The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $5,000 grant July 26 to executive director Gary Wright and development director Nan Jenkins of A Friend’s House. It will be used to go toward the purchase and installation of new security cameras with audio capabilities.
A Friend’s House has used security cameras since the facility opened as a means to protect not only their residents, but to protect staff members as well. It became necessary a year ago that they add an audio component to their security system as an additional resource for their safety. When ordered by the courts, it is imperative that staff members be able to monitor conversations between the children and their parent(s), family members, etc.
According to Jenkins, it is much better to have something concrete to refer to than a he said/she said situation. The cameras, as well as the monitors/DVRs, will have to be upgraded in order to accommodate the sound features. This grant will allow all of this important work to be done immediately.
A Friend’s House is a home for children in crisis. The doors opened Oct. 27, 1998 and 1,960 children have been welcomed since then. A Friend’s House operates as a home for children in the custody of the Department of Family and Children Services. Residents stay for an unspecified length of time while the best course of action is determined based on a child’s assessment needs. A Friend’s House is dedicated to meeting the emotional and physical needs of children in crisis. Services such as counseling, medical treatment, academic assistance, and recreational opportunities are available for the children.
For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, make a donation or volunteer, visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org or contact executive director Rocky Davis at 770-478-8881.
On the front row, from left: Gary Wright, Sheri Dockweiler, Stacy Hammons, Nan Jenkins.
On the back row, from left: Rocky Davis, Pam Cisneros, Jenny Smith.
