New Gordon County Office Expands Advocates’ Reach
In a strategic move to increase services throughout the 11-county service area, Advocates for Children is now serving more clients through a new location in Calhoun. This significant effort stems from two much-needed services designed to support the community’s young adults needing housing and children in foster care needing Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers. According to Calhoun City Schools, 215 students are unhoused. While 75% live “doubled up” with other families or friends, the conditions are problematic on many levels. Only 50% of them stay in school all year.
“Young people who do not have a permanent home can obtain and maintain housing, become selfsufficient and grow into independent and successful adults,” explained Amanda Tant, Chief Program Officer at Advocates.
The second program, previously managed remotely, provides recruitment and training for CASA volunteers appointed by the juvenile court to advocate for children’s best interests. “This important advocacy makes a life-changing difference for children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect,” said Rachel Holbert, Advocacy Coordinator of CASA of Northwest GA in Gordon. “Our goal is to advocate for a safe, permanent home for each child.”
This third location follows the opening of a consolidated campus in Cartersville after 40 years of serving in various locations in Bartow and establishing a Family Resource Center in North Cobb. various locations in Bartow and establishing a Family Resource Center in North Cobb.