Hepburn takes the helm in 2014...

At its meeting of the Board of Directors June 5, 2013, the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation unanimously voted to hire Dr. Valerie Hepburn as Executive Director when Lee Owen retires in July of 2014. The action follows the unanimous recommendation of the foundation’s Executive Committee.

Lee Hiers Owen, who currently serves as Executive Director, had notified the Foundation of her plans to retire in 2014. Hepburn, who is stepping down as president of the College of Coastal Georgia on June 30th, will fulfill a prior commitment to a year of research and policy work with the University System of Georgia and then join the Community Foundation in mid‐2014. Rees Sumerford, Chairman of the Foundation, indicated that he and the Executive Committee approached Hepburn once Owen announced her planned retirement. He and the board expect a seamless transition and continued strong growth and engagement for the Foundation.

“Lee has done a terrific job and we are pleased that she will continue to serve for the coming year,” said Sumerford. “Valerie and Lee have worked closely on a number of education and community initiatives. We are delighted to be able to have identified a new leader of Valerie’s caliber and capabilities. We believe that the Foundation will continue to expand its relevance and its reach across the region.”

Of the new role, Hepburn reflects, “Working with the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation provides the opportunity to support philanthropy and innovation which improve the economy and quality of life in our tri-county region. The position allows me to build on my knowledge and recent experiences to continue the positive, impactful work of this young community foundation. We love Coastal Georgia, and there remains important work yet to be done.”

The Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation was established in 2005 with the goal of working with local philanthropists - ordinary citizens with extraordinary vision, connecting them with local nonprofits to improve the quality of life across Camden, Glynn and McIntosh counties. The Foundation carries the National Standards certification from the Council on Foundations in Washington, D.C., demonstrating adherence to the highest standards of operational efficiency and stewardship. Though still young, the community foundation has grown significantly in philanthropic assets, currently totaling more than nine million dollars, and anticipates a strong trajectory for the future.

MCINTOSH COUNTY, GA – The McIntosh County Health Department has received $8,800 in funding from the Community of Coastal Georgia Foundation’s Miller Family Fund to purchase car safety seats for children and implement tobacco cessation classes.

“Part of our mission is to provide grants for organizations in Camden, Glynn, and McIntosh counties to support programs that will make a positive difference in those communities,” said President and CEO of the Community of Coastal Georgia Foundation, Dr. Valerie Hepburn. “We are pleased to be able to help the McIntosh County Health Department with these two very worthwhile initiatives.”

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children ages 2-14 and the leading cause of injury-related death for children under two. When installed and used correctly, child car seats and seat belts can prevent injuries and save lives. Grant funding in the amount of $2,000 from the Foundation will be used to purchase car seats and educate families on the proper installation of car seats and general seatbelt safety.  Pictures below is a recent event at the McIntosh County Health Department.

According to the 2013 McIntosh County Community Health Needs Assessment, 28 percent of McIntosh County residents smoke or use tobacco. That is well above the national rate of 13 percent and state average of 20 percent. Grant funding in the amount of $6,800 from the Foundation will help support “Tobacco-Free McIntosh,” and campaign to help promote tobacco cessation through advertising, educational classes, and nicotine replacement therapy.

“Although this funding will be used for two entirely different purposes, both programs will help protect the residents of McIntosh County in the long run,” said McIntosh County Health Department Nurse Manager, Paige Lightsey, R.N.

The Miller Family Fund, a component fund of the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation, was established by Martin and Laura Lynn Miller in 2013. The family is from Valdosta, but they have had home in McIntosh County for more than a decade. The family has built a number of successful agencies providing home care and services for seniors, and they have been recognized as leaders and innovators in health and aging services. The Millers have a long history of successful philanthropy focused on health, aging and quality of life issues, including support for the establishment of a Family Health Center at Valdosta State University’s School of Nursing. Their current philanthropic interests include public health and primary care services for the people of McIntosh County.

In this edition, we highlight the Gathering Place, our Honor Flight and some great news about CCGF.

Gathering Place Interns pay a visit to CCGF....

 

 

 

 

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Rising Camden Middle School Students Can Learn Violin This Summer....

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The Brunswick News - February 17, 2015 Honor Flight

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Foundation President & CEO Dr. Valerie A. Hepburn is serving as Honorary Co-Chair for the 2015 YMCA Tribute to Women Celebration, to be held on June 2nd.

