Community leaders welcomed elected representatives and officials from the Family Connection partnership who met in the Depot Nov. 19 to discuss improving results for Georgia's children.
Family Connection Partnership, an affiliation between the state and the private sector, has improved results for Georgia's children with Region 7 serving as a model of excellence, said keynote speaker Gaye Smith, executive director.
"As a Georgian and a member of Family Connection, I thank you for what you do every day. I applaud the work of this region," she told the audience.
The Family Connection Collaborative has been successful because of the work between communities and the government, officials said.
"The legislature supports this program," Representative Sistie Hudson said.
Senator-elect Jim Whitehead agreed.
"I am so impressed," he told the audience. "In the face of budget restraints, Family Connection representatives continue to help the children of Georgia.
"This program is wonderful. It's all about kids," he said.
The luncheon provided a chance for Family Connection officials to exchange ideas on how to help Georgia's children be healthy, ready to start and perform better in school, and have stable, economically self-sufficient families, said Mary Ann Kotras who coordinates the local program.