Elks Aidmore accepted my granddaughter into their residential program when I desperately needed help with her because she was totally out of control. She has mental illness and is seriously emotionally disturbed. Aidmore has helped her in many ways, including improved communication skills, anger management, coping skills & independent life skills. The Aidmore staff really cares & is very supportive of their kids. They provided counseling, group therapy, medical, medications & dental as well as a safe, secure home away from home. They take the children on numerous outings and provide activities on campus as well. It would be a very good place to go when a child is in a crisis situation and has trouble being placed in a foster home. Aidmore helps when there is no one else to help you. I give their program high marks for what they have accomplished for Georgia's kids and what they can do for our kids in the future.
Elks Aux. & Elks Lodge do a lot of comunity svce, gives people a chance to know & keep friends in town.sponsor little league teams, support achildrens home in Conyers,Ga.have Halloween party for all children in town,have a swimming pool for families to use.
I have volunteered my time and services with Elks Aidmore for more than eights years now. They truly have a remarkable program. The services they provide are top-notch and you will not find a more caring staff. Aidmore is an asset to the children and families they serve in Georgia.
Aidmore is more than just a home for children that need help. Its the security and foundation for these children to grow and develope the potential for the people they will become.
Elks Aidmore has been helping children for over 80 years. Our goals have changed over the years depending on the needs of our children. Our programs now include Residential, Transitional Living, Community Based Alternatives for Youth and Therapeudic Foster Care. The Residential is the most challenging due to shortcomings in funding. We have some of the most "difficult" kids who require the most attention that can be provided.
With this being said, we are "proud" of our programs and will continue to help "Kids" in what ever way we can.
Jim Pilgrim
I went to high school with girls who lived at Elks Aidmore. Many if which became my friends and shared a few things with me about their experience. They were all there for various reasons, but the one thing that was consistent with each girl was that they felt like they had a home there and that if they needed anything, a staff member was always there to listen and give a helping hand. They were surrounded by others that had similar situations and some even felt for the first time in their lives they had a big family to turn to.
The Elks Aidmore Center provides a safe home for the youth in the state of Georgia who suffered from neglect and abuse in a parental environment. My husband who is an Elk and I as an Auxiliary member have been supporters since its inception. Our Auxiliary has sponsored several young women over the years at Christmas and special events. Two young women that particularly touched our hearts came in with a chip on their shoulder that was a challenge to remove. And as we requested them to be our Christmas child each year, recognizing birthdays and seeking them out at each visit, the chip was gone and they began to look forward to seeing us. Each completed high school with one joining the military and the other completing graduate studies, have made their way into a life that was only a dream. Aidmore and it's supporters have made many dreams come true, sending productive young adults to serve our country in their chosen vocation. What greater reward than this?
Carol Gregg wrote
I have been going to Aidmore for 10 years representing the Elks. We go in the Spring to help the girls plant flower and cleaned up the yards and we take gifts at the Christmas Party. It is interesting to talk with the Girls and to follow up with them the next time we see them.
Elks Aidmore is a home away from home for children who need help and a safe place to grow (physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc.). The staff at Aidmore does a wonderful job in all areas mentioned. Aidmore is "the Village" that helps young people be the best they can be.
Many years ago I attended a Christmas decorating party and had the blessing of meeting a beautiful young girl who had been removed from her home because of abuse. Her story touched my heart so that I have never missed another Christmas party since. That was 19 years ago. Since then the young people who have crossed my path at the Children's Center have continued to be a blessing in my life. The work done by the staff is truly fantastic. It has truly been an exciting experience to watch the improvements in these young people's lives through the dedication of all the people associated with the center.
Elks Aidmore is amazing in their ability to adapt to the ever changing needs of the young people in the community. Most of the changes were dictated by out side forces beyond their control but their focus always was the same. The healing of hearts and improving life skills is not an easy task among the young. Elks Aidmore is the place that will work on even the most difficult of cases to help the young person understand their is a place that does care. I and my wife have volunteered every christmas and thanksgiving to try and bring a little joy to them by letting them use our professional karoke equipment. Of course as an Elk we financially contribute all year long plus do several fund raisers a year at our home lodge but this is only a drop in the bucket for the huge need of the young people that have been all but abandon by the most basic of support groups. I urge you to consider and open your pockets to assist this group of hard working people to reach out and help even the most hard core problem become a success in our society.
Elks Aidmore is an eye opening place. I am amazed at the work and things they can accomplish with these teenagers. We put on a drug awareness program , fed them dinner and spoke with the residence. All of them were very interested in the dog and his ability to sniff out drugs. they asked lots of questions of the police officer. They also thanked us for the meal and the program. At Chrismtas we have a work day and decorate the gym with the residence help. Then on Sunday we have a short program where the residence sing and we give them gifts. They are always so appreciative of what ever they get.
I am very glad I have the opportunity to help these young people.
Miriam Wheeler
I feel strongly about the impact that Elks Aidmore has on the young people they so diligently guide, encourage and care for. The program is broad but at the same time individualized to meet the needs of those in the program. Government regulations have taken away from programs like Elks Aidmore and in turn have done a disservice to those in need. But the program is strong and has withstood the test of time. I'm proud to be a supporter.
Elks Aidmore is the place to be if you are a troubled young person. The CEO, Abe Wilkinson, is the most caring and knowledgeable person. The services we offer at Aidmore are the best anywhere. As an Elks Auxiliary member for over 30 years I have seen the changes in the young people who have benefitted by being on our beautiful campus. They become contributing citizens of our communities. Elks Aidmore Children's Center deserves all the support that they receive.
