Promises Made and Promises Kept with the New DeKalb County Children's Center
DFCS Express
November 2003

"We see this as a solemn, moral obligation," said Governor Sonny Perdue at an open house held in recognition of a community partnership that made building a new DeKalb Children's center possible. At the event held on August 8, Governor Perdue spoke of a population that is near and dear to his and First Lady Mary Perdue's heart-Georgia's children. The couple has been and continues to be strong supporters of children in foster care. They leave no doubt that their first priority is to make a difference in young lives. Governor Perdue said, "These children face an array of challenges in life. They are scarred by situations that would challenge mature adults. Above all they need to be loved and cared for."

Providing that love and care in a stable environment became possible through the state, local, public and private partnership responsible for the development of the new children's center. When Dee Simms, Director of the Office of the Child Advocate, and area residents raised concerns about an inadequate children's shelter in Stone Mountain, DHR Commissioner Jim Martin promised Governor Perdue that the shelter would be closed and replaced with a better solution. Even though it was not the best of economic times, Commissioner Martin said, "The Governor expects you to keep promises." Commissioner Martin kept his promise with help from not only the community, state and local representatives, and the Stone Mountain City Council, but also from the area's Housing Authority, DeKalb County DFCS staff and board members, the area's Community Services Board and the Department of Juvenile Services. Earning praise for seeing that the project was successfully completed were Division of Family and Children Services Director Juanita Blount-Clark, DeKalb County DFCS Director Wayne Drummond and DFCS Office of Change Management Director Kerry Bass.

Mr. Drummond thanked Judge Gregory Adams, Chief Presiding Judge for DeKalb County Juvenile Court, for his support and his leadership role in outreach for foster homes. The county now has 234 homes thanks to the help of Judge Adams. Mr. Drummond also expressed appreciation for Dee Simms and her commitment to children. "Georgia's children do not have a better friend than Dee Simms," he said.

The new 44-bed facility replaces an old school building with six cottages that house eight to twelve children each. A non-profit organization, WestCare Georgia, Inc., operates this facility for 12 to 17 year old youths in need of support and treatment. WestCare has 30 years of experience in working with youths and provides health and human services to individuals in five states. There are separate cottages for male and female youths with each having 24-hour supervision. There are several levels of rewards available to the residents who must meet stated goals to reach the next level. They have access to computers, a game room and outdoor sports. The main office building houses a cafeteria where chefs prepare daily meals. Activities away from the facility are also scheduled throughout the week. Maria Johnson serves as Program Director at the facility.

Stone Mountain Mayor Gary Peet thanked Commissioner Martin for demonstrating real leadership in the completion of this project. He praised all the partners for the tireless hours they dedicated to the project and said, "This is a good day in Stone Mountain."

It was a good day and thanks to the citizens of DeKalb County, the children can expect more good days as they receive the attention they deserve at this new facility.