Partnering to better serve people with disabilities: Georgia FACES and Stone Soup!
For more information regarding camps and support, contact Tami Burt at tamilaburt@thebridgeofgeorgia.org, 770-406-6111, or visit www.thebridgeofgeorgia.org.
A note from the founder of FACES
Since our beginning in 2005, I have watched the many wonderful
opportunities that have come to our community through the FACES Support
group, FACES Camp, and our annual Jingle Jog 5K for Autism.
Relationships have been forged and natural supports began to take shape
outside of monthly meetings. Parents who once felt at a loss were
finding others to share their experiences, joys and playdates with their
children. In a time where we had nothing available, FACES was an answer
to prayer, for me and many others.
Over the last 2 years, with the addition of Stone Soup Friends of All
Abilities (www.friendsofallabilites.org), parenting classes, respite,
and other supports began to take shape. Last year, Stone Soup (which is
held at the same church location as FACES Camp) had their first camp for
children of all abilities. Then last Fall, The Bridge of Georgia was
formed by the directors of FACES and Stone Soup camps.
During this very busy time in my life, as my son is now an adult at 21,
it became more and more evident that changes were needed that would
benefit the largest majority of families in our community. FACES and
Stone Soup joined together in one partnership, which eventually became
one leadership under the direction of Tami Burt. Tami is also the
Director at The Bridge of Georgia Center for Development
(www.thebridgeofgeorgia.org) and along with her team of experts is doing a
opportunities that have come to our community through the FACES Support
group, FACES Camp, and our annual Jingle Jog 5K for Autism.
Relationships have been forged and natural supports began to take shape
outside of monthly meetings. Parents who once felt at a loss were
finding others to share their experiences, joys and playdates with their
children. In a time where we had nothing available, FACES was an answer
to prayer, for me and many others.
Over the last 2 years, with the addition of Stone Soup Friends of All
Abilities (www.friendsofallabilites.org), parenting classes, respite,
and other supports began to take shape. Last year, Stone Soup (which is
held at the same church location as FACES Camp) had their first camp for
children of all abilities. Then last Fall, The Bridge of Georgia was
formed by the directors of FACES and Stone Soup camps.
During this very busy time in my life, as my son is now an adult at 21,
it became more and more evident that changes were needed that would
benefit the largest majority of families in our community. FACES and
Stone Soup joined together in one partnership, which eventually became
one leadership under the direction of Tami Burt. Tami is also the
Director at The Bridge of Georgia Center for Development
(www.thebridgeofgeorgia.org) and along with her team of experts is doing a
phenomenal work with children and their families in Walton and surrounding
counties. We are very blessed to have them and I'm excited about the future
for what's yet to come!
FACES has now been phased out and our summer camp program is now called
Stone Soup Camp for Autism Spectrum Disorders. It will continue to be
held in the month of July, with Stone Soup Friends of All Abilitites
camp being held in June. Information and registration is now available
on the Stone Soup website.(www.friendsofallabilities.org).
It has been my joy and pleasure to serve in such a great capacity to
help other parents who have been affected by a diagnosis of autism. Our
website, www.georgiafaces.info, will continue to be available for a period
FACES has now been phased out and our summer camp program is now called
Stone Soup Camp for Autism Spectrum Disorders. It will continue to be
held in the month of July, with Stone Soup Friends of All Abilitites
camp being held in June. Information and registration is now available
on the Stone Soup website.(www.friendsofallabilities.org).
It has been my joy and pleasure to serve in such a great capacity to
help other parents who have been affected by a diagnosis of autism. Our
website, www.georgiafaces.info, will continue to be available for a period
of time and will include information regarding the upcoming Jingle Jog.
The 8th Annual Jingle Jog 5K for Autism (and other exceptionalities)
will be held on Saturday, December 14 at Loganville High School. This
event will now be organized through the Georgia Council for Exceptional
Children Chapter 606 and funds raised will be used to support both Stone
Soup camps in addition to other area organizations that provide respite
for children of all abilities. In addition, portions of the funds raised
will be provided to our local Special Olympics, our high school special
education students programs through Career Technical Instruction, and
providing scholarships for parents to attend trainings/conferences. As
the Treasurer for CEC Chapter 606, it is an honor to be able to continue
to provide financially the support needed for many families in our community.
In the meantime, please find Stone Soup Friends of All Abilities and The
Bridge of Georgia on FACEBOOK. Feel free to share this information with
your contact group.
God bless all of you as you continue to advocate for your children!
Sincerely,
Teresa Johnson
Founder, FACES Autism Support Group
The 8th Annual Jingle Jog 5K for Autism (and other exceptionalities)
will be held on Saturday, December 14 at Loganville High School. This
event will now be organized through the Georgia Council for Exceptional
Children Chapter 606 and funds raised will be used to support both Stone
Soup camps in addition to other area organizations that provide respite
for children of all abilities. In addition, portions of the funds raised
will be provided to our local Special Olympics, our high school special
education students programs through Career Technical Instruction, and
providing scholarships for parents to attend trainings/conferences. As
the Treasurer for CEC Chapter 606, it is an honor to be able to continue
to provide financially the support needed for many families in our community.
In the meantime, please find Stone Soup Friends of All Abilities and The
Bridge of Georgia on FACEBOOK. Feel free to share this information with
your contact group.
God bless all of you as you continue to advocate for your children!
Sincerely,
Teresa Johnson
Founder, FACES Autism Support Group
Jingle Jog 2012
We had 500 runners between the 5k and Reindeer Dash AND raised about $800 in the raffle give away. We had many donations for prizes including a one week vacation courtesy of Tina Musselwhite from All Source Travel and RCI. Congrats to Patty Griffeth, Special Education Coordinator for Jackson County, who won!
Check out the info below about Jingle Jog 2013! More information to come.
Read all about our great day on the Loganville Patch.
SAVE THE DATE - 2013 Jingle JogSAVE THE DATE - 8th Annual Jingle Jog and Reindeer Dash!Come and join us again next year on December 14, 2013 at LOGANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL - for the 8th Annual JINGLE JOG FOR AUTISM 5K and REINDEER DASH. Registration is at 10:00 with races beginning at 12:00 and 12:30. The course will be run on paved streets.All proceeds from this event will benefit F.A.C.E.S. (Families of Autism/Asperger’s, Care, Educate and Support) to provide Summer Camp 2012 for children on the Autism Spectrum for ages 3-22 serving Walton and surrounding counties. PLEASE bring a NEW, UNwrapped toy for Faith In Serving Humanity (F.I.S.H.) to provide for needy children. Walkers, Baby Joggers & Strollers are welcome. Optional: dress in holiday gear: Costumes, hats, antlers, whatever you like, it’s all about festive fun (Costumes must be safe if you run in them)! Bring cash to buy all your Holiday Gifts in our Vendor area, where all proceeds will benefit FACES Summer Camp for Autism. Registrants get a long-sleeved shirt, and Jingle Bells for shoes. Appearances from Santa, Mrs. Claus and whoever else decides to come to town! Booth vendors will have shopping available for all your holiday needs in Santa Playground. We will have FREE crafts and face painting for kids. Church groups, youth groups, school groups/teams, family groups, EVERYONE is invited to participate! After registering you can be a fundraiser as well and have your own team. We encourage you to create your teams of family, friends, business'(co-workers), make signs, wear team shirts whatever you want to do! 2012 Jingle Jog and Reindeer Dash was a tremendous SUCCESS! Thanks for your support!  -
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