When Cesar Martinez moved from Colombia to the United States in 2022, he was focused on building a better future for his family. Cesar is a former teacher who worked closely with local government leaders in his hometown. He left behind a career, a community, and familiarity in search of safety and opportunity for his wife and two sons.

The transition was far from easy. As an immigrant navigating a new country, Cesar faced language barriers, long work hours, and the constant pressure of providing for his family. He took whatever work he could find, from warehouse jobs and truck driving to cleaning Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Ģ����Ƶ. As the leader of his household, he carried the weight of making sure his family could succeed in their new life.

Cesar’s wife gently reminded him that while he was working hard to provide for their family, his presence was just as important. But he struggled to find purposeful time with his 9- and 11-year-old children.

Determined to be more involved in his children’s lives, Cesar looked for ways to spend meaningful time with them despite his demanding work schedule. He decided to coach his youngest son’s soccer team, a choice that would unexpectedly open new doors. 

Finding the Tools to Be the Father He Wanted to Be

Through connections he made on the field, Cesar was introduced to , where he eventually became the organization’s 2024 High School Director. There, he developed and expanded after-school programs that provided academic support, college and career preparation, and family engagement services for high school students in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties. 

It was through another trusted community connection that Cesar first learned about the Raising Highly Capable Kids (RHCK) program. While attending an open house at Central Gwinnett High School, Cesar was encouraged by the school principal to speak with a pastor who was sharing information about RHCK. Although the opportunity intrigued him, Cesar hesitated. He worried that his English might not be strong enough to fully understand the curriculum, and he wasn’t sure how he could fit 10 sessions into an already packed schedule.

Still, he decided to give it a chance, because he deeply desired to improve the dynamic of his family. For Cesar, that desire was rooted in his own childhood experiences.

He grew up in a home where conflict and intense arguments were common. When tensions escalated, he often left the house until everything was over. But when he returned, the distance between family members, the tears, and the emotional wounds remained. There were also times when discipline felt harsh. 

Some memories still affect Cesar today. When his two sons argue, he sometimes finds himself thinking about conflicts between his older brothers that deeply impacted his family. 

“I do not want my children to repeat those patterns,” Cesar said. “I want them to respect one another, care for each other’s hearts, and understand the value of their relationship as brothers.”

Cesar’s experiences shaped his motivation to create a different kind of environment for his own children and become a more intentional father. He wanted to build a home defined not by conflict, but by love, patience, respect, and healthy communication.

After attending the first RHCK session, any doubts Cesar had about the workshop quickly faded. “I need to be here,” he remembered thinking. “This program can give me tools to be a better father.”

One experience in the workshop resonated the most with Cesar. As another parent described the frustration of trying to manage a household when children didn’t follow directions, he saw his own family’s struggles reflected in her story. The exchange reminded him that many parents face similar challenges, and it made him feel less alone in his journey. The supportive environment helped him stay committed, and each session confirmed that his investment of time was worthwhile.

Making Changes His Family Could Feel

Before RHCK, tension and arguments were common in Cesar’s home. Like many parents balancing work, stress, and family responsibilities, he sometimes struggled to communicate and respond in difficult moments. While he deeply loved his family, he recognized that some of his habits were creating distance.

Throughout the RHCK program, he learned about the 40 Developmental Assets, the building blocks that equip parents to lead their children in healthy ways. For Cesar, the most impactful asset was “positive family communication.” It helped him learn and maintain practical tools for managing his emotions, communicating more effectively, and becoming a better listener. 

“In the past, I would often react quickly. Today, I try to pause, be more patient, and put myself in my child’s position. I try to ask questions and understand what they are feeling at that moment before responding,” Cesar said.

Cesar’s kids noticed the change in him. “At one point,” he recalled, “my children even asked their mother, ‘What is happening to Dad? He used to react differently, and now he is much more patient and doesn’t get angry as quickly.’”

The program also helped Cesar communicate better with his wife. “When she gives me advice about how to approach a situation with our children, I listen more carefully and try to work together with her,” Cesar said. “Overall, I have become much more intentional about building stronger communication within our family.”

The transformation was so meaningful that Cesar wanted other families to experience it, too. After completing RHCK, he encouraged his supervisor at Corners Outreach to bring the program to that organization. His efforts were successful, and today RHCK is helping even more parents around Norcross strengthen their relationships with their children.

