Meet Stacy Georges | Nonprofit founder.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacy Georges and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacy, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Starting a 501c3 comes with a lot of warnings. Even a friend who works as an accountant, Saud “Don’t do it”. When it became clear that it was time to start the paperwork, it turned out that the paperwork had changed, and everything was in line. Lots of warning that wasn’t relevant. Every time we try to do good, there will be someone warning us of trouble.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started with a degree from Purdue in Therapeutic Recreation. When insurance stopped paying for TR in hospitals, I decided to start my own business supporting parents raising children with special needs. I had experience with my own children in the public school system, and know that children needing accommodations need an advocate. The system is a battlefield trying to get a child their “free and equal education.” I knew my rights, and I still had to hire someone to help get accommodations. The system works for kids that can sit and take notes. I started going yo family homes and taking care of children with special needs. Their weary parents needed a break. The disability community calls this Respite Care. Now I run a nonprofit that provides funding for Respite care. The State program exists, but us not meeting the need. Over sevebthousand families have been approved, but are ona wait list. There are even more families that cannot understand the application for the state funds. Many of them cone to us. Our application is simple and takes 15 minutes as apposed to a year of doctors and therapist visits required for State funds. When parents DON’T get a break, the results are devastating. 80% of the couples divorce, and the parents become isolated. Isolation has the same health effects 9f Obesity, or smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Some parents turn to murder-suicide. We take private donations and turn them into HOPE.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start by taking them downtown Roswell. Our “little town” has great food, entertainment and parks. We still go to the occasional concert or ballgame, but it is nice that we have so many great places only 15min away. My Church is one of the best places to visit. There are frequent community events provided by Eagel’ Nest Church in Roswell.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have benefited from attending and networking with BNI Chapters of Northwest Georgia. Business Networking International. I met and learned from business owners all around Atlanta. I also benefited from the hours of free training provided with membership. If you want to start and grow a business, I strongly suggest entrepreneurs check into visiting a chapter near your business. Go to: WWW.BNIATL.COM

Website: www.specialneedsrespite.org

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