Our Program
Program Purpose
GICH provides residential services for males, ages 11-18, who have experienced trauma and need a safe place to heal from the emotional effects of the trauma. The young men reside in one of five cottages on our campus, offering a structured, home-like environment.
About Our Campus
The GICH campus is situated on approximately 200 acres in Suburban Bibb County. In partnership with local running and biking clubs, we maintain over seven miles of cultivated trails to provide our residents with ample outdoor opportunities. We also partner with local schools to provide a site for high school and college cross country meets. GICH offers a low ropes course, climbing tower, and zip line under the supervision of a certified instructor. GICH recently revitalized the 92 existing pecan trees on campus in order to cultivate and harvest annual crops. Youth who are referred to GICH reside in one of five cottages located on the campus.
What We Do
GICH works with youth who have experienced trauma and need a safe place to heal. Childhood trauma like this often leads to emotional and/or behavioral disorders, so our residents are considered to be at a higher level of need (Maximum Watchful Oversight). Youth reside in one of five cottages on our campus offering a structured yet home-like environment where youth can excel. A dedicated Educational Coordinator ensures that each resident is able to meet optimum potential within their assigned educational setting. An assigned Independent Living Coach works with residents to assess individual skill levels and to develop tailored service plans for skills acquisition. Counseling is provided by one of two local Community Mental Health Centers by licensed therapists. These services are provided on campus according to individualized service plans for each resident.
Our Goals
The goal of GICH is to support and guide youth in their learning process to make positive choices and replace negative, defeating behaviors with positive, affirming behaviors. As a team, we constantly refine and sculpt the program and systems, embracing change as the conduit to becoming the best program possible. We strive to broaden the horizons of our residents opening doors to potential career paths and having life and learning experiences they would not likely have otherwise.
Our History
Established in 1897, GICH has been continuously caring for children since 1899. In the early years of operation, this campus was a home to orphans, who needed to learn a skill in order to succeed in life. When GICH joined Twin Cedars Youth and Family Services, Inc. in 2009, this offered our campus the opportunity to bring an entire network of resources together on behalf of our residents. Our mission today is not that different from the vision that Reverend Mumford had when he first founded GICH. We work with our youth to teach skills that are critical to success in life.
Accreditation
As part of Twin Cedars, GICH is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).
Accomplishments
GICH has numerous volunteers and interns from the community including Mercer University, Wesleyan College, and Middle Georgia State College who continuously give of their time to enhance our program. In 2011, a GICH volunteer was selected as the Kiwanis Volunteer of the Year for Middle Georgia.
Our Independent Living Coach Received the P.R.E.P. Best RBWO Partner Award, presented by GA-P.R.E.P. for exemplary work with our youth.
Gallery
Referrals & Donations
Referrals
Referrals are accepted through the Department of Family and Children Services, Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Multi Agency Alliance for Children (MAAC). You may also contact Brenda Goolsby, MFT, Program Director, bgoolsby@twincedars.org, 478-508-8166.
Donation Wish List
If you are interested in supporting GICH by donating needed items and supplies, please view our donations wish list.
Contact Info
Physical/Mailing Address
4690 North Mumford Road
Macon, GA 31210
Phone
478-508-8166
Fax
478-471-1891