Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

We work with schools to provide children with needed supports and reduce their risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system. Schools with effective discipline policies keep kids in class learning and create a safe and productive learning environment for all students.
Georgia Appleseed advocates for reforms large and small, local and statewide, that increase access for low-income children and their families to stable, healthy homes. Children in healthy homes do better in school, have lower levels of justice involvement, and can look to a brighter future.
We work with local school climate committees that are required in each county across the state to improve children’s behavioral health services and to integrate these services with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
Through FAIR, we support parents and advocates dealing with school discipline issues like long-term suspension or expulsion. We offer free coaching to help advocate for a child’s education rights and, if needed, connect the child with a free attorney. Learn more about a child’s rights and how we can help keep them in school with the supports they need.
Georgia Appleseed is currently hiring a Data & Case Management Support Assistant but the posting for this position is now closed. Please continue to check here for other opportunities.
Interested in volunteering? Complete our Pro Bono & Volunteer Interest Form

Special Education Legal Clinic: IEP & 504 Plan Support

Georgia Appleseed Open House: Come See Our New Space!

Georgia Act Policy and Advocacy Monthly Webinar: New Eviction Sealing Law

Building a Culture of Connection

Skills for School Disciplinary Hearings

Middle Georgia Regional School-Based Behavioral Health Forum and Innovation Lab

Your First Iep Meeting: What Every Attorney Should Know Before Sitting at the Table

Back-IN-School Event

Back to School Convening

Serve as tribunal volunteer attorney

Donate office furniture and supplies

Give

What’s a Tuple? 10 AI Words You’ve Gotta Know, If You Want AI to Work. (Don’t worry, tuple isn’t one of them.)

Chronicle of Philanthropy Features Our Approach to AI

George Orwell and Better AI: Using Memory and Context

Making Advocacy Accessible

AI: How Can Something So Smart Seem So Stupid?

A Trapper Keeper for Working with AI

We Tested the AI Chatbots Georgia Parents Are Already Using. Here’s What Went Wrong, and What Went Right

Marc Taylor To Receive the Inaugural Steve Clay Legacy Award

Housing advocates call for reducing barriers to affordable housing

New Georgia school safety law brings mental health services, security upgrades to Central Georgia schools

May 2024 Issue

October 2021 Issue

Michael Waller

Yasmine Atamna

Tanesse Brown

Jack Grote

Darlene C. Lynch

Liz McDaniel

Leah Mungo

Luci Ruiz

Kate Swett

Mary Kathryn Velazquez

Fatima Santillan

Darlene Lynch

Struggling to get the right educational support for your child? You don’t have to navigate it alone. Understanding IEPs, 504 Plans, and your child’s educational rights can be overwhelming. Georgia Appleseed is here to help! Join us on November 17 for our FREE, in-person Special Education Legal Clinic, where families can receive personalized, one-on-one guidance from our team. During your free 30-minute consultation, you can review your child’s IEP or 504 Plan, discuss concerns, ask questions, and leave with actionable next steps to advocate for their educational needs. Date: Tuesday, November 17 Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location: West Midtown, Atlanta (Address provided upon registration) Register today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/M1m0yxkY6j Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in school. Let us help you advocate for the support your child needs. #GeorgiaAppleseed #SpecialEducation #IEP #504Plan #EducationAdvocacy #StudentRights

Strong communities help children stay connected, supported, and on track for success. Georgia Appleseed was glad to join more than 300 attendees at the recent Georgia Family Connection Partnership Conference on Jekyll Island. Jack Grote presented “Keeping Students on Track: Preventing Discipline and Supporting Success,” and he and Darlene C. Lynch brought our See Me exhibit, which shares the stories and lived experiences of young people in Georgia’s foster care system. Thank you to Georgia Family Connection Partnership for bringing together partners from across the state who are working to build stronger communities for Georgia’s children and families. Learn more about See Me and explore practical resources for families, educators, advocates, and community partners: https://gaappleseed.org/resource/see-me/ https://gaappleseed.org/resources-search/ #GeorgiaAppleseed #GaFCP #SeeMe #SchoolJustice

