Governor, first lady call on Georgians to help families in need

Albany Herald - 8/21/2022

Aug. 21—ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, Department of Human Services Commissioner Candice Broce, and Promise686 CEO Andy Cook are calling on Georgia residents to mobilize and engage in an online platform where generous Georgians can financially support or volunteer their time to meet the needs of vulnerable children. These children, and the families caring for them, face tangible needs such as clothing, cribs, diapers, car seats, laundry assistance and similar requests.

"The people of Georgia value life at all stages, and Marty and I are urging all who are called and able to serve in this way to get involved in this initiative," Kemp said. "Our ultimate goal is to have Georgians in every county helping serve these specific needs of our most vulnerable."

"It is always inspiring to see people across our state step up and support their fellow Georgians," Marty Kemp said. "We're excited to see individuals and organizations in every corner of the Peach State do their part to provide the resources families and children in their own communities need to get on their feet and pursue their dreams."

By partnering with Promise686 and joining the network of responders, supporters gain access to the needs of new parents and can rally their churches and community groups to work together to meet those needs. Through connections established by Promise686, Georgians can proactively ensure that new parents have what they need to welcome a child into the world, keep their family safe and intact, and build a strong foundation for long-term success.

In 2016, the state of Georgia and Promise686 established a partnership network through an online platform called CarePortal to support the needs of vulnerable children and families. To date, the program has served more than 4,400 children in 15 counties across Georgia. Through the support of new partners, the program can grow to serve even more vulnerable children and families across the state. Promise686 is seeking partners in all 159 counties.

"Georgians have an opportunity to practically rally around women with unplanned pregnancies," Cook said. "Small acts of service can go a long way toward securing a vulnerable child's future. The invitation is to make hope practical by empowering parents."

Interested individuals and organizations can learn more about enrolling at promise686.org/georgia. DHS and Promise686 will initiate a growth strategy to increase community responders, effective immediately.

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