Devereux Georgia Offers a Lifeline for Young People to Reach a Brighter Future
Tucked away in the middle of the hustle and bustle of northwest Cobb is a serene 63-acre campus that is a lifeline for young people who, for a number of reasons, need intensive help to overcome emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.
Celebrating its 50th year, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Georgia has been serving and supporting children, adolescents and young adults in a setting that’s just a stone’s throw from Kennesaw’s busy Barrett Parkway.
Devereux Georgia was established in 1973 at the invitation of Gov. Jimmy Carter, who anticipated a future need in his home state. The campus serves hundreds of adolescents each year through intensive residential treatment, special education services and a specialty foster care program.
The property’s design resembles a college campus. Staff and residents move about on tree-lined lanes, stop at gathering places under canopies of pines and enjoy venues for indoor and outdoor sports. The grounds provide a serene environment, where young people experience enrichment programs that include beekeeping, a greenhouse, a hair salon,
a fishing dock and more.
“We have been providing hope and healing for youth and families throughout Georgia,” said Devereux Vice President of Operations Gwen Skinner. “Our programs and services are individualized to meet the unique needs of each child, adolescent or young adult who walks through our doors. Our ultimate goal is to help those in our care learn, grow and thrive.”
During this season of celebrating a
half-century of service, Devereux Georgia staff members recount their successes
and plan for the next 50-plus years.
• One of the proudest accomplishments is Ackerman Academy, named after Atlanta real estate developer Charlie Ackerman, who was a tremendous supporter of Devereux.
• A thriving foster care program places children in need with families willing to love, support and house them.
• Community partnerships are vital to Devereux’s success. These partnerships include working with Morehouse School of Medicine, the Marietta Arts Council, Atlanta Angels and Cobb Collaborative, as well as local civic and church groups.
• An adult transitional program is launching to provide support for young adults who need more than they get out of the community.
• Growing new partnerships with Kennesaw State University.
• A new fitness center on campus, provided by Kennesaw’s Innovative Fitness.
• Launching a new program to provide tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment for staff.
• Expansion of programs and services for adolescents who have been rescued from commercial sexual exploitation.
Programs and Services at Devereux Georgia
Intensive Residential Treatment
Young people ages 10-21 who are facing significant emotional and/or behavioral challenges are offered intensive residential treatment. Clinical support is available through individual, group and family therapy sessions. Medication management, substance-abuse counseling, activity therapy, along with 24-hour nursing and psychiatry services, supplement this intensive plan.
A positive behavioral interventions and supports framework is utilized, which promotes the reduction of challenging behaviors through the encouragement of positive behaviors. Program expectations are taught and reinforced daily and include being respectful, responsible and safe.
School and Education
The Devereux Ackerman Academy is a Cobb County Title I school. The academy offers small class sizes, access to regular
and special-education services, and tutoring, as needed.
In addition, older students can enroll in career technical education services to explore their professional interests and learn valuable and marketable job skills. Individuals have the opportunity to participate in real-life work settings, such as food service, information technology and cosmetology.
School personnel are certified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Ackerman Academy’s curriculum follows the Georgia Standards of Excellence, which adheres to National Common Core. A specialized curriculum for college and career preparation is available. Ackerman Academy is the only psychiatric residential treatment facility in the state of Georgia that is an official testing site for the SAT.
Specialty Foster Care
As part of its continuum of care, Devereux Georgia’s specialty foster care program operates with the belief that every child deserves a loving and nurturing family — and a positive home environment — to help them reach their full and unique potential.
The program serves children, adolescents and young adults with medical, psychological, social and emotional needs, providing them with a family-based alternative to more intensive levels of care. Children are matched with qualified foster parents, who are trained, licensed, supervised and supported by Devereux.
Here’s How to Help
Devereux personnel work to provide every experience possible that a child in elementary through high school would have. Since all activities need to remain on campus, the staff relies on volunteers and donations to help with the enrichment programs designed to bring out the best in the students. These programs allow the individuals to discover their gifts and talents.
There are three key areas where the public can get involved:
• Monetary gifts can be directed toward a variety of programs or enrichment opportunities. Examples include funding outdoor recreation equipment, vision screenings, ice cream socials, an overhaul of a residential building or just general operations.
• Donations of goods are welcome, including clothing, shoes, sports equipment, games, books and school supplies. Local civic and church groups, as well as employee donation drives, are invaluable in helping meet ongoing needs.
• Volunteers are needed to help with art enrichment programs, campus events and youth groups. Some examples include civic groups that work with students to plant gardens, local banks offering financial literacy classes, and group fitness classes needing leaders. Devereux can help local businesses with opportunities for employees to pitch in on days of service in the community.