Redefining What Success Means as a Parent

Cesar credits RHCK with helping him become a better husband, father, professional, and overall person. 

Five years ago, Cesar’s primary goal was finding a better job and creating financial stability for his family. While those goals still matter, he now believes one of the most important investments he can make is building a strong foundation at home—one rooted in trust, communication, and connection. That commitment shows up in simple but intentional ways. No matter how busy life becomes, Cesar prioritizes dedicated time with his children, even if it’s only 20 uninterrupted minutes of conversation each day.

He now measures success differently. It’s no longer defined by the job he holds or the hours he works, but by the relationships he’s building with the people he loves most.

Cesar’s story is a reminder that families will grow stronger when parents are supported. And when families thrive, entire communities benefit. What began as one father’s commitment to being more present has already helped other families through Corners Outreach, and Cesar hopes that impact will continue to spread. 

Bring the Transformation of RHCK to Your Family and Community

If you’re interested in getting the tools and support to bring more strength and stability to your family, please visit our Raising Highly Capable Kids page.

All images courtesy of Cesar Martinez.

The post The Father He Wanted to Be: Cesar’s Transformation Through RHCK appeared first on For Opportunity.

• Our BETTER WORK program harnesses the transformative power of local partnerships to get more people hired and build prosperous, stable communities.

• Four standout collaborators—Essendant, Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, D.P. Jones Electrical, and Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministries (CVEM)—are showing how business and nonprofit involvement can fuel economic opportunity and serve the holistic needs of those working to escape poverty.

• Together, GCO and our partners are dedicated to more than building better work. We’re building environments where everyone has a chance to reach their full potential.

In the tapestry of a thriving community, threads of collaboration weave a narrative of hope and opportunity for those who need it most. The collective efforts of local organizations, community leaders, and neighbors form the foundation upon which individuals facing challenges can build a brighter future.��

In the pursuit of creating a more prosperous and stable community, the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity’s (GCO) BETTER WORK program has harnessed the transformative power of partnerships. Among these alliances, four standout collaborators—Essendant, Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, D.P. Jones Electrical, and Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministries (CVEM)—exemplify how synergy between businesses and nonprofits makes it possible for communities to experience greater transformation and well-being.��

Essendant: A Distributor with a Difference

Type of Business: Distinguished distribution company based in Suwanee, Ģ����Ƶ.

Partnership History: Has been an employer partner in GCO’s BETTER WORK Gwinnett (BWG) program since August 2022.��

Their Impact: ’s involvement is not merely transactional—it represents a commitment to community growth and development. By actively participating in the BETTER WORK program, Essendant contributes to the creation of a more vibrant and economically stable community.��

• Their commitment to the program is evident in their proactive approach, going above and beyond in reaching out and interviewing every candidate referred by GCO.
• Their consistency in communication has been a cornerstone of their partnership. By keeping us updated on the progress of candidates, they ensure a transparent and collaborative process.
• Three individuals referred by BWG have been employed at Essendant for over three months, highlighting the tangible impact of this partnership on local employment opportunities.

Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries: Nurturing Communities, Transforming Lives

Type of Business: Nonprofit organization in Norcross, Ģ����Ƶ.

Partnership History: Has been a community partner since the inception of GCO’s BETTER WORK program.��

Their Impact: NCM has stood as an unwavering partner, embodying values of compassion, faithfulness, and trustworthiness that align seamlessly with the BETTER WORK initiative’s people-centric approach. Their impact extends well beyond the professional realm, delving into the core of individual needs.��

• Their comprehensive support system—encompassing financial aid, shelter, and food resources—plays a pivotal role in empowering candidates referred by the BETTER WORK program.��
• NCM’s commitment to addressing the holistic needs of individuals creates an environment where securing employment becomes a stepping stone toward self-sufficiency.
  
• Together, BETTER WORK and NCM orchestrate various initiatives, with NCM hosting job events that connect job seekers with potential employers. NCM’s clients benefit from the invaluable support provided by the BETTER WORK program, including job coaching, resume assistance, and essential career advice.

“Through these partnerships, GCO and our collaborators are doing so much more than building better work. We are tirelessly constructing a better future for all, fostering an environment where individuals can reach their full potential and proving that this approach is possible for any community seeking hope and opportunity.”

