Since coming to live at the Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home, she has touched many lives. As a victim of abuse, Shannon has received therapeutic treatment, education services, and independent living skills to help her
Shannon Prepares for Graduation
Shannon
move on to the next chapter in her life.  With plans to live close to her long time mentor, Cortney, Shannon is feeling happy, but nervous. This transition means leaving many of the people she has grown to call family.  Shannon will serve as a shining example to other girls at our AESH campus as they too work to overcome abuse and earn their education while in foster care.   
 
Ault Academy Student Plans to Attend
Gainesville State College

GSC
 For the past several years Steven has been enrolled at Bradfield Center's Ault Academy.  The on-site school was opened in 1999 to allow residents to continue their education while receiving treatment for abuse and neglect.  The program has proven to be a true success. Steven recently graduated with a 3.5 GPA with  plans to attend Gainesville State College in the fall. His mother and brother will also be attending classes at GSC. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.
 
 
"Steven is a very intelligent student. It is my prayer that he will keep up the good work in his academic subjects. It is a pleasure to teach someone who is as smart and well-rounded as him."                                
                                                            Janice Brewer, Science

"What a pleasure to have had Steven in several classes. He is self-motivated and a great student. He always does as instructed."
                                                   Cheryl Westmoreland, Social Studies
 
" I am honored to have had such a wonderful young man attend Ault Academy. He is smart, intelligent and very respectful. He helped us all (staff and his peers) understand hard work, and how belief in one's self can help overcome any adverse situation. I will continue to keep this youth in my prayers as he makes the transition from youth to young adult."                                                    Etta Billingslea, Principal
  
 
Ault Academy is the on-site school at Bradfield Center.
Ault Academy
Teresa, a recent high school graduate, learns to sew.
Teresa

Magnolias Second Chance Home Resident Graduates from LaGrange High School

  
Teresa Staples, a resident at Twin Cedars' Magnolias Second Chance Home recently graduated from LaGrange High School. As a teen mother, she balanced a high school class schedule (where she was an honor role recipient),  a part- time job and managed to volunteer her time at a local pet shop as well as,  Becca's Closet.  While at Twin Cedars, Teresa has also participated in the Circle of Care Program and learned various independent living skills including sewing. Upon graduation she hopes to attend college and work part -time to earn her college degree.  Congratulations Teresa!   
CASA Graduation
CASA graduation
 
 
Congratulations  to our new CASA volunteers who were sworn in on April 30th!
 
 

From Left to Right: Tameka Smith, Felicia Wynn, Latreshia Cazeau, Rachel Weber,  Brenda Porter, Mary Boston, Joseph Moore,  Lawanda Mincey, Bobby Mosely, & Amber Oliver. 

CASA will begin their summer training class on June 14th.  If you are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer please call (706) 327-9612 option 6 or email ralston@twincedars.org
GICH Admin Georgia Industrial Children's Home 
Staff and volunteers alike will be receiving their diplomas this month. Anthony Lane, veteran employee at GICH, has recently been promoted from Group Leader to HSP (Human Services Professional) since earning his Bachelors degree. Full time intern, Kwankila Corbin, will receive her degree from Mercer University.  James Menzie, one of the home's strongest volunteers, will receive his Bachelor's Degree from Macon State College. Congratulations to all volunteers and staff in the Macon for their accomplishments.
 
In addition, GICH resident Justin received an award for the highest CRCT score in Reading in the 8th Grade at Joseph N. Neel Academy. The award was presented to him on May 21st, 2010 by Dr. Beverly Glover, Academy Director.
Ariel Gaddy is the daughter of Lynne Gaddy. Lynne is the Admissions Coordinator at the Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home.
Ariel

 Gaddy Receives Full Academic Scholarship

 
 Ariel Brianna Gaddy will graduate this weekend from Hardaway High School in Columbus. At Hardaway she completed the IB program, served as a Senior Council Officer and was Captain of the Color Guard. Ariel also particpated in Youth Leadership Columbus.    She attends Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church and is Vice President of Youth Ministry.  She has been awarded a full academic scholarship from Tuskegee University and will begin classes in the fall.  
Grant Awards Announced
 The United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley recently announced allocations for the 2010-2011 year.  Chatthoochee CASA has been awarded $65,000. Children's Tree House, which operates the Child Advocacy Center serving the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, will receive $50,000. The T.R.U.S.T. prevention program of Children's Tree House will receive $55,000.  
 
In LaGrange, the United Way of West Georgia has awarded the Children's Advocacy Center of Troup County $15,000. 
 
We appreciate the support and vote of confidence from our United Way chapters in Columbus and LaGrange.   Together, we Live United.
TCYFS Programs 
 
Mike Angstadt,
Executive Director

Columbus
Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home
Reality House
Columbus 2nd Chance Home
Weracoba 2nd Chance Home
Children's Tree House
T.R.U.S.T.
Chattahoochee CASA
Community Counseling
 
LaGrange
Bradfield Center
Connections
LaGrange 2nd Chance Home
Transitional Living Program
 
Coleman Center 
LaGrange GA
Circle of Care
Adult Parenting
Children's Advocacy Center of Troup Co.
Comprehensive Awareness Program
Troup Co. Prevention Coalition
Parents As Teachers
Community Counseling

 
Magnolias Campus
LaGrange
Annette Boyd Group Home
GA Farm Bureau 2nd Chance Home
Moore Therapeutic Foster Care
 
Macon
Georgia Industrial Children's Home, A campus of TCYFS
 
Mountville
Camp Viola

Meriwether Co.
Youth Leadership & Services Program

Other Programs
Challenge Ropes Course
Corporate/ Community Programs
 
Twin Cedars Youth & Family Services is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
 

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DWK

 
 
 
Click Here to View the 2009 Annual Report
2009 Annual Report
 
 
 
 
Admissions Information
 
If you have questions about the Admissions Process please contact Admissions Director Trina Jones at  706.298.2148 ext. 106 or click here to visit our website.
 
 
 
 
 
Robert Wilson at his Pre-K Graduation at St. Thomas Day School. Robert is the son of Barber and Tiffany Wilson. Tiffany is the Marketing and PR Coordinator at TCYFS.
Robert