NL-7-04

Gray Poe grew up in Winston Salem,
North Carolina. He attended college at
The State University and graduated
with a degree in Industrial engineering.

He is married and the father of two
sons, one 23 and the other 15 yr old.
Gray has been a case manager at DFCS
for 1 and ½ yrs. Prior to his current job
he was an Administrative Manager with
the Bibb company for 23 yrs.

When asked what the best part of his
job is he responded by saying
“reunifying families.”

He enjoys the easy going relationship
he has with the younger children and
seems to build an easy rapport with
them. I asked him if he could change
anything about his job what would it
be. He said, “the per diem rates are
too low. Should be a per diem for
relative placement and family
placement. I know that's set by the
State of Georgia but it would help to
provide for the care of some of the
"heavy maintenance" type children.”

Toya Turner grew up in Newnan, Ga
and went to college at the state
University of West Georgia. She
graduated with a degree in sociology
and a minor in psychology.

Her official title is case manager-
adoptions. She landed this opportune
job only three months after graduation
and has been working with the agency
for 3 ½ yrs. Prior to working with DFCS
she was a substitute teacher. Toya is a
single parent and mother to an 8 yr old
daughter.

The best part of her job is helping the
children and families that are involved
with the agency. The most memorable
moment of her career to date is
helping a sibling group that had been
separated for approximately two yrs
find a permanent home and adoptive
family.

She is encouraged by the joy and
excitement of the children she works
with. When asked about how to
improve the relationships between
caseworker and foster parent she
said, “more open communication” and
“becoming more of a partnership.”

She added that caseworkers value
foster parents and the job that they do.
She hopes that by building strong
relationships it will aid in smoother
transitions for children in need of a
permanent home whether it be
through reunification or adoption.

Thanks to all those that donated
clothing and toys for our 1st annual
Spring Sale.

There were bargains galore with
items ranging from .25 - $3 with a few
larger items also available. If you
didn’t make this sale you will not
want to miss our next one! Keep
your “Eye on the Calendar” for other
upcoming events!

We raised not only funds for the FPA
but community awareness for our
association. We shared foster
parent information with those
interested in getting involved.

We would like to thank Magic 98.3
for broadcasting our event as a
community service announcement.

Additionally we would like to thank
the volunteers that helped set up
and man or woman the sale braving
high temperatures and humidity.

A BIG Thank you to . . .
Gina Briard,
Amy Keller,
Cara
Sheri Verhalen
and
Danna Keith

As many of you know Amy
Richardson (former Vice President)
and her husband Phillip are
expecting their 1st baby.

They are expecting a GIRL! Amy will
not be attending July’s training
meeting.

We are collecting items for a gift
basket for her such as, baby wipes,
powder, lotion, shampoo, diapers,
etc… please bring one item to the
training meeting on July 20th.

We will present the basket to Amy
and Phillip at our meeting in August.

EYE on the CALENDAR

July 3rd, Parade and Fire
Works
The City of Newnan and
Rotary Club have moved
the July 4th Parade and
Fireworks to Saturday, July
3. Enjoy a patriotic,
hometown parade through
historic downtown Newnan,
followed by entertainment
and food at Drake
Stadium, with fireworks at
dusk. 770-253-8283
July 4th, Independence
Day
July 10th, Car Cruise
Experience the beauty of
many restored antique and
hot rod cars downtown
Historic Newnan Square
from 5-9 PM.
770-253-8283

July Training July 20
Topic to be announced.

July 28th Box Lunch
Series
Bring your chairs and join
us for lunch on the Historic
East Court Square. Pick up
a box lunch at one of our
downtown restaurants or
bring your own. Listen to
live music under the oaks.
Come downtown and enjoy
fellowship with your friends
and the beautiful scenery
of the Historic Square.
770-253-8283

DOLLAR DAYS are here!
Bowl every Thursday
though August 26th for
$1 per game ALL DAY
LONG. Not valid with other
offers, shoe rental not
included. 770-683-2695