Offering Healing, Wholeness and Hope to Those in Need and Educating Others for This Service April 2014

1814 Clairmont Rd · Decatur GA · 30033 · 404.636.1457 · www.cccgeorgia.org

While technically, Spring began the end of March, April is often a time when it feels as though "Spring has finally sprung" The renewal and sense of possibility so present this time of year with the return of budding trees and flowers informs our issue this month as we learn about ways to refresh and renew in this season of starting over. Renewal and rebirth are also on the horizon for our friends from Scott Baptist Church as they look to what's next for their building and community. Read on to learn about an exciting new resource being offered through CCCG for Caregivers and have a rejuvenating and inspired Spring season!

Spring Cleaning Inside and Out!

When we think of Spring Cleaning, it usually refers to refreshing and reviving our home or office. The benefits of clearing out all of Winter's build- up are obvious to the eye, less obvious may be the psychological benefit we reap. Spring cleaning is a mood booster. Be it our homes or offices, the psychological payoffs that result from tidying up our spaces for the new season are significant. Read more about the benefits of this time-honored tradition.

Spring cleaning isn't just for our external spaces however, another area that can benefit from a conscious choice to clean out old and tired things can be our minds. Take this opportunity to notice outdated or negative thinking patterns and consider making an effort to replace them with positive, bright, new ideas and messages. Keep reading for more simple and effective ways to tidy up some of the mental clutter we may not have even noticed was building up.

Spring Into Physical Activity

As the weather gets warmer, another aspect of our lives that can benefit from a Spring update is exercise. If your resolution inspiration has fallen off, and Valentines and Easter treats are more present in the kitchen than fresh fruit, it may be time to reinvent your routine.

Kick off spring with a healthy start by getting the right gear, revamping your routine, and doing some "spring cleaning" in your pantry. Here are 20 simple tips to get you started.

A Journey of Healing and Hope

Pictured: 2014 Honorees, emcee Fred Blankenship, CCCG board members and CCCG CEO Sandra Mullins

Taking care of those around us is sometimes forgotten in the hustle and bustle of today's fast-paced world. On March 19th at our annual Healing and Hope for the Journey event, CCCG honored those who stop for a moment and consider the best interest of others, and then put their ideas and intentions into action for a better community, better workplace, and a better life for others.

Join us in congratulating our 2014 honorees: Howell and Madeline Adams, for the Daring to Care for our Community Award, Bonnie Kallenberg/Finders Keepers Consignment Stores for the Daring to Care for our Employees Award, The Late Margaret Virginia Cubine for the Daring to Care for Our Future Award, and Jocelyn Dorsey of WSB-TV for the Daring to Care for Others Creatively and Courageously.

Thank you to our wonderful hosts and sponsors, our incredible guest speaker, Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright, and our engaging emcee, WSB TV's Fred Blankenship!

Gratitude and Future Plans

When CCCG's Decatur office flooded in January, we were so grateful for the ability to temporarily relocate to space at Scott Baptist Church. This opportunity was available to us due to changing circumstances for the church. As we move toward returning to our space, the plans for the congregation and the church will include moving out of the building and into a more home- based ministry to better serve the needs of their current members.

While not an easy transition, the shift provides an opportunity to continue to serve the community and create a chance for a new chapter in the church history. In the words of Pastor Greg Smith "It's new life coming out of death," he said. "Now it's a missional model of resurrection that will bear fruit as we go out in the neighborhood." Read more about the story of our partner in gratitude and their next steps here.

Great New Resource for Caregivers

Its not news that the population both locally and nationally is aging. Facing this demographic shift and developing skills and resources to effectively address the reality that more and more of us will have the opportunity to provide caregiving inspired CCCG's own staff counselor, Karon Ferguson to recently pursue a certification to teach the Powerful Tools for Caregivers Program.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a program certified by the Atlanta Regional Commissions' Area on Aging. The program is beneficial to anyone who is providing support or caregiving up-close or long-distance to a parent, spouse, family member, or friend. The program is designed to provide caregivers with the "tools" to increase self-care and give them confidence in handling difficult situations, emotions, and decisions. These tools include: reducing personal stress; changing negative self-talk; communicate feelings and needs to others; setting limits and asking for help; dealing with emotions, such as anger, sadness; making tough caregiver decisions. The program is a six-week educational program and will be held Sundays 4-5:30 starting April 27 at Oak Grove Methodist Church. More information and how to register can be found in the flyer.

