JourneyZ

JourneyZ is a program that provides safety, healing and homes to abused and neglected children with severe emotional and behavioral problems, ages 6-18. Services are provided in eight homes throughout metro Atlanta in Douglas, Clayton, Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties. Six children live in each home and CHRIS Kids staff provides 24-7 supervision. Children are referred by many youth service agencies such as the Department of Family and Children Services and the Department of Juvenile Justice. Children receive intensive therapy, counseling and support at the CHRIS Counseling Center while attending public schools and participating in extracurricular activities. Family-like settings help children adapt to life in a “normal” family. Children do chores, homework, and eat dinner together in the homes.

FACTS:

• There are 14,000 children in Georgia’s foster care system.
• 65% of kids in our group homes do not have an identifiable relative.
• 120 children and teens received a home, family-like setting and basic needs.
• Kids in group homes show a 73% improvement in life skills.

“I am grateful for CHRIS Kids because they gave me opportunities and second chances. They opened my eyes to a different world. Gave me hope and understanding. Inspiration when I was down. They were always there for me no matter what, when no one else was. CHRIS Kids is my only family. Today I am in honors classes, healthy and most important, I learned how to smile.”

-Shameika, age 16