Fielding Strong Community Partnerships

• July 19, 2017

By Katrina D. Mitchell
Director, Strategic Partnerships

The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services recently hosted the second annual “Family Day with the Braves” for children in care in Georgia.

The Division partnered with the Mayor’s Summer Reading Club whose theme this year was “Everyday Heroes”—how they are discovered and how vital they are to their communities. The goal of the Mayor’s Summer Reading Club is to support families in building vocabulary and reading skills in their children over the summer.

Over 50 foster families participated this year and attended the Atlanta Braves game at the new SunTrust Park. Children participated in activities on the Terrace Garden Patio during innings 4-6, received giveaways and were treated to a special ballpark meal. After the game, children were invited onto the field to run the bases just like a professional ballplayer.

Families appreciated the opportunity. “My children really enjoyed the games and activities,” said Wes and Lisa Rager. “This created a memory that they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

“This is one of our favorite events every year,” added Celeste Mercer, account executive at the Atlanta Braves, who is looking forward to partnering with the Division again next season.

This event was made possible through partnership with the Mayor’s Summer Reading Club, Alliance Theatre, Amerigroup, Atlanta Braves, City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, Endurance Project Management, Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS), and Virginia Reese Photography.