2. Our Mission To help youth find God, themselves and their destination.

3. Our Approach We are a catalyst for a community collaborative that develops & trains youth through mentoring & empowerment.

4. The Bottom Line Focusing on youth development Promoting graduation success Grooming young leaders for celebrating their faith & purposeful living.

5. What Matters Most Relationships Youth & Families in Need Walton County Public Schools Walton County Juvenile Court Walton County Sheriff’s Department

6. What Matters Most Relationships 21st Century Community Learning Centers Communities In Schools of Walton County Fort Valley State University First Freedom CDC Institute for Social & Educational Research

7. Benefits of Partnering Utilizing existing resources in the local community Sharing accountability for promoting high school graduation, youth development & detention alternatives Increasing support for parents

8. Scope of the Problem VS.

9. Scope of the Problem Graduating On Time Georgia71.1% Walton County73.8%

10. Scope of the Problem High school non-completion in Georgia costs the state $18 billion per year in foregone income, according to a 2007 study by Georgia Southern University.

11. Scope of the Problem The study estimated low graduation rates cost metro Atlanta approximately $4 billion each year.

12. Scope of the Problem The National Women’s Law Center reports that approximately 1,000 students drop out every hour between 8AM and 3PM of the school day.

13. Scope of the Problem In Georgia, 80 percent of the offenders entering the state prison system are high school dropouts.

14. Taxpayers Bear the Burden Georgia reports annual costs of about $5M to operate a new 64-bed facility for juveniles. A new long-term facility, 150-bed YDC, costs $11M to operate.

15. FOCUSING ON 8 CRITICAL FACTORS 1. Academic 2. Economic 3. Health 4. Social Skills 5. Family Relations 6. Extra Curricular Activities 7. Behavioral Assistance 8. Career Counseling & Training

16. FOCUSING ON 8 CRITICAL FACTORS 1. Academic 2. Economic 3. Health 4. Social Skills 5. Family Relations 6. Extra Curricular Activities 7. Behavioral Assistance 8. Career Counseling & Training Juvenile Court: Evening Reporting Centers Weekend Intensive Initiative Now House FOCUS: Saturday Academy Macon YDC for Girls B.Ireland YDC for Boys FAME Summer Camp

17. History Launched in 2000, we’re doing what research shows should be done. Our approach to working with young people has earned the approval of OJJDP, NIC and our partners in public and private education.

18. "Except the Lord builds the house, all your labor is in vain." Psalms 127:1 Pastor James Vaughn Pastor Robbie Vaughn