Goshen Homes: Informational Meetings
Join us for an informational meeting to learn more about becoming a Goshen Homes foster family and our unique Professional Foster Parent employment opportunities.
To learn about the next meeting, visit Goshenvalley.org/homes and use the contact box to request information
*childcare is provided with RSVP
Goshen Homes FAQ:
Q. Who is Goshen Homes?
Goshen Homes is the new foster care program of the Goshen Valley Foundation. Goshen Homes is a licensed Child Placing Agency that partners with DFCS to recruit, train and equip foster families to provide stable and loving homes to children in foster care.
Q. How is Goshen Homes different from other Child Placing Agencies?
The Goshen Valley Foundation is piloting a specialized foster care program specific to Sibling Reunification in Cherokee and Bartow counties. We are looking for foster families that are willing to take more than one child in an effort to keep siblings together when they enter foster care. Unlike other agencies, Goshen provides an enhanced financial model and therapeutic programming that includes support and training to ensure our families have what they need to take in sibling groups.
Q. Are there costs involved to become a Goshen Homes foster parent?
As a foster parent you must prove financial stability as part of the home study process. However, Goshen recognizes the financial burden that comes with adding multiple children to your household. Goshen does not want your financial status to be a barrier to ministry and therefore is prepared to assess your financial needs and offer an enhanced financial model that may include assistance with housing costs, food, transportation and potential salary for stay at home parents. Financial assistance varies depending on how many children you are fostering.
Q. Does a Goshen Homes foster family have a say in choosing children?
Yes. Goshen Homes serves children between the ages of 0-18. During the home study process you will discuss the type of children you are interested in fostering. Through the home study process we will determine how many children and what types of children are the best match for your household.
Q. How long do foster children stay in care?
The length of time varies according to the needs of the children and their families. Some children are placed briefly (a few days) while some remain for months to years.
Q. Are the children available for adoption?
Yes. When reunification with their biological family is not an option, an adoptive family for the children is sought.
Q. What responsibilities does the foster parent have?
Foster parents are responsible for the 24/7 care of the children in their home. Children in foster care have unique needs and may require counseling, visitation with birth parents and other needed appointments while in the foster home. With the help of Goshen Homes staff, foster parents ensure that the children's physical, emotional, spiritual, medical and educational need s are met. This includes coordination, transportation, and advocacy for the children placed in their home.
Goshen Valley Classic: RESULTS!
The 11th Annual Goshen Valley Classic presented by WellStar on Monday, October 24th was a tremendous success. With your help, we raised approximately $150,000, totaling over $1,000,000 raised in the past 11 years!
Click here to access photos from the day.
Thank you to all of our participants, volunteers and donors from this special day.
View our Goshen Valley Classic Presented by WellStar Brochure!
Two Fall Golf Opportunities
Whether it's the annual AFG Ambassador's Charity Tournament or our own Goshen Valley Classic, there are two great opportunities to participate or volunteer in golf outings that provide vital support to the young men, women and children of Goshen Valley!
Goshen Valley Classic presented by WellStar:
Monday, October 24,
Shotgun Start: 12:00 p.m.
AFG Ambassador's Tournament:
What we are Most Proud of
One of our greatest honors is to watch young men and women who leave our care allow God to turn their difficult circumstances into fuel for a purposeful life that positively impacts our world. Today we celebrate!
Kevin Armour
US Marine Corps, Lance Corporal (2009-2013)
1812 Tank Crewman
Operation Enduring Freedom
Kuwait, Afghanistan
Kevin was at Goshen Valley from 2006-2008
Shawn Chapman, Active
US Marine Corps, Private First Class
0811 Artillery Cannonier
Shawn was at Goshen Valley from 2009-2010 and 2014-2016
Chase Chitwood, Active
US Marine Corps, E-3 Lance Corporal
3531 Motor Transportation Operator
Chase was at Goshen Valley for 8 years, from 2008-2015
Wade Godfrey, Active
US Navy, Petty Officer
3rd Rated Master at Arms
Wade was at Goshen Valley from 2007-2010 and 2014-2015
Geoffrey Laney, Active
US Marine Corps, Lance Corporal
1142 Mechanical Engineer
Geoff was at Goshen Valley for 6 years, from 2010-2015
John Metcalf, Active
US Army National Guard, 2nd Lieutenant
John was at Goshen Valley from 2008-2010
Matthew Moring, Active
US Marine Corps, Private First Class
0311 Infantryman
Matt was at Goshen Valley from 2008-2011
Today Goshen Valley is a vocational ministry to 4 veterans and 1 active National Guard Sergeant. We are so thankful that they have continued a lifetime of service from the armed forces to human services in foster care.