“Through these partnerships, GCO and our collaborators are doing so much more than building better work. We are tirelessly constructing a better future for all, fostering an environment where individuals can reach their full potential and proving that this approach is possible for any community seeking hope and opportunity.”

D.P. Jones Electrical: Illuminating Opportunities

Type of Business: Family-owned and operated business established in 1939.��

Partnership History: Recent addition to the employer partner network for BETTER WORK Columbus.��

Their Impact: brings with them a legacy of customer satisfaction and an eagerness to give back to the community.��

• Their commitment to offering opportunities is exemplified by the employment of a BETTER WORK candidate who was initially feeling defeated in his job search.

• The collaborative efforts between the candidate, the BETTER WORK team, and D.P. Jones Electrical resulted in permanent full-time employment. Edward Russel, the newest member of the D.P. Jones’ team, expresses his appreciation for working in a company that values him and shares his family values.

• The company’s commitment to on-the-job training provides individuals like Edward with the chance to learn a trade while supporting their families.

Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministries (CVEM): Empowering Communities in Times of Need

Type of Business: A non-profit outreach ministry in Columbus, GA

Partnership History: Community partner with BETTER WORK Columbus

Their Impact: stands as a beacon of support for individuals facing great need or crisis.��

• Collaborating with BETTER WORK Columbus, CVEM addresses concerns related to housing, medical expenses, household furnishings, education, and job-related expenses.��
• Their flexibility and responsiveness empower individuals to succeed as they position themselves for better job opportunities and futures.

Partnerships Unlock the Life-Changing Power of Work

It’s through local partnerships that we are able to help more people achieve a better life through the power of work. Partners like Essendant, Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, D.P. Jones Electrical, and Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministries are a few of the shining examples that illustrate the positive outcomes that come from strategic alliances.��

Through these partnerships, GCO and our collaborators are doing so much more than building better work. We are tirelessly constructing a better future for all, fostering an environment where individuals can reach their full potential and proving that this approach is possible for any community seeking hope and opportunity.��

Learn More Ģ����Ƶ Partnering with BETTER WORK

If you are connected to a business or nonprofit organization interested in collaborating with our local BETTER WORK chapters, go here to learn more and contact us:

The post Building Better Work: The Power of Community and Business Partnerships appeared first on For Opportunity.

Key Points

• ��The BETTER WORK Program attracted over 60 participants seeking employment assistance.
• The event brought together job seekers, employers, and mentors in Lawrenceville and Norcross.
• The Gwinnett Housing Corporation, , and the ��joined forces, pooling their resources to help those in the community in need.��

recently organized an event that brought together job seekers, employers, and mentors in Lawrenceville and Norcross. The event was a resounding success, attracting over 60 individuals interested in the .

The BETTER WORK Program: Assisting Job Seekers

The BETTER WORK Program, a centerpiece of the event, garnered significant attention from attendees. Job seekers flocked to the program seeking much-needed employment assistance. By participating in the Better Work Program, individuals gain access to valuable resources and support, increasing their chances of securing meaningful employment. The program offers a range of services, including resume building, interview preparation, and job placement assistance.

A Portal for Success: Sign-ups and Employment Assistance

The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with numerous attendees signing up for the BETTER WORK Program through the designated online portal. Overjoyed by the level of interest, our team was delighted to assist these individuals in taking their first steps towards a better future. By providing a user-friendly portal, we streamlined the sign-up process, ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.

Together, these organizations demonstrated their commitment to empowering individuals in the Lawrenceville and Norcross communities, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive.

Together, these organizations demonstrated their commitment to empowering individuals in the Lawrenceville and Norcross communities, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive.

Collaboration for Community Success

The success of the event can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of multiple organizations. The Gwinnett Housing Corporation, , and the joined forces, pooling their resources to make this event a reality. Together, these organizations demonstrated their commitment to empowering individuals in the Lawrenceville and Norcross communities, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive. As we celebrate the success of this event, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in making it possible. Together, we are building a brighter future for the Lawrenceville and Norcross communities.��

The post Empowering Job Seekers: The Gwinnett Housing Corporation Event appeared first on For Opportunity.

