Georgia Family Connection

10/13/2026

Stephanie Stuckey is the Chair of Stuckey’s, the roadside oasis famous for its pecan log rolls. The company was founded by Stephanie’s grandfather, W.S. Stuckey, Sr., as a pecan stand in Eastman in 1937 and grew to over 350 stores across the country. She invested her life savings in 2019 to reclaim the company and restore her grandfather’s legacy. Stephanie didn’t rebuild Stuckey’s overnight. Her story reflects what we know about improving outcomes for children and families: staying true to our values and mission, committing to shared goals over time, and adapting to new challenges. Her journey reminds us that success is about more than the bottom line. It’s about knowing what matters and building something that lasts—little by little.

That’s the journey we’ll celebrate on Jekyll Island, Wednesday – Friday, Oct. 21 – 23 at the Georgia Family Connection Conference. https://youtu.be/xwyXAGGzzGk

Stephanie Stuckey is the Chair of Stuckey’s, the roadside oasis fam...

10/08/2026

Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education has identified early learning, teacher excellence, literacy, and high-value career pathways among the issues shaping Georgia’s future. These priorities raise a larger question: How can we align our investments and efforts so children, families, and communities have what they need to thrive? GPEE President and CEO Dana Rickman, a GaFCP Board member, explores that question in her guest blog, New Challenges: New Opportunities. https://bit.ly/4jSv3gC

10/02/2026

When Jackie Shoemaker, Executive Director of the American Red Cross South Central Georgia Chapter, attended a Lanier County Family Connection meeting, she wasn’t looking for a new American Red Cross project. She was there to listen and learn. The conversation turned when Amy Griffin, Executive Director of Lanier County Family Connection, shared that she had not felt safe walking on a resident’s porch and accessibility ramp because of their poor condition. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4i23CPh

09/28/2026

The percentage of children living in poverty in Georgia in 2024 was 16%—higher than the national rate of 15%. The 2% decrease from 2023 represents 56,000 less children living in poverty. Children living in poverty are less likely to reach standard education milestones and are more likely to develop poor mental health, suffer from asthma and other childhood diseases, and experience poor health later in life. Learn more in this year’s KIDS COUNT Data Book.
https://bit.ly/4av3RPx

09/23/2026

During Georgia Pre-K Week, legislators and other leaders are invited to visit pre-K sites and read with children. Pre-K sites can register to have leaders visit their programs. Community partners also can sign up to participate. Learn more: https://www.georgiavoices.org/georgia-prek-week

09/17/2026

Last chance to register for our 2026 Georgia Family Connection Conference. Late registration closes tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 18, at 11:59 p.m. The deadline to lock in hotel accommodations is Sunday, Sept. 20.

Join more than 350 leaders from across Georgia on Jekyll Island, Wednesday – Friday, Oct. 21 – 23. You’ll hear what’s working in communities across the state, discover practical strategies you can put into action, and forge relationships with people committed to helping children and families thrive.

Register now: https://gafcp.org/conference/

09/11/2026

Recovery happens together. Research shows meaningful human connection supports resilience, hope, and long-term recovery. Every connection can make a difference.

Access the SAMHSA National Recovery Month toolkit: https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/recovery-month

09/02/2026

In Lee County, the latest Georgia KIDS COUNT data shows that 30.1% of third-grade students are achieving Proficient Learner or above on the Milestones ELA assessment. That’s why Literate Lee, Lee County Family Connection’s literacy strategy team, focuses on early literacy intervention from birth through age 8. The Collaborative recently co-hosted “Red, White, and Bluey: Happy Birthday USA Party” as part of the Georgia Reads for America 250 initiative. https://bit.ly/4iHADSu

08/26/2026

GaFCP’s Connect newsletter aims to connect every member of the Georgia Family Connection statewide network to one another—and to resources, tools, data, and strategies that will help inform positive change on a large scale across our state.

Get the latest edition: https://bit.ly/4wVaxyW

08/24/2026

It's Substance Use Primary Prevention Month. To inspire action, each of us can share how prevention is improving lives in our community. https://bit.ly/4hRHgS4 SAMHSA