Protecting children and strengthening families takes more than individual efforts. It requires collaboration, accessible resources, and a shared commitment to ensuring every child has the support they need. Last month, our FAIR team attended the 2026 Georgia Conference on Child Abuse Prevention, themed “Collective Care in the Storm.” Through workshops on strengthening partnerships between schools and child advocacy centers, identifying accessibility barriers, and improving access to resources, our team explored ways to better support children and families. These lessons reinforce our work to help families overcome barriers to education and ensure students remain safe, supported, and engaged in school. Families shouldn't have to navigate challenges alone. If your child is facing school discipline, special education, or enrollment challenges, Georgia Appleseed can help you understand your options and access support. Connect with us: https://referastudent.org/ #GeorgiaAppleseed #ChildAbusePrevention #StudentAdvocacy

Only 2 days away—save your spot today! Georgia's new eviction record sealing law creates opportunities for renters to move forward—and there's still time to learn more! This Wednesday, October 14, at 3 p.m., join the Georgia Healthy Housing Coalition and Georgia ACT for a free webinar on the new law, who may qualify, and how sealing eligible eviction records can help remove barriers to housing. Click the link below to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_lyQPORjQGenQIv1ZuToXg?fbclid=IwY2xjawU2DQlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mA2JyaWQRMUZJTXI3N1VxaEJRbWJ4WjlzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81MTQ3NzE1NjkyMjgwNjEAAR7EuLIGZDtuzQLl1D2o80lX0w1UYXD2o_aCSGuElPgW1Wdfoy-5yOH5xiEN5A_aem_1r_pqKf858V6rFqSFoFkew#/registration

Georgia Appleseed Senior Staff Attorney Jack Grote recently led a hands-on training in Savannah with the Safety Valve Project, helping attorneys and advocates strengthen their skills in school disciplinary hearings. From opening statements and witness examinations to practical exercises and real-time feedback, the session focused on equipping advocates with tools to better represent students facing exclusionary discipline. Thank you to the Safety Valve Project for partnering with us to help keep Georgia students in school! #SchoolJustice #StudentAdvocacy #GeorgiaAppleseed #EducationJustice

NEXT WEEK: Learn how Georgia's new eviction record sealing law can open doors to stable housing! Join the Georgia Healthy Housing Coalition and Georgia ACT on Wednesday, October 14, at 3 p.m. for a free webinar covering the new law and opportunities to seal eligible eviction records. Register now and help spread the word! https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_lyQPORjQGenQIv1ZuToXg#/registration #HousingJustice #EvictionSealing #GeorgiaHousing #FreeWebinar

Join us for the next Georgia Education Climate Coalition (GECC) meeting! Christina Lennon of Wellroot Family Services will share research on positive childhood experiences and practical strategies from Reaching Teens for building supportive relationships with young people—including active listening and reframing. We’ll explore how these approaches can strengthen connection, belonging, and school climate across Georgia. October 8 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. Virtual Register here: https://gaa.getthedata.io/coalition-events/invite/80be33f8-199d-4179-a2aa-7501e60121d6/

We’re excited to share that Georgia Appleseed has received a grant from the OpenAI Foundation’s 2026 People-First AI Fund. Georgia Appleseed has been exploring how AI can help close information and access gaps for the communities we serve. From developing Seedmore, our AI-powered tool that helps families navigate school-related questions, to exploring how AI can make complex legal information easier to understand and use, we’ve been focused on a simple question: How can these tools help people get the information they need to advocate for themselves and their families? This new support will allow us to deepen that work, and all of our work for Georgia's children and families—continuing to learn, experiment, and explore how to expand access to information, strengthen the work of nonprofits, and help communities have a voice in how new technologies are used. Georgia Appleseed is one of 163 nonprofits across the country receiving support through the People-First AI Fund. We’re grateful to the OpenAI Foundation for this investment in our mission and in community-driven approaches to AI.

