First News is a monthly electronic newsletter for donors, volunteers and friends of Families First. This newsletter is designed to keep the community abreast on the programs, services and events related to Families First.
06.10.10
Sometimes it is hard to imagine what one person can do to make a real difference in the life of a child in foster care. One group of Families First volunteers has demonstrated that sometimes it’s just about the “little things,” or a LOT of little things.
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04.05.10
The 12th Annual Dining for a Difference was attended by more than 820 community supporters on March 18 at the Cobb Galleria. We were blown away by the level of excitement for this year's event and the inspiring program.
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01.21.10
We're committed to sharing with our friends and partners how we are doing in our efforts to serve the children and families of Metro Atlanta. Please read our Annual Report to find out how we performed in fiscal year 2008-2009 and learn more about this important year of transition.
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11.16.09
Did you know that approximately 60% of children placed into foster care are there because of neglect? Did you know that right now in Georgia there are over 9,000 children living in foster care? On October 14th the Casey Family Programs, Georgia Department of Human Services and 12 community partners, including Families First, launched Raise Me Up – a powerful, national multimedia campaign that calls on citizens to raise their hands to offer support to children in foster care.
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08.25.09
Many thanks to all of our sponsors and volunteers who helped 304 families send almost 600 children back to school with all the necessary school supplies.
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06.10.09
Don’t make your father pretend to love your gift -- this Father’s Day give him a gift he will truly love. Make a donation to Families First in his honor!Families First depends on the generosity of our supporters so that we may continue to meet the demands of those we serve in metro Atlanta.
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05.06.09
May is National Foster Care Month. Did you know that there are over 13,000 children in the foster care system in Georgia? Thankfully, there are families across Georgia who are committed to caring for and protecting these vulnerable children and youth.
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04.01.09
Even in a tough economy, hundreds of metro Atlantans made time to "dine for a difference" at the Intercontinental Buckhead on Wednesday, March 24th. Highlighting Families First’s I Am The Solution initiative, this year’s theme celebrated individual solutions and the increased need for solutions for Georgia’s children and families during this challenging season.
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03.12.09
On February 16th, Families First welcomed Kim Anderson as the new Executive Director of the agency. Kim’s appointment followed a thorough executive search process spearheaded by the Board of Directors; during this process her passion and expertise resonated among a list of impressive candidates who hailed from all over the country.
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02.04.09
Families First—the largest non-profit family service agency in Georgia—has selected Kim Anderson as its new executive director. This decision follows President & CEO Pat Showell’s announcement last year that she will retire after 25 years of service to the organization.
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01.08.09
Every year, millions of people make resolutions to improve their lives. What would happen if — in addition to losing weight, getting a better job or having a better love life—everyone made at least one resolution to help others? As many Georgians prepare to confront serious economic and social challenges in 2009, Families First recently launched the I Am The Solution initiative with this question in mind, and with a vision to put solutions back on the map.
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Family & Policy Bulletins are publications produced by Families First as part of our advocacy program.
05.05.10
The General Assembly adjourned sine die on April 29th, ending the second year of a two-year term. Gov. Perdue has 40 days (until June 8th) to sign or veto legislation.
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04.27.10
Legislators have two session days left to finish the business. The General Assembly has passed a transportation bill and the FY 2010 amended budget and has begun the conference on the FY 2011 budget.
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04.19.10
The General Assembly has four legislative days left. The current plan is to meet 4/20, 4/21, 4/27 and end on 4/29. The budget and other major issues remain to be resolved during the final four days.
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04.05.10
The General Assembly completed “crossover day,” so most bills that did not pass one chamber are dead unless attached to other measures. The legislature will be in session Tuesday-Thursday of the week of March 29th. After that, it will adjourn until April 12th for the 34th day.
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04.05.10
The General Assembly has completed 33 days of its 40-day session. With the exception of great drama over HB 307, there was little action during the week. Few meetings are scheduled for the coming week as the legislature is in adjournment until April 12th.
