As a part of Macon's International Cherry Blossom Festival, Rector Kostishko from Ulyanovsk, Russia visited his sister city Macon, Georgia. While on his trip, he stopped to visit the staff and children at the Georgia Industrial Children's Home at their North Mumford Road Campus. A southern style breakfast was served for the special guests.

Last year, Mike Angstadt , Executive Director of TCYFS, presented at Ulyanovsk University about efforts to promote and address permanency for children in foster care.  Since 2005, the two cities, through their local universities have brought together Russian and American child care providers to share positive experiences and focus on common issues of concern for children in care.

These strong international collaborations will certainly lead to further advancements for providers and children in the foster care system.

What they are saying about us...

  LaGrange Junior Service League Visits Twin Cedars

We had a great Sustainer Meeting at Twin Cedars Youth Services to recognize some of the agencies that have received Mini Grant monies or volunteers from JSL in the past. We passed out window clings and presented them with a yard sign to be used at special events. They are hosting Leadership GA Friday and will host an event for Child Abuse Awareness Month in April which will involve many local and state officials.  - LaGrange JSL

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Thanks to a grant from the Plum Creek Foundation, the Bradfield Center will be able to purchase needed kitchen equipment. Plum Creek support will allow Twin Cedars to replace the range, warming cabinet and a steam table as the current pieces are at least 10 years old.

Plum Creek is the nation's largest and most geographically diverse private land owner. We appreciate their support in our efforts to continue to provide nutritious meals as our residents recover from abuse.

READ the FULL STORY HERE

Eight of Twin Cedars Specialized Foster Care families recently attended a Hawks game in Atlanta; all made possible by our partnership with VSA of Georgia.  For years, Twin Cedars has partnered with VSA of Georgia to provide tickets to performances and special events through donated admissions. 

These events, while a common opportunity for some, are unique in that many of our children are gaining these experiences for the first time. As one of the underlying effects of abuse and neglect is poverty, our children have not been afforded such opportunities.

VSA and Twin Cedars; A great partnership yielding great experiences.

Last week was Spring Break in Bibb Co.  Along with the trips to High Falls, Daurcett Shoals, Noah's Ark, and Tybee Island, GEICO boys from the Georgia Industrial Children's Home took time out for community service work. Sheila Cloyd said, "The guys did an excellent job.... they picked up trash on the exterior & interior of the church, swept the steps & walkway at the church entrance, wet wiped all the pews, stair rails & cleaned the directory/bulletin board on the outside of the church.  All the guys had positive attitudes and showed respect for the church setting." The church is Stuart Ave. AME Church attended by Mrs. Cloyd, GICH ILP Coordinator. This is a historic church in downtown Macon. Most of the congregation are elderly...90+ years young. GICH,  with the help of Sheila, will take this church on as a bi-monthly community service project. Staff will also seek opportunities to help congregation members individually with projects such as lawn care.

Earlier this month, Annelise Walley, accompanied by the band Home Brew, performed in Auburn, Alabama, to raise needed funds for Twin Cedars' newly established Lee County CASA program. Launched in January of 2011, Lee County Casa has recently completed training its first class of volunteers and will be serving children in the coming weeks!

Scenes from our Child Abuse Awareness Month Activities  

  

Top Left: Kellie Gantt and her young daughter. Kellie is a former foster youth.  Top Right: Macon's District Attorney, Greg Winters signs the Child Abuse Protocol. Bottom left: Bibb Co. Commissioner Bert Bivins with Child Advocate Amber Oliver. Bottom Right. Mike Angstadt with Georgia CASA team member Angela Tyner.

  
  

Top: Haruka Smith provides entertainment for the LaGrange Event. She is 3 years old and plays the cello.

Middle: Sandra Health, Rob Rosenbloom, Mike Angstadt and Judge Michael Key.

Bottom: Law Enforcement sign the LaGrange Child Abuse Protocol.

  

Top Left: Mike Angstadt with Keynote Speaker Melissa Carter, Executive Director of the Barton Child Law and Policy Center.
Top Right; Anthony Reeves from MAAC shares about his life in foster care.
Bottom: State Representative & TCYFS Board Member Debbie Buckner offers closing remarks.

Our TCYFS Board