Help us turn our new office into a space where our team, partners, volunteers, and families can feel at home. Georgia Appleseed has officially planted roots in our temporary home at King Plow Arts Center, and while we have the essentials, we’re still filling in a few important pieces. You can help by shopping our wish list and sending needed items straight to our door: https://a.co/08Q5CSoe Every contribution helps us create a more welcoming, functional space for the work ahead. #GeorgiaAppleseed #CommunitySupport #NonprofitSupport #AtlantaNonprofit #WishList

Georgia Appleseed was proud to join the annual Pearls and Purpose community event, bringing together resources and support for K–12 students and families in North Fulton as they begin a new school year. Our team shared school supplies, school discipline advocacy toolkits, and special education resources to help families better understand and navigate their students’ rights. A special thank you to our wonderful volunteers, Victoria, Domonique, and Tami, for connecting with families, sharing resources, and helping make sure parents and caregivers know where to turn when their student needs support. We’re grateful to be part of events like Pearls and Purpose that make information and resources more accessible to families across Georgia. #SchoolJustice #CommunityResources #BackToSchool

Attorneys and advocates in Savannah: Join us for a hands-on training on representing students in school disciplinary hearings. Georgia Appleseed attorney Jack Grote will lead Trial Skills for Disciplinary Hearings, drawing on his extensive experience representing students before disciplinary tribunals across Georgia. This interactive session will focus on the practical skills advocates need in the hearing room, including pre-hearing objections, opening and closing statements, and examining students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice witness examinations and get real-time feedback. Whether you’re new to school disciplinary hearings or looking to sharpen your advocacy skills, this training is designed to give you techniques you can put to use right away. Trial Skills for Disciplinary Hearings Savannah, Georgia September 25 3:00 PM

We’ve moved! Georgia Appleseed is settling into our new, interim home at King Plow Arts Center, and we’re grateful to the people who helped make the move possible. We are deeply grateful to our Board Member Raj Nichani and his team at @thermnagency who helped make our new space possible. And a special thank you to volunteers Gio Torres and Luis Valdez from @lambdasgsu, who generously gave their time and muscle to help us get moved in. Their chapter’s commitment to service and philanthropy was very much appreciated on moving day! We’re grateful to have a place to call home for now while we plan for what comes next.

Help us add a few finishing touches to Georgia Appleseed’s temporary office space! We’re seeking a limited number of new or gently used items: 🪑 Comfortable office chairs 🛋️ Area rugs 🍽️ Small tables for shared spaces—ideal for eating lunch or working away from a desk Because this is a temporary space, we are not looking for desks, conference tables, or large quantities of furniture. If you may have something that fits our needs, please send photos and dimensions to lmcdaniel@gaappleseed.org.

We’re moving—and we could use a few extra hands! Georgia Appleseed is looking for volunteers to help load and unload our moving truck this Thursday and Friday, September 10-11. If you can lend some time (and a little muscle!), we would be incredibly grateful. Contact Leah (lmungo@gaappleseed.org) to volunteer. Please share with anyone who may be able to help!

59%. Among ninth graders already at higher risk of justice-system involvement, 59% of those suspended out of school later became involved in the justice system, according to research highlighted by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. For students suspended for five days or more, it was 64%. Those numbers are a stark reminder that what happens when a student gets in trouble at school can have consequences far beyond just missing class. That’s why Georgia Appleseed works to keep students connected to school. We provide direct legal guidance to students and families, and also work with schools and communities to promote discipline practices that support students, address challenging behavior, and keep classrooms safe and productive. School discipline shouldn’t put a young person on a path toward the justice system. Know a student who needs help? Request our support at referastudent.org. Read the Annie E. Casey Foundation article: https://www.aecf.org/blog/students-suspended-out-of-school-in-ninth-grade-face-greater-risk-of-juvenile-justice-involvement #SchoolJustice #EducationEquity #JuvenileJustice #StudentSupport #GeorgiaChildren

How can we make school-based mental health supports work better for students? Join us on September 11 in Macon for the Middle Georgia Regional School-Based Behavioral Health Forum and Innovation Lab, hosted by the Georgia School-Based Behavioral Health Collaborative. Hear from Dr. Katherine Pickard of the Marcus Autism Center at Emory on supporting neurodivergent youth, including students with autism and ADHD, then take part in our first SBBH Innovation Lab focused on strengthening planning and expanding access to services. 9:00 AM–3:30 PM | Middle Georgia State University Mark your calendars — registration link coming soon! #GeorgiaAppleseed #SchoolBasedBehavioralHealth #StudentMentalHealth

Georgia Appleseed is excited to join Clayton County Public Schools and community partners for their annual Back-In-School event this Saturday, August 29 at 10 AM! We’ll be there sharing school justice and housing advocacy resources—and distributing school supplies to help students and families start the school year strong. Come by and connect with us! #GeorgiaAppleseed #BackToSchool #ClaytonCounty #SchoolJustice #HousingJustice

