Advocates for Children Celebrates 30 Years

Advocates for Children’s 30-Year Anniversary Celebration, presented by Century Bank of Georgia, was attended by more than 300 guests on Oct. 8, at the Clarence Brown Conference Center, according to the press release. 

The nonprofit that provides direct care to children who are victims of abuse and neglect and offers programming that focuses on the prevention of child abuse and on crucial elements of family wellness was founded in 1983 by concerned community members. 

Guests of the anniversary celebration included founders, past board members, staff, invested community members, volunteers, elected officials, donors and a young man who himself was an infant in the children’s shelter 24 years ago. Every person who was present has had a hand in the continued success of Advocates’ programs and services.

With opening remarks from Patty Eagar, executive director, and Matt Moore, 2013 board chairman, the past, present and future of Advocates for Children were chronicled, with special emphasis on those concerned community members who first recognized a need for a children’s shelter in Bartow County. 

Juvenile Court Judge Velma Tilley was the keynote speaker and reminded listeners of Advocates’ humble beginnings, serving a handful of children by offering a safe place for them to lay their heads. Throughout the years, the organization has grown substantially, and now offers eight programs, which serve more than 2,600 children and families every year.

Along with the acknowledgement of the many who have helped to build and strengthen Advocates for the last 30 years, Nancy Newman, an organization founder and emeritus board member, was recognized with the Transformational Leadership Award. 

Presented by Randy Thompson, a former Advocates board member with 12 years of service, Newman was honored for servant-leadership, dedication to convincing hundreds of people throughout the years to be a part of making a difference, and advancing Advocates’ mission. Newman’s family and friends were in attendance, and she received a standing ovation from the hundreds of community members that have had the privilege of working with her. 

After receiving the award, Newman thanked the audience and said, “This isn’t the result of one person, this work is because of all of you…and we’re not through.”

Executive Director Patty Eagar said, “When talking about Nancy, hardly a conversation ever is complete without one of us summing it up by saying, ‘I just want to be Nancy Newman!’ Her grace and courage have been our organization’s biggest assets.”

The overwhelming enthusiasm for Advocates’ milestone anniversary celebration was a reminder of the power that many helping hands can have when working together. Advocates for Children is proud of its rich history and honored to continue to offer safety, comfort and hope for the next 30 years, the release says.

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