Randal Morris, Public Affairs Manager for Georgia Pacific, is the other co-chair.

The annual Tribute luncheon, which is one of the organizations key fundraising events, celebrates women in community and corporate leadership roles.

 

 

 The Brunswick News - Coastal Illustrated December 23, 2014

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The Darien News December 17, 2014

Valerie Hepburn speaks to Academy for Girls...

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The Darien News December 11, 2014

Foundation Board Hears of Impacts of Community Grants

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News about the Foundation that handles our back office....

Jacksonville-based Community Foundation marks 50 years working to better Northeast Florida

By Beth Reese Cravey Wed, Nov 19, 2014 @ 7:22 pm | updated Thu, Nov 20, 2014 @ 7:48 am

 

 

 Provided by the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

In May 1964, four Jacksonville businessmen — clockwise from left, J.J. Daniel, Robert R. Feagin, Thomas R. McGehee and Laurence Lee Jr. -- gather to sign documents creating what would become the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. 1964

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10/27/14

"Camden Board of Health Receives Grant" .... The Brunswick News

10/2/14

"Coastal Georgia Honor Flight" ....The Tribune & Georgian

10/1/14

"Lucky Enough to Share".....Elegant Island Living

9/27/14

"Coastal Georgia Honor Flight" ....The Brunswick News

9/17/14

"New Foundation Leader Focuses Beyond County Lines"... The Darien News

9/3/14

Investing in our community/America's 2nd Harvest, Camden County CASA, Coastal Coalition for Children, CASA Glynn... The Brunswick News

9/1/14

Investing in our community/The Boys and Girls Club... The Brunswick News

9/1/14

Chronicling an Act of Goodwill - Elegant Island Living

8/20/14

Steward for the Community - Coastal Illustrated

7/21/14  

Hepburn's return good news... - The Brunswick News

7/19/14  

Former College of Coastal Georgia president has new building job.... - The Georgia Times Union

7/17/14  

YMCA and McIntosh County Health Department receive grants.... - The Darien News

7/12/14  

Coastal foundation gives grant funds.... The Brunswick News

7/7/14    

Former college president heads community foundation.... The Brunswick News

7/3/14    

Local non-profits receive $16,500 in grants from Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation....The Darien News

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guidestar awarded the Community Foundation with gold seal status which represents the highest rating for transparency and commitment to excellence.  Of the 44,000 nonprofits who have attained either a bronze, silver or gold designation, only some 1,400 - 3% - have earned the gold level designation and we are one!

GuideStar USA, Inc. is an information service specializing in reporting on U.S. nonprofit companies. In 2010, their database contained over 5 million IRS Forms 990 on 1.9 million organizations.  This 20 year old organization collects and disseminates information on every IRS registered nonprofit.

 

CASA Glynn received a grant in 2013 from the Community Foundation to upgrade their server and computers.  No more lost data, freeze ups and frustration! 

One of the volunteers shared her appreciation.... "I have very limited computer skills and it was always a struggle to write the many reports.  I typically would spend hours at the CASA office completing court reports, panel reports and monthly report.  Now there is a dedicated computer for CASA volunteers!  I am able to complete my work immediately and what used to take me hours now takes 30 minutes.  It frees me up to spend more time with my CASA child."

The Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation (CCGF) understands the importance of strong non-profit agencies serving the people of our community. The mission, strength and effectiveness of non-profits contributes to the artistic vibrancy of our communities, the health of our children, the intellectual power of our citizens, the beauty of our environment, and our civic lives. We applaud you for the strides that are being made and your commitment to the common purpose of a better community.

The Foundation supports several types of grants to approved charities:

• Grants recommended by donors from Donor Advised Funds
• Grants awarded competitively in the Community Impact Fund grant cycle
• Grants from endowed funds allocated to the purpose determined by the donor(s)
• Grants from business and community funds
• Grants from partner philanthropies with which we work

CCGF also has four scholarships it oversees for deserving students and nonprofit agencies each year. We expect this number to grow as our Foundation grows.

 

 

 

Summer Interns of The Gathering Place accompanied by Executive Director Lucas Ramirez paid the Community Foundation a visit recently to say "thank you" for past support....

Dr. Hepburn expressed appreciation and queried them on the circumstances that brought them to our community, the learning and experiences that were most memorable and their future dreams and plans.  What came through loud and clear was an appreciation for the ministry of Gathering Place and our community. 

We wish them every success in their futures.