Language access can turn hesitation into connection. In our latest blog, Programs & Outreach Coordinator Fatima Santillan reflects on the relief she sees when Spanish-speaking families realize they can ask questions and access resources in their own language—and why those moments are central to making advocacy more accessible. Read “Making Advocacy Accessible” on the Georgia Appleseed website: https://gaappleseed.org/making-advocacy-accessible/ #GeorgiaAppleseed #LanguageAccess #CommunityOutreach #EducationAdvocacy

Teen Mental Health Month is an opportunity to recognize how important it is for teens to feel supported, heard, and connected to help when they need it. Stress can come from many different parts of a teen’s life, from school and relationships to social media and planning for the future. Parents, caregivers, educators, and other trusted adults can make a difference by checking in and helping teens know where to turn for support. School-based behavioral health can help make that support more accessible by connecting teens with services in a familiar setting. Click the link to explore Georgia Appleseed’s school-based behavioral health resources for families, educators, and advocates: https://schoolbasedbehavioralhealth.org/ #TeenMentalHealthMonth #SchoolBasedBehavioralHealth #StudentMentalHealth #GeorgiaAppleseed

Georgia attorneys: Want to build your skills advocating for students with disabilities? Join Georgia Appleseed on September 3 at 12 PM for Your First IEP Meeting: What Every Attorney Should Know Before Sitting at the Table, a practical introductory CLE for attorneys interested in pro bono special education advocacy. Using a realistic student scenario, presenters Jack Grote and Mary Kathryn Velazquez will walk through what to review, what to ask, how to prepare a student and family, how to advocate during an IEP meeting, and what to do when issues remain unresolved. No prior special education experience is required. Presented with the Young Lawyers Division State Bar of Georgia Child Protection and Advocacy Committee. Register here: https://gabar.zoom.us/meeting/register/-n3sc1o8Q0O_E_1MOxQRSw

A great start to the school year in Chatham County! Georgia Appleseed joined Migrant Equity and other community organizations at the Chatham County Back to School Event to connect families with school supplies, information, and resources. Fatima Santillan distributed more than 100 school supplies and spoke with parents and students about their rights in school discipline hearings. Families deserve clear, accessible information about their rights—especially in the language they know best. As Chatham County’s Hispanic and Latino communities grow, we remain committed to making our resources more accessible and strengthening connections with families across cultures. Thank you, Migrant Equity, for hosting such a meaningful event and welcoming us into the community. #GeorgiaAppleseed #SchoolJustice #ChathamCounty #BackToSchool #StudentRights

School is back — but is your child still waiting to get enrolled? If missing records or other red tape are keeping your child out of school, contact Georgia Appleseed. Our attorneys want to hear from families whose children are missing school because of enrollment problems. Georgia Appleseed may be able to help you understand your child’s rights and navigate the process. Contact us: http://referastudent.org/ Every child deserves the chance to start the school year in the classroom. #GeorgiaAppleseed #BackToSchool #SchoolEnrollment #SchoolJustice

Our Back-to-School themed Georgia Education Climate Coalition (GECC) meeting in Gainesville focused on school climate and student well-being. Attendees learned how Hall County School District’s vision of becoming “The Most Caring Place on Earth” has shaped its work to support students, strengthen school climate, and promote mental health awareness. Thank you to our guest speakers: Commissioner Kevin Tanner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Suzanne Jarrard, Assistant Superintendent of Hall County Schools, and longtime school climate expert and advocate Dr. Garry McGiboney.

What can Gainesville teach us about housing challenges across Georgia? At the Georgia Healthy Housing Coalition’s July 29 meeting, housing advocates, local officials, and community partners discussed Gainesville’s affordable housing landscape, local tools for housing development and preservation, and policy changes affecting Georgia renters. Watch Georgia Appleseed Policy Counsel Luci Ruiz speak with Atlanta News First about the meeting and why these conversations matter to GHHC’s statewide work. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_eI8JWY0-qy3Rvlkdabp9X8OAKrJAXOy/view?usp=sharing

