As we begin 2026, I want to pause and reflect on all that God made possible last year.
We reached more families through prevention programs, built stronger partnerships in the community and elevated the voices of families by engaging in advocacy efforts at the state and federal level.
The needs facing families across Georgia are complex and growing. Our response is to meet them with care that is both compassionate and effective, care delivered by dedicated staff, rooted in faith, and strengthened through trusted partnerships.
This year we responded to the need by extending the reach of two key programs:
- Healthy Families, our home-visiting program for new moms and their babies, began serving families in Metro Atlanta. Wellroot home visitation program offers parenting education, essential supplies, and a trusted support system during the earliest, most important years of a child’s life.
- Functional Family Therapy, a proven in-home counseling program that helps keeps families together, grew to serve more counties including Dekalb. We also doubled the number of licensed therapists on our team to meet growing needs.
None of this would have been possible without our donors, volunteers, and community champions. Your generosity fueled our mission every step of the way. Whether you gave financially, shared your time, or helped spread the word, you made a tangible impact in the lives of children and families across Georgia.
Looking Ahead: Bold Steps for 2026
Expanding Access to Behavioral Health
We are now a Georgia Medicaid-enrolled provider, which allows us to serve more families with accessible, coordinated behavioral health services! This is major milestone that enables us to provide expanded therapy, psychiatric care through a clinical partner, medication management, and nursing support. At a time when many families are waiting months for care, this opportunity means we can help close the gap.
Providing a Safe Place for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
This month, we are opening the doors to The Oaks, our newly renovated Transitional Living campus in Oakhurst. With this renovation, we are doubling our ability to provide safe housing and wraparound support to young adults transitioning from foster care into independence.
Equipping A Community to Support Teens
Next month, we are hosting our most impactful Reaching Teens Summit yet. This two-day gathering will bring together professionals, youth leaders, and caregivers for trauma-sensitive training and practical tools to serve the next generation.
A Legacy of Hope
As we celebrate Wellroot’s 155th anniversary in 2026, I stand in awe of God’s faithfulness and your enduring generosity. From our beginnings as The United Methodist Children’s Home to our statewide impact today, one truth remains. Hope is born where love is planted.
Thank you for walking alongside us. Together, we are building a world where every child is raised in a loving, compassionate, and nurturing home.