Chris Copeland
US Air Force, Staff Sergeant E5
2000-2006
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Chris has worked at Goshen Valley with his wife Lorissa since 2014 in the area of Facilities Director, respite parent and as a foster parent.
Spencer Doyle
US Marine Corps, E-5 Sergeant
1995-1999
Gulf War - Kuwait
USS ESSEX
Spencer has worked at Goshen Valley with his wife Keren since 2014 as a foster parent, facilities staff and respite parent.
Paul Drennan
US Marines, Military Police
1989-1992
Desert Shield/Desert Storm
1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade
Paul has worked at Goshen Valley since 2010 as a full-time respite parent with his wife Tanya and currently as Director of Placement Services.
Mike Lind
US Marines, Infantry Sergeant
Combined Arms Team
2001-2005
Front line invasion force for Operation Iraqi Freedom
Mike has worked at Goshen Valley with his wife Tina since 2015 as a respite parent.
Josh Voyes, Active
US Army National Guard, Sergeant
2011 to present
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Josh has worked at Goshen Valley since 2013 as a house father in the Covenant House. He and his wife Julie are expecting their first child in March!
New Beginnings takes Savannah thanks to United Way funding
One way that Goshen Valley has partnered with the United Way is by participating in a collaborative as a Pathway Partner around Opportunity Youth. We have joined together with other community organizations to collaborate and establish pathways that integrate learning and work experiences which support and facilitate post-secondary education and career opportunities for at-risk and disconnected youth ages 16 to 24. The other collaborative organizations we are currently partnered with include Goodwill of North Georgia, Year Up, Carrie Steele Pitts Home, GA State University and Kennesaw State University.
Through the Atlanta Opportunity Youth Summer Innovation Grant, our New Beginnings youth were given the opportunity to journey to Savannah to learn about the challenges and triumphs of a community outside of their own.
Our team visited and volunteered at Second Harvest food pantry to learn how the organization served the community in collaboration with other local organizations such as Lighthouse Ministry.
At Lighthouse Ministry, Program Director Giselle Espinal-Francis describes the experience,
"Our youth had so many great moments but one that stood out the most was when all the youth walked into Lighthouse Ministries, not realizing that none of the expected volunteers showed up. There was a line around the building of hungry babies and mother waiting to feed their families and get assistance. We were greeted by Ms. Linda, who shared that they were going to have to serve over 60 families without volunteers until we showed up. Our youth were able to help toddlers pick toys and clothing, while others were able to give hugs and smiles at the doors and they even witnessed a baptism. One of our youth named Janesha, was given the task of checking in the families for the clothing closet. When she left, she was so touched at how appreciative everyone was for the services they received that day. She left with a smile and thanked us for making all this possible."
The youth got the opportunity to visit Tybee Beach. For many of them, not only was this their first time outside of the Atlanta area, but the firs time to see the ocean. Sierra Tabor, Residential Life Coach, reflected on the experience,
"The look on their faces was priceless. Just to know that I was able to share that moment with them was something I'll never forget."
Youth also visited Greenbriar Children's Home to learn about how youth their age, in a similar circumstance, lived within a different program. The team went to First African Baptist Church, the oldest African American church in the United States.
In order to make the fullest impact, New Beginnings also held a "Home Trip." During this day, our youth visited a local food pantry to learn the similarities and differences between the one in Savannah and one at home. They also met with pastor Keith Norman of the Factory to discuss cultural and ethnic challenges that face our community today as a reflection on their visit to First African Baptist Church.
As a result of the trip, New Beginnings youth would like to start a toiletry pantry to assist struggling or homeless youth. Their eyes were opened to both the challenges and opportunities in a community beyond their own, and they were invited to take part in the solution. Thank you to the United Way for giving our youth a chance to learn, grow and change!
Hiring! Job Description: Case Manager
Goshen Valley Boys Ranch Case Management Position Available:
Goshen Valley Boys Ranch in Waleska, GA is currently seeking a Case Manager. This is an opportunity to engage with youth ages 8-18 to be an advocate and positive example. The position requires the following:
- A Bachelor's Degree in a related field + 2 years work experience in social services or serving youth.
- A high level of organization
- Excellent writing skills
- The ability to speak professionally on behalf of our youth in a courtroom setting
- A person of good character
Salary is dependent on education and experience. Benefits include health insurance (including dental and vision), a 401k and serving with a team who loves our boys and each other!
Hiring! Job Description: Administrative Assistant
Job Title: Administrative Assistant
Reports to: Administrative Director and CEO
Requirements: Familiar with managing technology platforms such as Salesforce, Mailchimp, Google Drive and proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point. Must be organized, efficient and maintain good communication skills. Must be of good character and supportive of the programs, policies and the ideals of Goshen Valley.