A strong school year starts with students and families having the resources and support they need. Georgia Appleseed was glad to join Fulton County Schools for First Day Fulton, where families connected with school staff, community organizations, and resources for the year ahead. Events like First Day Fulton give us an important opportunity to meet families where they are, share information, and connect with partners working to help Georgia’s children thrive in school. And if you caught Star 94’s coverage, you may have spotted Darlene C. Lynch representing Georgia Appleseed! #GeorgiaAppleseed #FirstDayFulton #FultonCountySchools #SchoolJustice #BackToSchool

Congratulations to our Policy Staff Attorney Mary Kathryn Velazquez on her acceptance into the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education's Georgia Education Policy Fellowship 2026-27 cohort! Mary Kathryn brings deep commitment, curiosity, and care to her work advancing policies that help Georgia students and families thrive. We’re excited to see her join a statewide community of leaders working to strengthen education policy—and to see the ideas, relationships, and insight she brings back to Georgia Appleseed. We’re proud of you, Mary Kathryn! Learn more about GEPF here: https://gpee.org/programs/georgia-education-policy-fellowship/

Lasting policy change starts long before a bill is introduced—with the relationships that make action possible. In an interview with CXO Dispatch, Georgia Appleseed Legal and Policy Director Darlene C. Lynch Lynch shares how we bring unlikely partners together to advance meaningful change for Georgia’s children and families. Read and watch: https://www.cxodispatch.com/thought-leadership/darlene-lynch-how-to-build-bipartisan-coalitions-that-drive-real-policy-change/ #GeorgiaAppleseed #PolicyChange #CoalitionBuilding

We're proud to celebrate ourSenior Staff Attorney Jack Grote, who has been named the American Bar Association's Fearless Children's Lawyer of the Month for July 2026. This national recognition honors attorneys whose advocacy has made a meaningful difference in the lives of children. Every day, Jack works alongside Georgia families to protect students' rights, improve access to education, and advance policies that help children thrive. Congratulations, Jack, on this well-deserved recognition! Read Jack's profile: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/litigation/about/awards-initiatives/fearless-childrens-lawyer-of-the-month/july26-jack-grote/?login

Georgia Appleseed's Young Professionals Council (YPC) is honored to have our annual Spellbound Scrabble Tournament featured in the Summer 2026 Special Edition of Upper Westside Atlanta Magazine. Spellbound brings together word lovers, community leaders, and supporters for an evening of friendly competition, connection, and community—all in support of Georgia Appleseed's work advancing justice for children and families. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year's event a success! Read the feature: https://view.publitas.com/upper-westside-atlanta-magazine/issue-3-summer-2026-special-edition/page/24 #GeorgiaAppleseed #SpellboundForJustice #YoungProfessionals #AtlantaCommunity

Why can AI produce an impressive answer one minute and a completely inaccurate one the next? In our latest blog, Georgia Appleseed Executive Director R. Michael Waller Waller examines how AI training, context, and memory shape the responses these tools generate. Drawing from his own experiences, he explains why AI can sound confident even when it is wrong and what users should understand about both its potential and its limitations. Read Michael’s blog: https://gaappleseed.org/ai-training-context-memory/ #AI #LegalTechnology #ResponsibleAI

Looking for a fun summer networking event TONIGHT in Atlanta? Join us at the Young Professionals Council Pickleball Social! Don't miss out on: - Professional-led lessons - Networking with young professionals and attorneys - School supply drive for local students See you tonight at the Carl Sanders YMCA at Buckhead | 6:00–8:00 PM Click the link below to register and support Georgia Appleseed’s mission while giving back to local schools. https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/Lv8ETRhwc9PLEu0mq0Z1bA

Serve, socialize, and support local students at the Young Professionals Council Pickleball Social on July 22! Whether you are brand new to pickleball or already love the game, you can enjoy professional instruction, great food, and an evening with Atlanta’s young professional community. Bring school supplies to support students at Boyd Elementary, Bolton Academy, and The Ansley School! #GeorgiaAppleseed #PickleballATL #YoungProfessionals #AtlantaEvents

Housing stability is a family issue. On July 29, Georgia Appleseed will convene the Georgia Healthy Housing Coalition in Gainesville for a conversation about corporate ownership, local control, and what a changing rental market means for families. As federal and state lawmakers consider new tools to address institutional investors in housing, we want to hear from Gainesville-area partners about what these issues look like locally - especially for renters, workforce families, immigrant families, and families with children. The meeting will also include information about Georgia's new eviction record sealing sealing law and how it can help reduce long-term housing barriers for families. Join us for a community-centered conversation on safe, stable, and affordable housing in Gainesville. Register here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/wM41nTVRnSX2HlfO48nq_Q

