September | 2024

Kids with Disabilities and the FAIR Project

Did you know 20% of all Georgia school discipline cases involve a student with a known disability? Students with learning and other disabilities receive out-of-school suspensions and expulsions at almost twice the average rate--with devastating effects.

Even an 11-day suspension reduces these children's chances of graduating to just 52%. For most kids, a high school diploma comes with a lifetime of higher earnings, more choices, and better health. Dropping out of high school doubles a kid's chance of living in poverty, dramatically increases risk of justice involvement, and cuts 9 years off their life expectancy.

With the right supports for kids with disabilities and their schools, these children and youth will live richer, fuller, and longer lives. Georgia Appleseed's FAIR Project works with children, their parents, and schools to keep kids learning in class. Learn more with our blog post answering the top 10 FAIR FAQs!

Welcome New Team Members

Darlene Lynch

Legal & Policy Director

With over 25 years of experience in social justice and economic empowerment at the state, federal, and international levels, Darlene brings extensive expertise to oversee our housing and school justice programs and policy initiatives. 

Leah Mungo

Development Associate

Leah bolsters our development and engagement initiatives with extensive experience in fundraising, grant writing and donor stewardship, and legal advocacy.

The YPC:

Mixed & Mingled

Our newly relaunched Young Professionals Council (YPC) recently mingled at Troutman Pepper for their first event, welcoming professionals under 40 from across multiple sectors, all interested in joining together to advance justice for Georgia's children. Click here to get involved with YPC and attend upcoming events.

Nanma Okeani and Amy Buice of Smith Gambrell Russell are FAIR pro bono attorneys fighting for Georgia's most marginalized kids.

Nanma and Amy volunteer in school discipline cases to make sure that children and their guardians receive outcomes that keep the kids on the path to successfully complete high school.



Georgia Appleseed could not exist without our amazing volunteers!

Nanma Okeani

Amy Buice

Supporter Appreciation

Wednesday, October 23, 6:30-8:30 PM

We can't do the work we do without generous financial donations and pro bono contributions – more than $1,065,000 last year!

We want to celebrate YOU, our amazing supporters. RSVP to join us at Atlanta Hard Cider & Distillery on October 23rd as we say THANK YOU!

Justice Conversation:

Housing, the Law, and Child Well-Being

Tuesday, December 3, 8:00-10:00 AM

Join our esteemed panel of judges and legislators for this year's conversation emphasizing the importance of stable, healthy housing for children and youth, and the role of each branch of Georgia government. The event is free, but registration is required. Please do so by November 29th.

Next year is Georgia Appleseed's 20th Anniversary and we're going to have a ROARING good time! Mark your calendars for our April 25, 2025 celebration, as we ROAR into the next 20 years together. Stay tuned for more details.

Our sponsors help make this event possible. This year's first sponsor, Slappey & Sadd, LLC, has pledged as a Pillar of Justice! You can join them in making a difference for Georgia's children and families. Learn more by clicking the link below.

Did you know that only about 34% of American adults have a will? Now is a great time to create or update your will and estate planning. This is also an opportunity to cement your legacy of philanthropy through planned giving. You can advance justice in Georgia for generations to come by naming Georgia Appleseed as a beneficiary.

Connecting with you helps us build our community of advocates and amplify our mission to advance justice for children across Georgia. Follow our social media sites to stay up to date with resources, celebrations and announcements. View our video library on YouTube, and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FaceBook.