The Center for Family Resources Blog http://thecfr.org Empowering Families to Help Themselves Thu, 17 May 2012 18:28:35 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.3 The Power of Human Kindness http://thecfr.org/the-power-of-human-kindness/ http://thecfr.org/the-power-of-human-kindness/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 18:28:35 +0000 Susie http://thecfr.org/?p=1900 Picking up today’s newspaper or turning on the local news, you will notice that our lives are consumed with scandals, wars, fears, and sicknesses. Yet, through all the fog and smoke this consumption brings, human kindness can peak through at a moment you least expect it. That is what happened at the Center for Family Resources (CFR) on Thursday, May 17, 2012, during a routine Adopt an Apartment project.

A group of seven volunteers from Lockheed Martin’s financial department donated their morning to transform an empty apartment into a home. They began the set up process using donated materials from the CFR. These basic household materials included bedding, towels, dishes, cookware, pillows, shower curtains, etc. During the set up process, the group discovered that a single mother of a three year old boy would be moving into the apartment. The family has been hopping from place to place practically living out of a car for the past few months. Upon hearing this information, the group immediately stopped what they were doing and rushed to the store. They returned with lamps, personal hygiene products, oven mitts, pots, pans, cutlery, storage containers, frames, shampoo, soap, a night stand, place mats, and coloring books.

It was a beautiful thing to observe human kindness being delivered to a family the group will never meet, and the power of this kindness is the life blood of our organization, community, and world.

]]> http://thecfr.org/the-power-of-human-kindness/feed/ 0 Balfour Beatty Transforms CFR Housing’s Landscape http://thecfr.org/balfour-beatty-transforms-cfr-housings-landscape/ http://thecfr.org/balfour-beatty-transforms-cfr-housings-landscape/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 14:12:17 +0000 Susie http://thecfr.org/?p=1860 The Center for Family Resources (CFR) is extremely grateful for the impact Balfour Beatty Construction makes to our community. Balfour Beatty donated their time and resources to transform our transitional housing complex’s landscape on Friday, May 11, 2012. Let’s take a journey through the day’s events:

(10:00 am- These were the old five foot bushes that covered up most of the apartment complex. Balfour Beatty came out early to pull them up, and these bushes didn’t go down without a fight.)



(10:30 am- The bushes and monkey grass Balfour Beatty donated to the CFR, and they can’t wait to be planted.)


(11:00 am- Before the Magic Happened)


(12:00 pm- Balfour Beatty Volunteers beginning the transformation)


(12:30 pm- A volunteer getting her hands dirty.)


(1:00 pm- Balfour Beatty volunteers have an eye for detail)


(2:00 pm- Taking a much deserved break)



(3:00 pm- Transformation Complete)



(Thank you to all of the Balfour Beatty Volunteers. The impact you made will last forever.)

]]> http://thecfr.org/balfour-beatty-transforms-cfr-housings-landscape/feed/ 0 You Can Help the CFR Stamp Out Hunger http://thecfr.org/you-can-help-the-cfr-stamp-out-hunger/ http://thecfr.org/you-can-help-the-cfr-stamp-out-hunger/#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:10:42 +0000 Susie http://thecfr.org/?p=1772 On Saturday, May 12, 2012, Campbell Soup Company and the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will help the Center for Family Resources (CFR) Stamp Out Hunger in Cobb County. Now in its 20th year, the Stamp Out Hunger food drive has become the nation’s largest single-day food drive benefiting Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. In 2011, generous Americans donated 70.2 million pounds of food, which marked the eighth consecutive year that at least 70 million pounds were collected by letter carriers.

Two Ways You can Help the CFR Stamp Out Hunger on May 12

1) Leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods, such as canned soup, canned vegetables, pasta, rice or cereal next to your mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery on Saturday, May 12. Cobb County letter carriers will collect these food donations as they deliver the mail and take them to the Center for Family Resources.

2) Volunteer to collect, count and sort all the generous donations from Cobb County residents from 2 pm to 6 pm. This volunteer opportunity is perfect for your family, fellow coworkers, or a group of your friends. Click Here to Sign Up today, because volunteer space is limited.

Photos from past Stamp Out Hunger Events

    

 


 

]]> http://thecfr.org/you-can-help-the-cfr-stamp-out-hunger/feed/ 0 The CFR Volunteers are Appreciated! http://thecfr.org/the-cfr-volunteers-are-appreciated/ http://thecfr.org/the-cfr-volunteers-are-appreciated/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:09:40 +0000 Susie http://thecfr.org/?p=1750 On Thursday, April 19, 2012, CFR volunteers, board members, committee members, and staff members attended 2012′s first Volunteer Meet and Greet. This event gave individuals, who currently donate their time to the CFR, the opportunity to meet the new volunteer coordinator, Chris Chamblee, share their fondest memories volunteering for the CFR, and discuss ideas for growing the volunteer program. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane!