 

Baby Steps Creates Literacy Center at Head Start

 

The African saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” was clearly in the minds of the Glynn County volunteers, educators, businesses, and local philanthropists who gave so generously to transform a drab, grey cinderblock room at the Glynn County Head Start School into an “under-the-sea themed” literacy center that opened April of 2013.

The room was another effort in the “Baby Steps” Early Literacy Initiative of the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation to offer age-appropriate literature in a “print-rich” and visually stimulating environment. The community foundation plans to open several more literacy centers, accessible to children in areas where there are low income families. Plans also call for trained community volunteer readers to staff the rooms for regular readings.

A giant octopus, smiling shark, schools of fish, crabs, hot pink coral, and blue waves, are among the images that brighten the walls and bear print labels, thanks to the amazing artistic talent of early education teacher Amy Kramer and renowned local artist Nancy Muldowney, both of whom also directed the volunteers who offered assistance in transforming the room.

Baby Steps Coordinator Maryellen Aiken added face-front book case displays and more than 300 books provided through donor contributions to the Baby Steps initiative at the foundation. Head Start was also able to provide two “smart board” type computers for the children to benefit from interactive literacy technology.

“It is imperative to provide children with the tools they need to learn how to read very early in the education pipe-line, and there's no better place to do this than at a Head Start program where we can reach well over 200 three and four year old children," said Lee Owen, executive director of Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation, whose mission is to improve the quality of life in Coastal Georgia by promoting and increasing philanthropy. “The room was a “perfect storm” of talent and generosity – from the creative genius and passion of Amy, to the sweat equity of teachers and parents, to the guidance from the College of Coastal Georgia’s education department.”

The goal of Baby Steps is to help ensure that every child in the community, no matter what socio-economic level, is ready to read and ready to succeed when they reach kindergarten. Providing better access to books and print-rich environments is just one of several ways that Baby Steps is accomplishing this goal – and making a “splash!”

We are not asking for just another charitable donation, but rather an investment in this community’s future – perhaps a future that will have fewer soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters and drop-out prevention programs you may currently support with your charitable dollar.

The following communities are examples of many across the nation that have created permanent endowments for early childhood education efforts:

• Aspen, CO  $1.2 million
• Boulder, CO  $4 million
• N.W. Mississippi $2 million  
• Marin County, CA $35 million
• Evanston, IL  $2 million
• Miami/Dade County  $100 million

Here in the Golden Isles, we’ve seen many successful campaigns of this size over the past few years to support historical tracts and buildings, health, and animal welfare…all important, but are they more important to this community’s future than our community’s children?

A similar $2 million permanent endowment for early literacy programs in our community would sustain all the council’s proposed plans and programs on the interest alone – leaving the capital intact for future generations to continue supporting early education efforts, year after year, without resorting to annual campaigns. Now that’s an investment with impact!

Funds from the Endowment will be devoted exclusively and permanently to promoting early childhood literacy. Specific grants from the fund will depend on needs and opportunities that will change over time.

If you wish to make a difference, not just for a year but for the future of this community and its children, join us.

Please consider an investment to build a permanent endowment by donating either cash or non-cash assets to the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation for Baby Steps.

Blessings In a Backpack

      - (Feeding the Future of America one school at a time)

A local program of Blessings in a Backpack was started at Altama Elementary School in Brunswick for the 2012-13 school year.  Blessings in a Backpack is a results-oriented, nationwide program designed to feed elementary school children whose families qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Price Meal program, and have little or no food on the weekends.  Nationwide, 62% of children are fed weekday breakfast and lunch through the Federal program.  At Altama Elementary, the percentage of children qualifying is more than 90 percent, so the need is great.  Hungry children are not ready to learn.  Deborah Harris is the program coordinator who raises the funds, orders and arranges for delivery of the food, and coordinates volunteers to pack the food at the school.  Currently, 473 children are provided with easy-to-prepare kid-friendly food each weekend during the school year.  Publix at Glynn Place is helping by providing early access to information on special prices, and by delivering the groceries to the school.  100% of your donation goes directly to cover the cost of the food for the children at Altama Elementary. Better test scores, improved reading skills, positive behavior, improved health, and increased attendance have all been attributed to the success of this program.  If you are interested in investing in this great program, please contact us or Deborah Harris at DWilling1@msn.com or (425) 260-5533.

Needed $25,000 by August 25, 2013