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Escalating drug problems in Fannin and surrounding counties have resulted in a record number of confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect.  The increased number of foster parent homes that have been created have not kept up with the number of children who have had to be removed from homes due to drug use by their parents.

 

To address this problem, the Fannin Appalachian Children’s Shelter Team is building emergency assessment shelters for children in Fannin County.  The vision for this shelter will be short term placement in hope that the parents will work to correct their behavior and reunite with their children or that an appropriate home can be found for the child within the foster care system.

 

The Open Arms of Blue Ridge Assessment Shelter will be built on Damascus Road on donated property.  We have many organizations and individuals who are working to raise money for construction and operating costs.

 

Open Arms of Blue Ridge has its Executive Board and its Board of Director’s in place.  They are working together to get this project off the ground to help our children that are in need of a short term place to stay and feel safe.

 

We hope that the community will realize that the children placed in the assessment shelter have done nothing wrong, it is the parents who have made the choice to not care for these children.  This is an opportunity for the community to take care of their own.  We are always willing to help children in other areas, countries, let’s help ours here in Fannin.

 

If you have questions about the assessment shelter, please do not hesitate to call Dianne Mallernee at (706) 633-0459.