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03.24.10
The General Assembly will meet for the 28th day Monday, March 22nd, and then meet Tuesday and Thursday. Bills must clear their chamber of origin by midnight Thursday if they are to pass this term unless they are attached to another eligible measure.
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03.08.10
The General Assembly will meet for the 21st day of the 40-day session on Monday, March 8th. Work continues on the budget, but it may not be resolved for some time.
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03.01.10
Joint House-Senate Appropriations subcommittees met during the week on the FY 2011 budget. The General Assembly will remain in recess until
March 8th for further work on the budget.
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02.23.10
The General Assembly is in a recess until March 8th to work on budget issues. The Senate passed its version of the FY2010 Amended Budget.
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02.15.10
The House passed its version of the FY 2010 amended budget. The General Assembly will be in session Tuesday-Thursday the week of 2/15 for the 18t – 20th legislative days.
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02.12.10
The House may vote on the 2010 amended budget within the next few days.The General Assembly will be in session Monday-Thursday the week of 2/8. After that, it will be in session Tuesday-Thursday for the rest of the month.
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02.02.10
Legislative subcommittees are examining the 2010 amended budget; new health insurance bills have been introduced; and DCH has a new Director of Public Health.
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01.25.10
The General Assembly was in recess this week for initial budget meetings. The House and Senate Appropriations committees met jointly to hear from Gov. Perdue and agency heads.
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01.19.10
The General Assembly began the second year of a 2-year term on Monday, January 11th. Gov. Perdue released his budget on Friday with proposals for deep cuts.
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04.08.09
Highlights: In sine die’n Friday night, the General Assembly left mixed results.
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03.30.09
Only 3 legislative days remain. Sine Die is set for Friday, April 3rd, but that could change. The Senate put off acting on the budget until the week of March 30th. Many key bills still hang in the balance.
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03.23.09
Only 6 legislative days remain. The House passed its version of the 2010 budget, as Gov. Perdue objects to some of the significant changes from his revised proposal. The Senate will act on the budget the week of March 23rd.
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03.16.09
Highlights: Many key bills survived “crossover day” and may yet be passed, while others will wait until next year. Governor Perdue signed the FY 2009 Amended Budget agreed to by the House and Senate. The FY 2010 budget will now move forward.
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03.06.09
Highlights: March 12th is the day by which a bill must have passed at least one chamber to be viable this year. A new Schedule shows the session final day on April 3. The House and Senate have adopted their versions of the SFY 2009 amended budget, Gov. Perdue has proposed additional cuts for SFY 2010, and several measures send mixed messages on taxes.
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03.02.09
Highlights: The General Assembly has completed 24 legislative days. The House passed its version of the FY 2009 amended budget using federal stimulus funds to alleviate some cuts.
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02.24.09
Highlights: The General Assembly has completed 21 legislative days, slightly over half of the session. Govenor Perdue has lowered revenue estimates and ordered more budget cuts. The federal stimulus funds could help restore these and other cuts.
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02.18.09
Highlights: The General Assembly has completed 18 legislative days. Congress reached agreement on a stimulus package that promises needed relief to Georgia.
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02.10.09
Highlights: The General Assembly has completed 15 legislative days and has set a new schedule for the rest of the session. President Obama signed the federal SCHIP legislation offering additional money and options for covering children under PeachCare.
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02.02.09
Highlights: The General Assembly has completed 10 days of its 40 day session. Budget subcommittees have begun their reviews of agency proposals and may begin holding public hearings as early as the week of February 2.
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01.26.09
Highlights: The General Assembly was in recess for Dr. King’s Birthday and President Obama’s inauguration, then held hearings on agency budgets. It reconvenes on Monday, January 26th.
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01.20.09
Highlights: The General Assembly convened on January 12th. Gov. Perdue offered budget proposals that reflect the harsh economic conditions. Legislators will question agencies about their budgets the week of 1/19/09.
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