On Saturday, October 24^th, HERO hosted a virtual GED Workshop for our young adults that answered the question: “Is this option for me?” This session was presented by Dr. Tina Walcott, one of our dedicated Transition to Adulthood Instructors, in response to client requests for information on the high school equivalency diploma. Dr. Walcott began by asking participants what they already knew about the GED, and received a range of responses that demonstrated a lack of knowledge in this area. In reply, she described the GED test and its components, reviewed Georgia eligibility and testing requirements, and explored registration procedures during the pandemic. As there can sometimes be stigma around obtaining a GED, Dr. Walcott communicated that there is no shame in receiving a high school equivalence diploma, and described situations in which it makes perfect sense. In addition, she affirmed that many people have gone on to achieve great success with a GED, including a local Ph.D. level professor, Dave Thomas (Founder of Wendy’s), celebrity Judge Greg Mathis and Comedian D.L. Hughley. In addition, she explained that GED recipients are still eligible for HOPE grants for post-secondary education. Before our question & answer segment, Dr. Walcott shared free test preparation resources with our participants. In closing, she generously agreed to provide two GED exam sponsorships (one via Lawn Scapes, Ronnie Shanklin- Owner), valued at $160 each, to HERO young adults who would like to take the GED exam. These sponsorships will be awarded on a first-come, first served basis, and HERO will provide additional scholarships, as needed (and as funds are available). This was an enlightening seminar which provided our clientele with the data, guidance and encouragement needed to pursue the GED; they were very appreciative of Dr. Walcott’s class. We will continue to support our young adults as they navigate making academic and career development decisions via the Transition to Adulthood Program. 

HERO invited its children and families to participate in two virtual events in October – Sing Me a Story Concert, hosted by Numotion Foundation, and Good Taste Gwinnett, powered by Jackson EMC. The Numotion Foundation is a nonprofit supporting people and causes that enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities in communities of common interest. The foundation invited three singers to perform Sing Me a Story songs that children and their families could watch, listen to, and enjoy together. The concert benefitted the ALS Association. Good Taste Gwinnett, a virtual cooking showcase, featured local restaurant chefs preparing their signature dishes and providing viewers with tours of their restaurants. This event was a wonderful way for our kids to learn some great cooking tips and develop their passions for cooking. H.E.R.O. will continue to seek and provide entertaining and informative virtual programming to our clientele during the pandemic.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, H.E.R.O. has decided not to convene the various groups of volunteers required to execute our normal Holiday of HEROs (HOH) program. We believe this is the best course of action to take to ensure the collective health and safety of our staff and volunteers. As a result, we will facilitate HOH in an abbreviated form this year. We are inviting businesses, community partners, churches, groups, and individuals to get involved with this exciting program by donating clothing store gift cards (i.e. Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Macy’s, Old Navy) and/or our most requested gift items (Click Here for List).

ABOUT HOLIDAY OF HEROS PROGRAM

The HOH program allows us to partner with other AIDS organizations and hospitals in Georgia to provide children affected by HIV and AIDS with one item they need and one gift they want during the holiday season. Our partner organizations include Jerusalem House, AID Atlanta, and Living Forward, as well as pediatric AIDS clinics in Atlanta, Athens, Macon, Augusta, Albany, and Savannah. An HIV/AIDS diagnosis for those from low-income families- (most of our clientele live below the poverty line), usually comes with great financial difficulty due to healthcare costs and the inability of an infected adult to work consistently. This program meets a needs for our children during the holidays.

During this difficult time, H.E.R.O. for Children, Inc. has been forced to suspend in-person programming for our children. With this said, we are looking to provide them and their families with new and innovative, virtual opportunities. If you have access to or ideas regarding appropriate, virtual activities or events for youth and adolescents, please e-mail our Match and Development Coordinator – Nadia Eliacin – at nadia@heroforchildren.org.