(Gayle and Jennifer welcoming the volunteers)

(Volunteers entering and playing the Meet and Greet Challenge)

(Congratulation to Debby for winning the Challenge)

(CFR wants to thank the Mansour Center for providing refreshments and the room)

(Jeri Barr, CFR’s CEO, and Brian Noyes, CFR’s Board Chair Elect, talking with Nedra, CFR’s Thanks for Giving Volunteer)

As you can see, we had a blast! If you were unable to attend this event, stay tuned for the next Volunteer Meet and Greet.

]]> http://thecfr.org/the-cfr-volunteers-are-appreciated/feed/ 0 Local Girl Scout Troop Helps Make a House a Home http://thecfr.org/the-girl-scouts-make-a-home-at-the-cfr/ http://thecfr.org/the-girl-scouts-make-a-home-at-the-cfr/#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:08:46 +0000 Susie http://thecfr.org/?p=1711 Local Girl Scouts from Troop #7828 helped make a house a home for a family in need on April 18, 2012.  Through the Adopt-An-Apartment program at The Center for Family Resources, the troop donated time, materials and even interior design skills to make the apartment “move-in ready.”  The before and after photos below show just how much was accomplished – all in under an hour!  Thanks to all of the girls and parents who helped with the transformation.

If you are interested in the CFR’s Adopt-an-Apartment program for your coworkers, friends, or family, please contact Chris Chamblee at chrischamblee@thecfr.org.

]]> http://thecfr.org/the-girl-scouts-make-a-home-at-the-cfr/feed/ 0 2012 Annual Campaign http://thecfr.org/2012-annual-campaign/ http://thecfr.org/2012-annual-campaign/#comments Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:58:29 +0000 admin http://thecfr.org/?p=1693 Your gift of $57 (or whatever amount you contribute) can make a tremendous difference in bridging the funding gap for families.

Sometimes, as little as $57 can prevent homelessness and stabilize a family in need.

Job loss, injury, divorce or illness cause many families to come to The Center For Family Resources (CFR) seeking assistance with rent and utilities.

As a family deals with their crisis, they may have only enough money to pay the rent. The utility and water bills go unpaid, and late fees pile up. There is little or no money for food, diapers, school supplies, toiletry items or bus fare.

If a family can’t pay the rent at all, they quickly find themselves facing eviction, incurring a whole host of other fees, and a greater risk of becoming homeless.

CFR uses a pool of restricted grant funds to provide rent and utility assistance for cases like this. This funding is a lifeline, but also comes with tight regulations, and pays only very specific expenses. A funding gap occurs when that last amount of money a family needs—such as $57 in late fees—is not covered.

When CFR can pair unrestricted dollars with restricted dollars, we can make a greater impact in helping families. We not only stabilize a family’s situation, but also put them on stronger footing for the next month.

Your support on an annual basis ensures CFR continually has the resources needed to help families break the cycle of poverty.

]]> http://thecfr.org/2012-annual-campaign/feed/ 0 Rolling out the Red Carpet for Fundraising http://thecfr.org/rolling-out-the-red-carpet-for-fundraising/ http://thecfr.org/rolling-out-the-red-carpet-for-fundraising/#comments Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:47:23 +0000 admin http://thecfr.org/?p=1690 For 19 years Oscar Night America (ONA), the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ grassroots program, has enabled local charities to host glamorous Oscar® viewing parties.

The Center for Family Resources hosted the event on Sunday, February 26. We rolled out the red carpet with an exclusive dinner, silent and live auctions and viewing of the 84th Annual Academy Awards®. Our dance floor and photo booth were a hit. While dancing the night away, CFR raised more than $290,000 to support families in need.

For a snapshot of our event, pictures can be found here.

]]> http://thecfr.org/rolling-out-the-red-carpet-for-fundraising/feed/ 0 Oscar Night® America – Atlanta Raises $290,000 for The Center for Family Resources http://thecfr.org/oscar-night%c2%ae-america-%e2%80%93-atlanta-raises-290000-for-the-center-for-family-resources/ http://thecfr.org/oscar-night%c2%ae-america-%e2%80%93-atlanta-raises-290000-for-the-center-for-family-resources/#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:22:48 +0000 Susie http://thecfr.org/?p=1663  
 

(from left): Jeri Barr presents CFR's 2012 Founders' Award to long-time friend and CFR supporter, Lynda Teague Ausburn. An annual recognition, the Center for Family Resources Founders’ Award was established to recognize a company, organization or individual who best exemplifies the work and mission of The Center for Family Resources, as well as the spirit and vision of founders Fred Bentley, Sr., Howard Ector, and Harry Holliday.