Save the Date! Join the Georgia Education Climate Coalition on July 30 in Gainesville for a back-to-school convening focused on school climate and student welbeing. Learn how Hall County School District's vision of becoming "The Most Caring Place on Earth" has shaped efforts to support students, strengthen school climate, and promote mental health awareness. Register here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/8n_eFVnB3FRcGfqfxKnCgQ

A proposed federal rule would significantly affect funding for nonprofits, schools, public agencies, local governments, and community partners that rely on federal or pass-through grants. Public comments are due July 13, 2026. The proposed rule requires review and approval of grant awards by senior agency appointees, gives broad authority for federal agency leaders to terminate active awards, restricts the use of federal funds for DEI and gender-related work, further restricts issue advocacy, imposes new E-Verify requirements, and imposes other new eligibility standards and organizational risk-review criteria. Organizations that receive, administer, or rely on federal or pass-through funding may want to review the proposal and consider submitting a comment describing how it could affect their work and the communities they serve. Proposed rule: https://www.regulations.gov/document/OMB-2026-0034-0001. Comments may be submitted through https://www.regulations.gov/document/OMB-2026-0034-0001 under docket OMB-2026-0034.

Missed the Spellbound Scrabble Tournament? Don’t miss your chance to join the Pickleball fun! Come out to the Young Professionals Council Pickleball Social on July 22 and enjoy an evening of court play, networking, and giving back to local students. Bring your coworkers, friends, and summer associates — and don’t forget to bring school supplies for Boyd Elementary, Bolton Academy, and The Ansley School! #GeorgiaAppleseed #YPC #PickleballSocial #GiveBackATL #AtlantaNetworking

Georgia Appleseed is hiring a contract Data & Case Management Support Assistant. We're looking for someone who enjoys working with data, maintaining accurate records, and supporting a mission-driven team. ✔ Data entry and recordkeeping ✔ Hybrid schedule (one day/week in office) ✔ 10–15 hours/week during the school year ✔ $17–$22/hour depending on experience Applications due July 12. Learn more and apply: https://gaappleseed.org/join-our-team-data-case-management-support-assistant #Hiring #DataEntry #NonprofitJobs #StudentAdvocacy

This post from Parent-to-Parent Support is an important reminder that families need clear information and strong advocates. If you're trying to understand special education services, resolve issues at school, or learn more about your child's rights, Georgia Appleseed can help connect you with resources, training, and advocacy support. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn with the services and supports they need. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CtQww2auU/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We’re grateful to our Spellbound for Justice sponsors for helping make this year’s Scrabble tournament such a success! Troutman Pepper Locke LLP, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Polsinelli, Buchalter, Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., DLA Piper, Balch & Bingham LLP, and Hewlett Law Firm, LLC. Because of your support, Georgia Appleseed’s Young Professionals Council brought together young lawyers, summer legal interns, and professionals for a fun evening of friendly competition, connection, and commitment to justice. Thank you for standing with Georgia Appleseed and helping us spell out a brighter future for children across Georgia. #GeorgiaAppleseed #SpellboundForJustice #YoungProfessionalsCouncil #ScrabbleTournament

Tenant voices belong at the center of housing policy. A new Shelterforce article highlights how advocates across the South are organizing to advance tenants’ rights, including work here in Georgia to educate renters and lawmakers about the Safe at Home Act and the need for safe, stable housing. Georgia Appleseed is proud to be part of this work through the Georgia Healthy Housing Coalition, bringing together tenants, advocates, and policymakers to push for healthier homes for Georgia’s children and families. Click to read the full article: https://shelterforce.org/2026/06/03/advocates-in-the-south-get-organized-to-advance-tenants-rights/ #HealthyHousing #TenantRights #HousingJustice #SafeAtHome #georgiaappleseed

