April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to recognize that we each can play a part in promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families in communities. Learn more >>
Open Arms Events in 2013
In the coming months, Open Arms of Blue Ridge will announce details on the Open Arms 6th Annual Casino Night and our 1st Annual Golf Tournament.
Check back often or sign up for our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss it!
Spend Local & Hug A Child
Turn Purchases into Donations the Easy Way!
Helping local children and Open Arms of “The Blue Ridge” is as easy as visiting any of our Local Partners in Fannin, Gilmer, Union and Towns counties, including restaurants, shops, markets, farms, stores, boutiques, cabin rental companies and outdoor adventure locations. When you present your Child Advocate Card, our Local Partners will donate up to 10% of your pre-tax purchase to Open Arms of “The Blue Ridge.”
To receive one of these valuable cards, just make a $50 donation to Open Arms. Make a donation online or call Dianne Mallernee at (706) 633-4773.
With your help, we will soon be able to establish the Open Arms of “The Blue Ridge” Residential Child Care Center to serve abused and neglected children in Fannin, Gilmer, Union and Towns counties. Our region is in dire need of such a center!
Open Arms Day at the Sweet Shoppe
The third Thursday of each month is Open Arms Day at the Sweet Shoppe in downtown Blue Ridge. On the third Thursday of each month, the talented ladies at the Sweet Shoppe will offer for sale uniquely delicious Open Arms Cupcakes with all proceeds from the sale of these cupcakes being donated to Open Arms of Blue Ridge. So come on out on the third Thursday each month-or ever week for that matter-and satisfy your sweet tooth while at the same time helping local children affected by abuse and neglect!
The Sweet Shoppe – located in the Mustard Seed Courtyard across from Christie Lee’s Courtyard Grille!
August Quote of the Month
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
- Margaret Mead
CASA – Speak Up For a Child
Georgia CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) works diligently with Georgia’s children who have been removed from their homes on account of neglect or abuse. For years, CASA volunteers have helped find healthy, permanent homes for children in the state’s foster care system and put their lives back on track.
CASA volunteers aim to represent Georgia’s children on an individual level, to identify a child’s specific situation and needs, and help them into a brighter future.
To read more about Georgia CASA and hear some of their success stories, visit the Georgia CASA website.
You can also contact CASA by phone. Call local contact Diane Scoggins – 706-276-2272
Child Welfare “National Picture” – Feb. 2011
This February, 2011 report from the Children’s Welfare Information Gateway shows the facts on what’s happening to our nation’s children.
Georgia’s Children 2011 Report
Learn the facts about what’s happening to Georgia’s children in the Georgia’s Children 2011 Report from the Children’s Welfare League of America.
