MISSION STATEMENT

Advocates for Children is an organization of dedicated, skilled professionals and compassionate volunteers committed to the well-being of children, youth and families. Through comprehensive advocacy and unwavering support, we strengthen our communities across Northwest Georgia.

OUR VALUES

SERVICE

We provide quality and excellence in all we do

LOVE

We serve our families, children and youth with compassion and dedication

INTEGRITY

We build relationships on trust and mutual respect

HOPE

We believe in a better tomorrow

OUR VIRTUE

The Advocates team maintains dignity and respect for all persons. In addition, we will refrain from discrimination of any kind, including on the basis of gender, religion, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin or marital status.

OUR STORY

When concerned community members in Bartow County recognized the need for a children’s shelter in our community, they pursued thoughtful research and support for our ambitious founders’ vision. Their compassion for children began in 1983 and led to a two-year journey to establish a children’s shelter, offering help and hope to children needing housing and care.

Original Flowering Branch

1985

Advocates obtained a small house to serve as Bartow’s first children’s shelter and that shelter served fewer than nine children at a time in its first few years

1988

First Steps program launched

1990

TransParenting program launched

1999

Flowering Branch Children’s Shelter opened on Monroe Crossing

1999

Rainbows program launched to help grieving young people

2000

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program launched

2002

Safe Place program launched

2008

Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) opened

2013

In-home Parent Education program launched

2019

Youth Independent Housing program launched

2021

Youth Accountability program became part of Advocates

2022

Family Resource Center launched in Cobb County and Flowering Branch Children’s Shelter moved to a residential location temporarily

2024

Advocates’ Prevention and Advocacy Center opened on Joe Frank Harris Parkway. Also opened Family Resources Center there.

2025

Opened Newman House residential children’s home

MEET OUR STAFF + BOARD OF TRUSTEES