As summer begins, remember: choices made outside of school can still affect a student’s education. In some cases, arrests or serious incidents during the summer may be reported to the school and could lead to discipline when classes resume, including suspension or expulsion. Georgia Appleseed’s FAIR Project helps students facing school discipline, special education barriers, and behavioral health challenges. This school year, FAIR helped more than 300 children stay in school, access needed supports, and move forward with a fair chance to succeed. Learn more about FAIR and how Georgia Appleseed supports students and families: https://gaappleseed.org/foster-care-fair/

Calling all Atlanta law firms and companies! Looking for a fun and meaningful networking opportunity for your summer associates or interns? Invite them to participate in Georgia Appleseed’s Young Professionals Council’s Scrabble Tournament TOMORROW June 3 or our Pickleball Social on July 22! These events will bring together young attorneys and professionals for friendly competition, networking, and community impact — all while supporting justice initiatives for children and families across Georgia. We’d love for your firm to share this opportunity with your summer program participants. #AtlantaLaw #SummerAssociates #GeorgiaAppleseed #LegalCommunity #YoungLawyers #Networking

When a child leaves the ER after a mental health crisis, what comes next? A new 11Alive article highlights CHOA’s work to answer that urgent question—and the gaps families face when children need follow-up care. The story points to a bigger problem: mental health care still is not always treated like physical health care, leaving children waiting for services they urgently need. Mental health parity laws matter. Enforcement matters. And Georgia’s children need care systems that help families before the next crisis. Read more: https://www.11alive.com/article/news/investigations/11alive-news-investigates/after-the-er-nowhere-to-go-childrens-hospital-models-a-mental-health-care-network-to-meet-kids-needs/85-d1682850-dde1-4ee2-bdff-298ad7e9ffa8 #ChildrensMentalHealth #MentalHealthParity #BehavioralHealth #GeorgiaKids #GeorgiaAppleseed

Calling all word lovers! YPC's annual Spellbound Scrabble Tournament is coming up, and you won’t want to miss it. Join us for a fun night of competitive team play and support the meaningful work of Georgia Appleseed. Who’s ready to play? Grab your tickets on our website or scan the QR code below. https://gaappleseed.org/event/ypc-spellbound-scrabble-tournament/ #SpellboundTournament #ScrabbleFun #AtlantaNonprofits #GameNight

What does it take for every student to feel connected to school? Sometimes, it starts with meeting families where they are. Georgia Appleseed joined two Moving with Taste events in Clayton County — one in Riverdale and one in Forest Park — to connect with families and share resources for students and caregivers. At the Forest Park event, we spoke with Councilman Hector Gutierrez about the need for more support for Spanish-speaking families navigating school discipline cases, school tribunals, and special education meetings. Too many parents face language barriers when trying to advocate for their children and secure the services their children need. Through our FAIR Project, Georgia Appleseed helps families access advocacy and legal support so students can stay connected to school and receive appropriate services and supports. Events like Moving with Taste create meaningful opportunities for families to engage with schools, community leaders, and essential resources. They also remind students and caregivers that they are an important part of the Clayton County Public Schools community. Learn more about FAIR and our school justice services: https://gaappleseed.org/fair-project/ #GeorgiaAppleseed #SchoolJustice #ClaytonCounty #ForestParkGA #RiverdaleGA #FAIRProject #EducationJustice

Think you’ve got the ultimate vocabulary skills? Join us for YPC's annual Spellbound Scrabble Tournament for an evening of friendly competition, great food, and fun — all while supporting an important cause. Whether you’re a Scrabble pro or just in it for the fun, we’d love to see you there! Grab your tickets on our website or follow the link here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/Lp7lHtjqCggUBkgitG-nQw #Spellbound #ScrabbleTournament #AtlantaEvents #CommunityFun

How do we make sure kids get the support they need before they end up in the juvenile justice system? That was the focus of the conversation at The Carter Center’s 30th Annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum during the panel “Youth Mental Health at the Intersection of Care and Justice.” Georgia Appleseed’s Legal & Policy Director joined State Rep. Kim Schofield and Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Assistant Director John Izzo for a discussion moderated by Kristin Denning of The Carter Center. We discussed how families, schools, and communities can work together to address behavioral and mental health needs early, keep students connected to support, and disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline. When schools respond with support instead of punishment, kids do better. If your child is struggling at school and you need help navigating discipline, behavioral health supports, or school meetings, Georgia Appleseed is here to help. #MentalHealth #YouthJustice #SchoolJustice #GeorgiaAppleseed #SchoolToPrisonPipeline