Key Points

Speakers will include:

• Michael Doyne, principal of Lilburn Middle School
• Dr. Natalie Looney, principal of Summerour Middle School in Norcross
• Kristen Hypolite, chief operations officer with the nonprofit Every Woman Works based in Roswell, Ģ����Ƶ

A key part of our mission at the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity is to turn broken relationships into flourishing families. Today, more than ever, there are shattered relationships across our culture — at home, at work, and at school. But even as the problems exist in our communities, we firmly believe that our communities also offer the solutions.

That’s why we are organizing a new Breakthrough event focused on community solutions to family and relational health. The event is on Thursday, August 25, from 10:30am to 12:30pm at Sonesta Gwinnett Place Atlanta in Duluth, Ģ����Ƶ. Lunch is included.��

A major part of the effort will focus on the need to reach young people with relationship skill building while they are still in school. It’s still early enough to teach these students the fundamental building blocks of healthy relationships, so they can have the right attitude and drive their behavior toward good choices. While many of them have already experienced broken relationships in the home, it’s not too early to make an impact.

Along these lines, we will be featuring speakers who have vast experience and a deep understanding of these issues.��

Michael Doyne and Dr. Natalie Looney

The first of these is Michael Doyne, principal of Lilburn Middle School. GCO has partnered with the school to present four sessions of our Strengthening Families Program. At least 100 families have gone through this program, which has been offered in Spanish. The school has seen a huge improvement in the relationships of their students and amongst the parents themselves.

Another panel will feature Dr. Natalie Looney, principal of Summerour Middle School in Norcross. GCO is preparing to offer our Strengthening Families Program class at Summerour beginning in September.

Questions for both Mr. Doyne and Dr. Looney will include:

• How have relationships at your schools changed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic?
• How �󲹱����’t they changed? How are things still the same?
• What led you to partner with GCO?
• What approaches do you find at most successful at helping students and parents today?

Kristen Hypolite of Every Woman Works (EWW)

Another panel discussion will be with Kristen Hypolite, chief operations officer with the nonprofit Every Woman Works based in Roswell, Ģ����Ƶ. EWW’s mission is to equip women with the training and resources needed to attain self-sufficiency and achieve gainful employment. EWW helps women re-engineer their lives, understanding where they came from and the attitudes and beliefs they can change to improve their lives.

Questions covered will include:

• How has the strong partnership between EWW and GCO strengthened the EWW community?
• How has this partnership benefitted the women in your program?
• What are you seeing in the clients you serve to implement healthy relationships skills training in your program?
• Before the women enter your program, what Attitudes, Behaviors and Choices (ABCs) are you seeing?
• In what ways have you seen the ABC’s transformed the ladies differently after attending the relationship skills training?

The post Local schools and nonprofit, Every Woman Works, lend their voice at Breakthrough appeared first on For Opportunity.

Key Points

• Express Employment professionals works with 70 companies in Gwinnett and in DeKalb Counties to help them find top talent.

• Eric has utilized the BETTER WORK portal to help job seekers streamline the application process.��

• Workers are getting multiple jobs to cover all these expenses to sustain their quality of life amidst inflation.

A BETTER WORK Partner who helps job seekers find positions where they can thrive

Eric Watson and his wife started Express Employment Professionals almost two decades ago. They focus primarily on long-term contract staffing in manufacturing, warehousing logistics, office administration, and professional placement. Express Employment professionals works with 70 companies in Gwinnett and in DeKalb Counties to help them find top talent.��

“Once we’ve helped these companies find good people, the company will either hire them immediately as a direct hire, or they’ll attempt to hire,” Eric says.

For employees who aren’t brought in as immediate direct hires, Express Employment professionals takes them on temporarily for a 90-day period, after which they’re released and hired full-time by their respective companies.

Helping a diverse job seeker base find employment

Eric and his team work with a wide range of individuals, communities, and organizations to place strong job candidates with the companies that need them. They partner with nonprofits in both Gwinnett and DeKalb Counties. Some of these organizations include Goodwill, resettlement agencies in Clarkston, and Center for Pan Asian Community Services (CPACS) in Chamblee.��

Additionally, Eric works with Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries in Norcross, who ultimately referred him to BETTER WORK. Since our partnership with Eric began, he has utilized the BETTER WORK portal to help job seekers streamline the application process.��

“It’s very easy for us because BETTER WORK applicants apply on the portal,” Eric says. “We get emails periodically from folks who are interested in applying for our open positions.