(Atlanta, Ga.—March 6, 2012) – On Sunday, February 26, The Center for Family Resources (CFR) hosted Atlanta’s only officially-sanctioned Oscar Night® America party, an annual fundraiser event that raised more than $290,000 with all proceeds supporting the mission and work of CFR.   The 2012 event returned to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and welcomed more than 800 guests.

The event was one of 49 official parties sanctioned by the Academy held across the country on Oscar Night.  The evening’s program was emceed by WSB-TV’s Jovita Moore.  Co-chaired by Ron and Claire Francis and John and Robin Moore, the fundraiser marked the 11th consecutive year the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science has given CFR the honor of hosting Atlanta’s only official Oscar® party.  The evening’s program also included the 2012 CFR Founders’ Award, presented to long-time friend and CFR supporter, Lynda Teague Ausburn. 

“We were excited to have been recognized once again as a premier organization in Atlanta and to be given the opportunity to host an official party,” said Jeri Barr, CFR CEO. “It was a special honor that Ron and Claire Francis and John and Robin Moore agreed to provide the leadership as chairs and co-chairs.  Our success is directly attributable to them and their outstanding leadership of this year’s planning committee.” 

Guests were greeted by paparazzi and the evening’s red carpet host, Veronica Waters of WSB-Radio. Designed in two parts, the event featured an exclusive Sponsors Dinner before the broadcast of the 84th Annual Academy Awards®, and the Viewing Party.    Sponsors and guests were treated to an exclusive dinner and silent and live auctions before attending the viewing party. 

“Robin and I were absolutely blown away with the event presentation,” said John Moore, co-chair.  “The best part of all was raising money in these difficult economic times for such aworthwhile cause.  Thanks all around to all the many volunteers, our wonderful staff and the gracious sponsors.” 

The evening was filled with entertainment including one complimentary cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, photo booth, and lounge with dance floor and DJ.  Dress for Oscar Night® America- Atlanta was “red carpet chic.” 

“Claire and I were honored to co-chair the 2012 Oscar Night gala with John and Robin Moore. It is exciting to be a part of a successful gala that raised funds for the Center for Family Resources, an organization committed to making our community a better place, said Ron Francis, co-chair. “We commend the board and the staff at CFR for a job well done, and we thank the individuals and local companies that helped ensure the gala’s success through their sponsorships.”

Of note, Oscar Night® America – Atlanta was honored to welcome two actors who are no strangers to the red carpet and all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood as both are veterans of television and film. Atlanta-native Jasmine Guy attended the event.  Guy is perhaps best known for her award-winning role as southern belle Whitley Gilbert in the television sitcom, “A Different World.”  Also appearing at Sunday’s event was actor Ben Guillory. A recipient of a 2008 Ovation award, Guillory has a rich history of stage and film credits, including Oscar-nominated film, The Color Purple. Guillory also attended the 2011 event. 

Oscar Night America (ONA), the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ grassroots program that enables local charities to host glamorous Oscar® viewing parties and raise money for their organizations, kicks off its 19th year in 2012. Since its inception in 1994, the program has generated over $30 million in funding for a wide spectrum of charitable organizations – every cent staying within the community where it was raised. 

Sponsors included Signature Host WellStar Health System and Celebrated Icon sponsors Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and Genuine Parts Company. Command Performer sponsors included BB&T, Clear Channel Outdoor– Atlanta, Comcast, The Color Spot, First Landmark Bank, Lockheed Martin, Mopdog Creative + Strategy, Moore Colson, Moore, Ingram, Johnson, and Steele and S.A. White Oil. The Encore Entertainer sponsors were Choate Construction and Walton Communities. Marquee Star sponsors included Aon, Cobb EMC, Convergence Acceleration Solutions/CAS Group, Fifth Third Bank, Gas South, Georgia Power, Mansfield Oil, Towers Watson and Wells Fargo. Featured Player sponsors included Alston and Bird, AT&T, Ayoub & Mansour, Bank of North Georgia, Bentley, Bentley, & Bentley, Robert Bowden, Inc., Community & Southern Bank, Douglas H. Chaffins, CPA, Hardin Construction, Indian Hills Country Club, Kennesaw State University, LGE Community Credit Union, Marietta Nondestructive Testing, Marietta Power and Water, Mauldin & Jenkins, MSI Benefits Group, Moore & Cubbedge, R. F. Knox Company, The Bottoms Group, The Ligon Foundation and Vinings Bank.

Since 1960, CFR has helped thousands of low-income families with temporary financial and food assistance, employment, education, and housing services. Guided by organizational values of Family, Integrity, Results, Service and Teamwork, the staff at CFR is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by helping families acquire the resources they need to become independent and self-sufficient.  For more information, please contact Gayle Popham, Chief Development Officer at (770) 428-2601, ext. 253.