Stable homes and strong schools are connected. Thank you to everyone who joined Georgia Appleseed, the #GeorgiaHealthyHousingCoalition, and the #GeorgiaEducationClimateCoalition for Stable Homes, Strong Schools: A Cross-Sector Conversation on Child Outcomes. Together, we brought housing, education, behavioral health, court, and community partners into conversation about how housing instability affects children’s school experiences — and how stronger partnerships can help families connect to support earlier. We are especially grateful to the local leaders and partners from #Clayton, #Henry, and #Spalding who helped ground the conversation in regional experience, community strengths, and opportunities for collaboration.

Our Midtown High School intern, Reese Seinberg, took a closer look at alternative schools in Georgia — what they offer students, why they’re often misunderstood, and what barriers still stand in the way. Her reporting in Midtown High School’s award-winning newspaper, The Southerner, is an important start to Georgia Appleseed’s alternative school research project. Thank you, Reese, for your thoughtful work! Read Reese’s article here: https://thesoutherneronline.com/104017/news/alternative-schooling-misunderstood-by-general-public-offers-student-support/

Georgia Appleseed was proud to join our sister Appleseed organizations from across the country in Tulsa, Oklahoma for the 2026 Appleseed Network Meeting. We shared ideas, learned from advocates working on education justice, housing justice, criminal justice reform, and more, and left energized by the strength of this national network. While in Tulsa, we also toured Greenwood and Black Wall Street and visited the Philbrook Museum of Art, reflecting on the city’s history, culture, and ongoing lessons for justice and repair. Thank you to Oklahoma Appleseed and the Appleseed Network for bringing us together. #GeorgiaAppleseed #AppleseedNetwork #Tulsa #BlackWallStreet #JusticeForChildren

Looking for a meaningful way to engage your summer associates or interns this year? Sponsor Georgia Appleseed’s Young Professionals Council’s summer events. One sponsorship does it all! Sponsorship levels start at $500 and include tickets, guests, recognition across event materials, signage, and social media for both events. Scrabble Tournament — June 3, 2026 Pickleball Social — July 22, 2026 These events bring together attorneys, business leaders, advocates, and young professionals for networking, community engagement, and fun — all while supporting Georgia Appleseed’s mission to advance justice for children and families across Georgia. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email lmungo@gaappleseed.org. #AtlantaLaw #SummerAssociates #GeorgiaAppleseed #LegalCommunity #YoungLawyers #Networking

This is what showing up for justice looks like. Because of this community, Georgia Appleseed is able to expand our work keeping kids in school, strengthening behavioral health supports, and advancing housing justice across the state. Together, we raised over $446,000 at Roaring for Justice—fueling the work ahead and the families we serve every day. Thank you for showing up, giving generously, and believing in our mission. There’s more to do, and we’re just getting started. If you missed the event but want to be part of this work, you can still give here: https://gaappleseed.org/roaring-donation/

We’re proud to see Seedmore, an AI tool developed in partnership with Emory’s Goizueta Business School, featured for its real-world impact. Designed to help Georgia families better understand their rights and navigate school and legal systems, Seedmore makes critical information more accessible—when it matters most. We are grateful to the students and partners who helped bring this to life as we continue expanding access to justice for Georgia’s children. Read more: https://www.emorybusiness.com/2026/04/12/goizueta-students-build-ai-chatbot-for-real-world-legal-impact/ #AccessToJustice #AIforGood #EducationEquity #GeorgiaAppleseed

What does legislative session look like for Georgia Appleseed? For our Legal & Policy Director, Darlene, it’s a full day of education, collaboration, and advancing smart policy solutions for Georgia’s children and families. In one day at the Capitol, she: Spoke with the Georgia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention about the role schools can play in identifying student distress early and connecting children to support through school-based behavioral health. Joined advocates at New Americans Celebration to support efforts to expand healthcare access by integrating internationally trained doctors into Georgia’s workforce — a reform we’ve worked on for years. Stood alongside bipartisan leaders at a press conference supporting innovative housing reforms. This is what policy change looks like: sharing research, educating lawmakers, building relationships, and working across the aisle to improve systems for Georgia families. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes from the legislative session.

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Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice staff