Elks Aidmore is one of the most fantastic places I have ever had the privididge to be associated with. It is almost impossible to find an Exective Director and Staff who are 100% dedicated to the clients as the people at Elks Aidmore.
I know this from experience, having been Director of Housing and Care for 1600 clients at an institution for mentally retarded children for sevearl years. I left to try my hand at private business, but I never lost my love to help children. After retiring I moved to a north Georgie county where I now serve on the board of 6 non-profits organizations dealing with children such as.. domestic violence, child abuse, non-custodial visitation, drug taskforce, and the Boy's and Girl's Club Of Gilmer County.
I do not say this to brag, but to show that I am qualified to recommend Elks Aidmore, the Executive Director and Staff for your Greatest Nonprofits.
How is a nurturing environment defined? Sometimes it comes in the form of a caring counselor or perhaps a direct care staff member that lovingly provides the help and support that these children have perhaps never witnessed before. A person to confide in, or maybe an affirmative "yes you can" to help a troubled child go the extra distance. These children, often through no fault of their own, arrive at Elks Aidmore and are given a beautiful home environment complete with structure and love. Elks Aidmore has a long history of helping children in need and I am pleased to volunteer my services.
I have worked with special education children in Michigan and Georgia, and I have been a foster mother working with troubled children in New York. Having said that, I became involved with Aidmore over 10 years ago when my husband became an Elk and I joined the Elk's auxiliary. I have been so impressed with the work that is done with the children at Aidmore and with the patience and love that is shown to each child that enters the program. The success rate for the children they work with is extraordinary and something to be grateful for since each success is another productive citizen for our country.
The love, concern and training they give these children builds up their self worth, which is something that is usually lacking when you have been through all the tribulations that these children have experienced in their lives. I have nothing but complete admiration and thankfulness that I have been given the opportunity to know about this organization and work for them when asked.
I can think of no better organization to receive support to help them to continue to grow and help more children throughout the state of Georgia.
The Elks Aidmore Inc, is a most valuable venture to care for the needs of distress and displace children. This is our state of Georgia major project. We have worked very hard as Elk volunteers to promot this facility. Ther have been many success stories with kids who would not have had a change for a bright future. I am so pleased with the work that is done through this organization. SMW
there is no other facility that does more for the young adults in the state of ga. than elks aidmore.
Being the wife of and Elk and also an Elks Aidmore Auxiliary member, I have seen first hand what this organization has done for the many youth that have passed through their door. Abe Wilkinson and his staff have provided the geniune care and loving atmosphere that these kids have been deprived of in their own homes. The thing that impresses me most is talking with the residents and seeing how much they love being there and having the opportunity to better themselves. I, personally have met young adults that were residents there and are now following in their footsteps by choosing a career that allows them to give back to society, and help others that may be in the same situation they were in. Also, by expanding their services to Valdosta, they are able to reach out and help even more children in need.
Aidmore Childrens Home may be the only safe haven these children will ever remember.
This program is one of the finest in the US. I have personally seen children come into the program with nothing but the clothes on their back and an attitude. I have seen children who have not been loved, who have been subjected to parents wanting to actually kill them. One girl, whom I have know for over 20 years now, camie into the program at age 12, She was living on the streets and eating out of McDonald's garbage dumpster. Her mother was on drugs and had tried to kill her. She ran away and was eventually picked up by authorities. She admits that she stole items to live, that she was determined to live. When she was admitted to the Adimore program she became a new preson. She learned to love, to care for others and found out that not all people live the way she had to live on the streets. She graduated from high school, got a college degree in Biology, then later got a degree in Education. She currently is married, had two children and teaches at the local Tech. College and works in the Hospital Pharmacy, part time. She had relayed heer story to many organizations and clubs and meetings and calls Adimore, her family, in Conyers, Georgia. She tries to visit the campus once a year and keeps in touch with many of the members and auxiliary members who helped her along the way.
Elk's Aidmore is a wonderful resource for GA! It provides and produces outstanding results to many young people who otherwise would not have succeeded in life. Aidmore conforms and maintains the highest standards of Accreditation within it's field. Aidmore is a beacon of hope for young people and deserves its outstanding ratings.
This charity (Elks Aidmore) has been helping children for over 4o years. It has taken homeless children off of the streets in Atlanta. It's graduates have gone on to be college grads and many have joined the military. Their grads also have been a great impact on their communities
Elks Aidmore is the salvation of many young boys and girls. They provide more than a home away form a (unhealthy) home and have professional services on the campus. They are expanding into South GA.
If you would like to go somewhere, where it is quiet and peaceful. Elks Aidmore is the place to be. My troop of girls go for a day trip or a weekend trip and explore the great outdoors.
I have long been a supporter of Elks Aidmore, being an Elk for 36 years. I can honestly say that the leadership and staff at this facility are top notch. They respond to the needs of the clients they serve and provide an encouraging and enriching environment. They have the successes to prove their effectiveness. knowing the leadership personnel on a first-name basis, I can truthfully say they care. They will do all in their power to help the kids they serve. I am proud to be an Elk supporter of Aidmore and a donor to this fine program.
This unique facility serves many of Georgia's unfortunate youth through its expanding, multi-layered professional services with partial funding and donations from Georgia's Elk Lodges. I have found their staff to be courteous and efficient to me. It has been my pleasure to have contruibuted my time, services, money and equipment when shown the need.