DECEMBER, 2019
TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD: UGA TOUR 2019
On Sunday, November 10th, eighteen (18) HERO children, along with staff, attended a college tour on the campus of the University of Georgia (UGA), hosted by our UGA HEROs. The day began in Tate Hall with a lecture and Q & A session covering financial aid. The children were able to explore various types of financial aid, sources and the application process. This was a very enlightening session which included information many in attendance were unaware of, such as a review of the special financial aid application exemptions for children who have spent even short periods of time in the foster care system.

Next, the children strolled the UGA campus on a guided tour with current UGA students, including one postgraduate student, and members of UGA HEROs. The children were led through various campus areas, major academic buildings, a library and several cultural spots. They toured through tradition-rich sites, including the UGA Arch and the field where the first UGA football game took place, and learned the history of the UGA mascots. The children were also exposed to newer traditions, including the UGA fountain, and were finally led to Sanford Stadium where the football team hosts its home games.

After walking the campus, everyone reconvened in Tate for a "Majors Fair", where UGA students representing a variety of academic majors made themselves available for questions to our children interested in those majors. The tour concluded in one of the main dining halls where they were able to fully experience meal service on campus. Our kids enjoyed the variety of cuisines available, as well as the array of dessert options, in what they were told was "not even the best dining hall on campus".

On the journey home, the children enthusiastically discussed the day's events. Some were greatly interested in attending UGA. Other children, though impressed by the university, remained committed to their previous choices. Thanks to the UGA HEROs team for coordinating this event under our Transition to Adulthood umbrella. HERO was happy to be able to provide our children with yet another enriching experience, and we look forward to facilitating many more.
ONCE UPON A HOLIDAY DANCE PERFORMANCE
H.E.R.O. for Children, Inc. would like to send a special "Thank You!" to Sideways Contemporary Dance Company for inviting our children to attend their 13th annual performance of "Once Upon a Holiday." The performance took place on Saturday, November 23rd at the Blessed Trinity High School Theater in Roswell. The afternoon seemed to fly by as the children watched the modern day Alice in Wonderland themed storyline unfold. The presentation was filled with several different genres including jazz, ballet, contemporary, and ballroom dance, and the kids clapped and swayed along to familiar holiday songs. Highlights included the 'Winter Wonderland', 'Elvis at Christmas' and aerial dance pieces.

H.E.R.O. is so happy to have provided yet another unforgettable experience for our children, and we look forward to many more opportunities to do so in the New Year!
CALL TO ACTION
BECOME A SUPER HERO MENTOR TODAY!

The Super HEROes Mentoring Program  is a community-based, one-on-one mentoring program serving children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The program provides these children with the opportunity to have a positive role model through a mentor and to strengthen their life skills, self-esteem, communication skills, goal-setting and academic performance.

Why HERO children need mentors? 

Approximately 33% of HERO children are HIV positive and the other 67% are affected (i.e. someone who has an infected parent, sibling, residential relative, or has lost a relative to HIV/AIDS-related complications). Twenty-five percent (25%) of HERO children have lost a parent as a result of HIV/AIDS-related complications, and almost 90% of HERO children come from low-income families (household incomes are $20,000/year or less).

Many of our children struggle with day-to-day challenges including low self-esteem, social difficulties, academic underachievement, self-destructive behavior, etc. You can help change this!

Responsibilities of a Super HERO Mentor:
  • Spend one-on-one quality time with a child at least twice a month, a minimum of two hours each time.
  • Participate with the child in a bi-monthly group activity organized and sponsored by H.E.R.O. for Children.
  • Be a positive role model for the child.
  • Contribute to strengthening the child's self-esteem, social adjustment and life skills.
Eligibility Requirements:
  • Be at least 22 years of age.
  • Be willing and available to comply with H.E.R.O. for Children's policies and procedures.*
  • Have dependable automobile transportation, maintain a valid driver's license, verifiable automobile insurance and abide by Georgia vehicle codes (i.e. seat belts, speed limits, etc.).
  • Have a suitable home environment.
  • Pass background checks, including motor vehicle record, sex offender registry, national criminal background screening and social security verification, prior to serving.
*  Training and continuing education provided.

HOLIDAY OF HEROS - GIFT WRAPPING PARTY
Wednesday, December 18th, 2019 | 6- 8:30 PM | Roswell, GA

HOLIDAY OF HEROS - HOLIDAY PARTY
Saturday, December 21st, 2019 | 12 PM - 3PM | Atlanta, GA
 
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