“We have someone designated in my office who determines if we’ve got a position, and whether applicants match the skill set and experience there we’re looking for. Then, we schedule them for an interview, bring them in, and hopefully get them placed very quickly.”

Eric and his team provide a monthly flier highlighting the top job openings available through BETTER WORK. It’s a one-page sheet listing positions they’re trying to fill, including jobs in office administration, accounting, human resources, manufacturing, warehousing, specialty staffing, and more.

“It’s very easy for us because BETTER WORK applicants apply on the portal.” ����

�� �� �� �� �� �� �� ��Eric Watson��

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Common employment obstacles in Gwinnett County��

In the current environment, both employers and job seekers alike are facing a plethora of obstacles. According to Eric, Gwinnett County’s greatest employer obstacle is finding workers.��

“Our biggest challenge is finding workers who are work-ready,” he says. “There seems to be a huge shortage of folks who are available and willing to work. I think we’re very close to, if not at full, employment. It’s just very, very difficult.”��

Eric says that it’s common for workers to leave the jobs they’re placed in within days to weeks of beginning work. Company loyalty has become a thing of the past, and workers are more prone to moving from one job to another rather than staying in one place.��

“I think workers are trying to seek out the best compensation package,” Eric says. “A lot of times, that includes more benefits. On the flip side, I think employers are starting to offer more flexible work schedules to attract folks.”��

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Eric says it was more difficult for workers to find flexible jobs. However, he’s observed that employers are more willing to consider flexibility these days.��

For workers, the greatest roadblock is making enough money to sustain their quality of life amidst inflation and skyrocketing prices of gas, food, and necessities. Since disposable income is dropping, Eric says workers are getting multiple jobs to cover all these expenses.

“Workers may have a primary job,” Eric says, “but then they have a secondary job after hours or on the weekends just to make ends meet.”��

Because of companies’ need for workers and workers’ need for flexibility and a stronger income, Eric says this is a workers’ market. One of his most memorable job placements was a woman from Lilburn who was looking for a company that would accommodate the schedule she needed.��

“A packaging company in Stone Mountain, about 15 minutes from her home, accommodated her on the schedule she asked for,” Eric says. “It’s not a traditional 8-to-5, Monday through Friday. She was able to work in the middle of the afternoon till the early evening hours.

“The company was able to accommodate her in order to be able to get her. She’s very happy and is working toward permanent employment.”

BETTER WORK is proud to partner with businesses and community organizations like Express Employment Professionals. This collaboration in the Ģ����Ƶ communities of Gwinnett County in metro Atlanta and Columbus prepares lower income populations for a better future through meaningful work and upward mobility. Businesses, nonprofits, community providers, religious institutions, and job placement agencies all come together to provide a local safety net.

Learn more about Express Employment Professionals .

The post Meet Eric Watson of Express Employment Professionals appeared first on For Opportunity.

That’s why 75 couples in the Norcross and Peachtree Corners area have decided to take an evening to invest in their relationship by attending the Healthy Family Initiative’s date night event, “Twogether Forever: You and I.” The evening, which has sold out completely, will be a time of romance for couples to reconnect while they enjoy dinner, dancing, entertainment, games, and more.

While it is often difficult for couples to break away from responsibilities, the evening aims to be free of distractions, offering a time strictly devoted to marriage relationships.

Taking time for a . Husbands and wives who engaged in spending time with their spouse at least once a week are approximately 3.5 times more likely to report being “very happy” in their marriages, compared to those who enjoyed less quality time with their spouse.

Healthy marriages are the cornerstone of strong families, which means investing time into your romantic relationship is worth every minute. Our goal at HFI is to provide the tools and time for couples and families to connect in a meaningful way, making their relationships and family dynamics indestructible against all of the stresses life may bring.

For more information about this date night/join the waiting list, or learn more about future events, visit .

The post SOLD OUT! appeared first on For Opportunity.

Online classes are here! Participants can get all the same valuable information and tools from the FREE community classes, but in the comfort of their home and at their own pace.

It is our hope that having a FREE online option will allow more people to build healthy, happy, and lasting relationships with their spouses, families, and children.

As of today, the following courses are available for enrollment through the HFI website:

• ePrep: Maximizing Your Romantic Relationship
  • For Dating, Engaged, or Married Couples
  • This course is for couples who want to make their relationship the best it can be. It will challenge you to think about things you’ve never thought about before and help you to see yourself, your partner, and your relationship in a whole new light.