In This Issue

Welcome Spring!

Cleaning up is good for you!

Spring into physical activity

Caregiver Resource

Run for a Reason

Workshops at CCCG

Join us on Facebook

Get Ready to Run for a Reason

CCCG is once again putting together a team to run the Peachtree Road Race this July 4th and we want you!

Our own William Renshaw is running for Team CCCG with several community members who will work toward raising funds for critical services by getting sponsors for participating in the race.

If you want to join our team, or donate to our Peachtree Road Race Campaign, contact Leanne Rubenstein at lrubenstein@cccgeorgia.org.

Watch out for more to come from Team CCCG!

Quick Links

More About the Counselors at CCCG

More About Our Counselor Training Program

More About Our Clinical Pastoral Education Program (CPE)

More About Us

Contact Us Today

(404) 636-1457

When faced with daily life challenges, it can be hard to distinguish a real problem from a normal struggle everyone faces at some point. In either case, working with a professional counselor can be a positive, healthful experience.

If you or a loved one is dealing with issues that might benefit from speaking with a counselor, please contact us to schedule an appointment.

Our Clairmont Road Office is temporarily closed, but CCCG is OPEN!

Counseling services continue to be offered Mon-Sat at our temporary location in the Scott Boulevard Baptist Church. The

church is located at the intersection of Scott Boulevard and North Decatur Road in Decatur. The address is: 2532 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033. Our phone number is the same: 404-636-1457.

There is a parking lot on the North Decatur Road side of the building. The entrance also faces North Decatur Road, and there is a mailbox right outside the doors. Please walk in the front doors, and the receptionist will greet you. Click on the link to get directions through Google Maps.

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Taking care of yourself is critical for a healthy life

and family.

CCCG offers ongoing workshops that can help with self-growth and self-care. You don't have to do it alone. Here are some of our upcoming workshops: Workshops listed as in Decatur are being held at our temporary offices at Scott Baptist Church.

Understanding More About Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Relapse Prevention Psychoeducational Group - In Decatur with Monica Dutke. Ongoing: Tuesdays 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Buckhead group meets Thursdays 9:00 am to 10:00 am. $45 per group session.

Adult Survivors of Child Abuse Support Group - with Robin Kirkpatrick at Oak Grove United Methodist Church Thursday nights 7-8:30- $Free

Anger Management Group -In Decatur with Karon Ferguson - This group is held Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm. $35 per group session.

Premarital Workshop at The Cathedral of St. Philip (Atlanta) with Doyle Hamilton - $150 per couple, upcoming dates include May 3, June 14, July 12, 2014.

Thank you for your generous support.

With the help of generous supporters, over

the past two years, CCCG's 34 professional counselors, 16 resident counselors and 80 CPE residents and interns provided over one million dollars worth of free or reduced cost counseling and chaplaincy services. This is only possible because of YOU.

Please Give to a Cause that Speaks to You:

For Example:

- A gift of $25 helps provide art supplies for working with children.

- A gift of $65 sponsors a counseling session for a family in need.

- A gift of $100 supports a grief group to help those who have lost a loved one.

- A Gift of $250 provides psychological testing for things like ADHD, depression and other mental health challenges.

Give the Gift of

Healing, Hope, and Education

Join our growing Facebook Community. Get tips on mental health, wellness,new groups and workshops, and some positive inspiration.

Care and Counseling Center

of Georgia

HEALING- CCCG Chaplains meet the needs of people who experience crisis, loss or pain in several of the metro Atlanta hospitals, hospices, and prisons.

HOPE - CCCG Counselors and residents with an integration of sound clinical practice and deep understanding and respect for the sacred self are trained and serve those of every age, gender, race, creed, sexual orientation, and ethnic background, and makes our services affordable to all.

EDUCATION - CCCG educates resident counselors and chaplains to serve in places where lives are falling between the cracks and trains them to help bring healing and hope in to those in need.

For more Information go to www.cccgeorgia.org