11285 Elkins Road, Suite E-1, Roswell, GA 30076

770-649-7117 – fax: 770-649-7974 – e-mail: info@childrn.org

Website: www.childrn.org

VISION & MISSION STATEMENTS

The Vision of Children's Restoration Network is to continually seek to enhance its ability to offer significant resources to homeless children and mothers and make a demonstrative difference in their lives by creating strong partnerships and attaining financial stability.

The Mission of Children's Restoration Network is to offer hope and support, enabling children and their mothers to break the cycle of homelessness by empowering them to become part of mainstream society as active, productive citizens through programs and special events designed to address their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.

                                                                          PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Children's Restoration Network (CRN) is a non-profit agency focusing on the plight of homeless children and mothers in our community. In addition to helping meet basic needs, CRN conducts programs and special events to provide a broad range of positive experiences for over 3,000 children residing in shelters and group homes each year. CRN began its 15^th year of service to metro-Atlanta’s neediest children in September 2007.

During its productive and innovative history, CRN has dedicated its efforts to fulfilling its vision and mission statements, working with over 100 shelters and group homes throughout metro-Atlanta that house over 2,000 children on any given night. While children are its main focus, CRN also realizes that assisting the mother is usually the best way to help the child. Programs are therefore directed towards both children and their mothers to ease their transition through homelessness.

In-shelter, one-on-one tutoring programs give the children who have fallen seriously behind in basic skills because of their situation a needed boost to their academic achievement. Special attention and understanding fosters greater self-esteem and personal responsibility in the children. Mothers are offered resume and job preparation workshops to increase their likelihood of success in the job market. A growing corps of dedicated, community-minded volunteers helps CRN’s small staff implement its programs and special events.

When possible, CRN provides assistance to shelters for basic necessities by subsidizing rent and utilities and supplementing their food pantries.   CRN also works to provide food, furniture, house wares and other assistance for families recovering from homelessness.

J     LEAP (Leadership, Employment, Achievement, Prosperity) – begins in February 2008: CRN career preparation workshops to encourage homeless mothers and help them to gain the skills needed to prepare resumes, go on job interviews, and find successful employment so they can once again return to mainstream society. The event features workshops, and motivational speakers.

J     Spring Fling – March 23: Held on Easter Sunday, homeless children are treated to a day of fun, games, a traditional egg hunt and a catered buffet meal. Some children receive new Easter outfits including shoes. Volunteers play games and interact with the children.

J     “Celebrate the Children” Gala – July 26: A Black Tie Optional Dinner Dance/Silent Auction held at The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead. Proceeds support CRN’s Annual Back to School Readiness Program for Homeless Children.

 

  Back to School Readiness Campaign - August 10: Homeless children are assisted in preparing for the school year with gifts of bookbags filled with school supplies and personal hygiene items. Free health, dental, and vision screenings are provided as well as the necessary inoculations to enter school. Speakers address the importance of staying in school and getting a good education. A sumptuous, grilled barbeque lunch is served.

     New Hope Scholarship Program: Eligible, deserving students in shelters write a one-page essay explaining why they should be chosen. Essays, grades, and recommendations determine the scholarship winners.

J     Thanksgiving Food Drive –November 1 - 27: Schools, businesses, and neighborhoods collect canned foods, cereals, and turkeys for holiday food baskets. Each shelter requesting help receives all the trimmings for a fine Thanksgiving Dinner, and food to fill their pantry. Interested parties can share a meal at a shelter or group home during the week of Thanksgiving.

     Twelve Days Of Caring Campaign- December 1 - 24. Collecting new toys, clothes, and gifts for over 3,000 children. Businesses, churches, schools, et cetera participate in collections. Volunteers sort collected toys, match them to the children’s’ wish lists, and wrap them at CRN’s annual “Wrap Party” (December 18 – 20). Volunteers also deliver gifts and throw parties for the shelters (December 20 – 24). True sharing and caring Holiday Spirit! .

J     Adopt a Shelter Program: Holiday “Wish Lists” are sent to more than 100 shelters. The lists are returned to CRN with the name of each child in the shelter and the gifts they would most like to receive. Corporations, organizations, businesses, clubs, church groups, etc. adopt individual shelters or families. Each employee or member can then choose a specific child on the list and brighten his/her holiday season by purchasing the gifts the child requests.

J     Project One On One (ongoing):  CRN currently conducts a once a week, in-shelter, academic mentoring program for homeless children in shelters located in Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb and Cobb counties. Teams of volunteers meet with groups of children to help with homework and basic skills, while developing a safe, positive relationship. As volunteers are recruited, the program will be expanded to additional locations.

J     Digital Bridge (ongoing): Volunteers install donated new and used computers in group homes and shelters and help children with computer basics.

J     Friends Indeed (ongoing): Churches, businesses, and individuals help with clean up, painting, fix up at shelters and group homes. Other activities include sports outings, bowling, ice-skating, pizza parties, et cetera.