Responsibilities:
- Salesforce donor data entry and management
- Donor thank-you letters
- Development mailers and tasks
- Database management for various stakeholder groups
- Extended Reach transition support
- General HR tasks and record keeping
- General Foundation-level tasks and communication
- Office management
Mandela Washington Fellowship Visits Goshen Valley
America’s eyes have been locked in on St. Louis, Minnesota, and Dallas these past weeks – and rightly so. We cannot turn a blind eye to all that has taken place. This does not mean, however, that we must ignore the good and the beautiful taking place around us. Something incredibly good and beautiful happened Saturday July 9 in Waleska, Georgia.Movie Rings (2017)
The Mandela Washington Fellows (MWF) program was founded by President Obama in 2014. This year, MWF selected 200 young African leaders age 25-35 to come and learn at American universities for six weeks. They will then spend three days in Washington D.C. – including a town hall meeting with the Obamas. 25 of these young leaders are studying at Georgia State University, and on Saturday July 9, they visited Goshen Valley Boys Ranch.
The Goshen Valley Foundation is ranked as Georgia’s top child caring institution. Goshen Valley Boys Ranch (the Ranch) houses 46 boys in foster care. A few individuals leading the MWF group in Atlanta, namely Dr. Sharon Hill, long time advocate of Goshen Valley and previous Deputy Director of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), reached out to Goshen Valley about hosting the Atlanta MWF group for a day. We accepted with great pleasure.
Our day began with an informational meeting. Our Founder, John Blend, as well as two of our directors, Stacy Cooper and Giselle Espinal-Francis, shared about our history, stories, practices, and financial details. The MWF participants were equipped with data, audits, and resources to improve orphan care and other non-profit industries in their home countries.
The informational meeting led to a true southern lunch provided by Bub-Ba-Q. We then took a hayride tour of the Ranch and visited two homes on our property. Then began one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.
There exists a plethora of pictures featuring white Americans playing with African kids during a mission trip. Saturday at Goshen Valley I saw the roles reversed. A group of African leaders came to Waleska, GA and played soccer with our kids in foster care.
During their time together I witnessed some beautiful interactions. I saw children who, rather than being focused on our differences, were filled with curiosity about our guests. They did not want to debate; they just wanted to be friends and show off their clean rooms and soccer skills. They asked our guests questions such as “What is it like to travel to a different country?” and, “What has surprised you about America?” and, “You’re from Madagascar? Have you seen the movie?”
Maybe this country would be better off if we were all a bit more like children. Maybe we need to prioritize what we have in common rather than letting our differences separate us. Maybe I need to ask more questions instead of giving better answers. Maybe we need to play more soccer and have fewer arguments.
And maybe I need to watch Madagascar and see what that country is all about.
– Evan Ingram, Residential Life, Goshen Valley Boys Ranch
“Goshen Valley has reminded me of the love that can heal broken souls and strengthened my resolve to make a change back home in Nigeria.” – Dr. Matilda Kerry Osazuwa, Founder – George Kerry Life Foundation
“I was talking to one of the fellows about his experience. He said, ‘In much of our time here, Americans seem very individualistic and isolated. Visiting Goshen Valley has been the best part of our visit. You aren’t like that here. This place feels like a family.'” – Anthony Hall, Life Coach, reflecting on a personal conversation
Click for information on the Young African Leaders Institute.
Job Description: Lead Therapeutic Case Manager (Goshen Homes)
JOB TITLE: Lead Therapeutic Case Manager
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
JOB FUNCTION: The Goshen Homes Lead Therapeutic Case Manager will be responsible for the direct supervision of up to 5 Therapeutic Case Managers. The Lead TCM carries a partial caseload and assumes additional responsibilities as needed in the areas of church recruitment and relationships, volunteer management, and training coordination.