### 

]]> http://thecfr.org/oscar-night%c2%ae-america-%e2%80%93-atlanta-raises-290000-for-the-center-for-family-resources/feed/ 0 The Center for Family Resources Recognizes Staff Milestone Anniversaries http://thecfr.org/the-center-for-family-resources-recognizes-staff-milestone-anniversaries/ http://thecfr.org/the-center-for-family-resources-recognizes-staff-milestone-anniversaries/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:02:53 +0000 Susie http://thecfr.org/?p=1644 Marietta, Ga. (January 25, 2012) — On Monday, January 23, The Center for Family Resources (CFR) hosted its annual dinner celebration honoring CFR board, donors, volunteers and staff.  During the program, eight CFR staff members received recognition for meeting milestone anniversaries. 

 Lee Freeman, Project Director and Deborah Black, Facilities Services, were recognized for 15 years of service. Gail Franklin, GED Instructor, was recognized for 10 years of service.  Pam Brems, Mansour Center Director, Jennifer Cain, Development and Volunteer Coordinator, Mandy Crimens, Direct Services Case Manager, Tiffany Grant, Housing Services Case Manager and Marion Taylor, Evening Receptionist were also recognized for five years of service.

 “It is such an honor to recognize the years of service provided by these staff members,” said Jeri Barr, CEO of The Center for Family Resources. “We are honored to have a staff full of individuals who believe in their work and the mission of the organization. Their commitment empowers the families we serve and impacts the strength of the community in which we live and work.” 

###

]]> http://thecfr.org/the-center-for-family-resources-recognizes-staff-milestone-anniversaries/feed/ 0 CFR Announces Annual Awards: Donors and Volunteers Recognized for Support During 2011 http://thecfr.org/cfr-announces-annual-awards-donors-and-volunteers-recognized-for-support-during-2011/ http://thecfr.org/cfr-announces-annual-awards-donors-and-volunteers-recognized-for-support-during-2011/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:01:54 +0000 Susie http://thecfr.org/?p=1642  
 

Marietta, Ga. (January 25, 2012) — On Monday, January 23, The Center for Family Resources (CFR) hosted its annual dinner celebration honoring CFR board, donors, volunteers and staff. 

 The annual dinner celebration also included recognition of donors and volunteers who made a difference to CFR in 2011. The “Helping Hand” Volunteer of the Year awarded was presented to Kristin Hanfland and Penny Warren. The “So Kind for In-Kind” Award was presented to Pollock Paper Distributing. The F.I.R.S.T. Award was presented to Northwest Exterminating. The “Count on Me” Award was presented to Kathy Mooney. The “Save the Day” Award was presented to Attic Self Storage and the “Meet the Need” Award was presented to North River Church of Christ and TerraGo Technologies.

 “Our volunteers continued to be the life-blood of the organization,” said Jeri Barr, CEO of The Center for Family Resources. “From board leadership to GED tutors, and apartment set-ups to food drives, our volunteers make what we do possible. We are proud to honor their support.”  

 During 2011, More than 500 volunteers gave nearly 7,000 hours of time to CFR.  That is a dollar value of nearly $147,000.

 

###

 

From left: Bryan Burns and Lorna Reddicks from TerraGo Technologies stand with Jeri Barr, Cheryl Musial and Bob Kiser to receive the “Meet the Need” Award, recognizing their support of Thanks for Giving and the CFR Housing Program.

 

A representative from North River Church of Christ was present to receive the “Meet the Need” Award in recognition of the church’s partnership with CFR.
From left: Jeri Barr, CEO stands with volunteer Kathy Mooney and Cheryl Musial as Mooney is honored with the “Count on Me” Award. Mooney has volunteered in the CFR Job Lab since 2005.
Pollock Distributing Branch Manager Ray Millet and Angela Bay were honored with the “So Kind for In-Kind” Award for their support of Thanks for Giving 2011. The company provided 1,400 new boxes for packing food and supplies for the Mansour Center.

From right: Toni and Steve Phillips stand with Jeri Barr to receive the F.I.R.S.T. Award, presented to Northwest Exterminating for their monetary and pest control services support provided to CFR and the Mansour Center during 2011.

From left, volunteer Penny Warren stands with Jeri Barr, CEO, Cheryl Musial, Board Chair and volunteer Kristin Hanfland. Warren and Hanfland received the “Helping Hand” Volunteer of the Year Award for their continued support of CFR’s Thanks for Giving food distribution.

 

]]> http://thecfr.org/cfr-announces-annual-awards-donors-and-volunteers-recognized-for-support-during-2011/feed/ 0