*This course uses material from Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP).

• Head Meets Heart (formerly known as Sex, Lies, and Relationships)
  • Primarily for singles
  • This program teaches students how to pace the development of a new relationship in a healthy way, and it also covers the five areas in a partner’s life that accurately predict what type of person they’ll be in a long-term relationship.

* This course uses material from Dr. John Van Epp’s How to Avoid Falling in Love with a Jerk or Jerkette.

We know schedules are busy, and the online courses offer a self-paced journey to more effective communication in your life. Plus, they’re all free!

It is our goal to continue to grow the online courses offered – stay tuned for more!

The post Exploring Healthy Relationships with Online Classes appeared first on For Opportunity.

Permissive attitudes towards divorce and unrealistic expectations for single parents, however, do not make for human flourishing. The report cites sociologist Sara McLanahan and economist Isabel Sawhill, who write, “Most scholars now agree that children raised by two biological parents in a stable marriage do better than children in other family forms.” Additionally, economist Raj Chetty that the foremost indicator of upward mobility among poor children is the percentage of children with single parents.

Still, the study does present positive findings. 71 percent of surveyed residents agree that it is important to wait until marriage to have kids. Overall, marriage continues to enjoy high interest in the area: 47 percent of 18-45 year old residents in Norcross and Peachtree Corners are married, and another 46 percent would like to be married.

Our Healthy Families Initiative (HFI) hopes for more clear thinking on family formation. We want to equip fathers and mothers in Peachtree Corners and Norcross, so they can give what children need: a permanent, stable, and loving home environment. To this end, HFI offers workshops to local residents regarding fatherhood, dating, and relationship building within marriage. Registration for workshops is for local residents, married and unmarried.

The post A Marriage Problem In Norcross and Peachtree Corners appeared first on For Opportunity.

This matching gift challenge was issued by individuals who believe in GCO’s mission and want to see others join in these efforts. Not only do your donations help us financially, they send a message that there are people who care about this work and want to see improvement in our state and more importantly the lives of individual Ģ����Ƶns who are ready to succeed – through hard work and determination – when given a chance.

We’re so grateful to all of GCO’s donors, volunteers, and advocates! As a non-profit organization our work would not be possible without the individuals who support us.

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation and have your gift doubled, visit Ģ����ƵOpportunity.org/Donate or mail a check to Kelly McGonigal, Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity, 333 Research Court, Suite 210, Norcross, GA 30092.

The post Give a Little, Get a Lot! appeared first on For Opportunity.

Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity’s Healthy Families Initiative (HFI) launch on Thursday, April 7th was a great success. The goal of the event was to bring together community leaders, certified trainers, pastors, businesses, and GCO supporters for a day of focusing on families and to provide them with news about this new initiative and the work being done in Norcross and Peachtree Corners.

Joyce Whitted, HFI Program Manager, shared detailed information about the five focus areas of the initiative, including:
1. Launching a PR campaign saturating the community with positive messaging about family.

2. Providing relationship education and enrichment courses.

3. Working with local churches and other religious organization to provide mentoring to adolescents and young couples

4. Improving vocational education and apprenticeship opportunities in the area

5. Working with leaders to ensure state laws encourage family formation

Community partners like the A.Worley Boys & Girls Club, Norcross Human Services Center, Robert D. Fowler YMCA, Single Parent Alliance Resource Center, and Community Based Mentoring were in attendance to lend their support for the program. Guest speakers Bishop Garland Hunt of The Father’s House, Greg Griffin, a Christian counselor, and Shay Marlowe, Goodwill Career Services and a HFI Certified Trainer in 24/7 Dad all echoed the importance of healthy families and how it impacts everyone in Ģ����Ƶ.

Beverly Washington, a resident of Norcross, stated that her greatest take-a-ways were “Networking and seeing so many passionate individuals focused on helping our community.”

The certified trainers who have been on the ground helping to educate individuals and families on healthy relationship skills were also on-hand to give personal accounts of their interactions with participants in the programs being offered through the HFI Initiative.

The event was a success because those in attendance expressed their passion to be part of the positive focus on healthy families and, ultimately, to see the negative trends plaguing families in Ģ����Ƶ reversed.

For more information about how to get involved with the Healthy Families Initiative visit or call 877-814-0535.

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