Core Responsibilities and Expectations
- Abides by all agency policies and procedures, core values
- Maintains confidentiality of client’s and agency information
- Seeks clarification from their manager in areas of uncertainty
- Displays integrity and honesty in all situations
- Abides by professional code of ethics and licensing standards
- Serves as an appropriate role model for children, families and staff by demonstrating Christ-like behaviors in all settings
- Demonstrates and promotes an image that is consistent with agency mission and values
- Maintains professional boundaries
- Effectively practices self-care
- Manages time effectively
- Believes in every individual’s capacity to make positive change
- Maintains a flexible work schedule to meet ministry needs
- Participates in Goshen events as needed
- Demonstrates dependability by being punctual to work, meetings, and appointments
- Requests PTO and/or flex time from their direct supervisor and obtains prior approval
- Does not take PTO and/or flex time unless their job duties are covered and/or completed
- Provides maximum span of control of five case managers and 75-80 foster children
- Review and approve case management documents and assure that documentation is completed accurately and timely
- Review and maintain PBC contracting scores with a goal of remaining at a level A agency status
- Participates in on-call rotation as needed
- Monitors required CEU’s for case managers and enters/approves trainings
- Monitor all site visits with state regulatory officials in collaboration with the Executive Director
- Manages all critical incidents & reporting to state OPM/RCC/CPS investigations, etc. in collaboration with the Executive Director
- Participates in the PQI and Risk Management process
- Coordinate the activity of casemanagers with ultimate responsibility for the quality and stability of services including but not limited to:
- Ensures children and families receive timely and appropriate services such as medical, dental, educational, mental health, social and behavioral
- Is an active advocate for children and families
- Supports a goal that has children and families best interest at all times
- Maintains and abides by all court orders
- Monitors the need for and facilitates discharge planning when appropriate
- Assists and supports permanency planning for children who are unable to be reunified
- Supports birth family relationships as appropriate
- Coordination of visitation with birth family
- Provide 24/7 care as needed to meet foster children and foster family needs
- Provides post-placement & pre-placement visits with foster families to promote optimum utilization
- Works and collaborates with individuals including DFCS, CMS, GAL, child attorneys, service providers, etc. on their cases to move them toward permanency
- Evaluates performance of family consultants, completes 360 feedbacks, 90 day and annual evaluations
- Provide for dissemination of information to case manger’s in collaboration with other developments within the county DFCS and the child protective service field and changes within the state of Georgia’s child welfare environment
- Collaborate with Home Study Team regarding new family approval, home compliance, and on-hold status of families
- Assign new families to foster family case manager’s and manage utilization of caseloads
- Collaborates with Placement Team and referral/intake to make placement and clinical matching decisions
- Manage budget line items for case manager’s and approve spending as needed
- Recognizes the intrinsic worth in all families and children and provides equal service to all
- Maintains sensitivity to issues of race, religion, culture, ethnicity and other issues of diversity
- Seeks solutions to problems and accepts feedback from others
- Accepts constructive criticism and works on strengthening areas that need improvement
- Maintains a positive attitude
- Exhibits high emotional intelligence and can effectively engage others in various situations
- Maintains timely communication with others
- Treats clients, staff, foster parents and external contacts with respect and dignity
- Contributes toward a team oriented culture and works well with others
- Provides regular clinical supervision to family case manager’s and supervision documentation
- Coordinates and/or participates in court hearings, family team meetings, home visits, panel reviews, birth family contacts, educational advocacy, permanency round tables, clinical staffing’s and other meetings as needed
- Communicates with home study team any foster home licensing needs, concerns, changes, and ministry re-engagement plans
- Communicates with all service providers regarding progress and direction of case as appropriate
- Works with case manager’s and foster parents to prevent placement disruptions
- Understands and supports family systems
- Utilizes clinical and consulting skills to provide coaching and support to case managers
- Ability to teach case manager’s to recognize a client for self-harm/suicide/homicide risk and make appropriate referrals
- Demonstrates an ability to teach case manager’s to have a working knowledge of trauma and how that impacts the children and families served.
- Demonstrates authentic, honest and effective communication skills
- Ability to teach case manager’s to intervene and provide clinical skills, crisis intervention, and mediation
- Ability to teach case manager’s de-escalation techniques
- Represents Goshen in the targeted geography and maintain DFCS county relationships through partnership meetings
- Promotes culture of team-work, collaboration through intentional efforts/activities
- Conducts routine team meetings & other opportunities for team building & mission/ministry focus discussions
- Collaborates with church partners to maintain good working relationships
- Participates in Community Partner meetings and provides education regarding ministry & collaboration efforts
- Provides crisis management/mediation when issues arise with foster families, case manager’s, and church partners
- Effectively meets deadlines
- Ensures accuracy of all records, reports and documentation
- Completes documentation accurately, thoroughly and timely in compliance with program standards and regulations
- Maintains organized files
- Displays a strong discernment and decision making skills
- Displays effective, clear, concise writing skills
- Reports to management any events that impact safety, permanency and well-being of children and families
- Assists with conflict and crisis in a professional manner
- Demonstrates ability to navigate high stress situations and conflict using emotional and spiritual maturity
- Works diligently to be well-informed regarding case management performance and relationships with clients/church partners
- Advocates strongly on issues that are important to the child’s well-being, safety and permanency
- Demonstrates an ability to positively navigate transition and change and models flexibility for others
- Provide direct services to foster families, foster children and their biological families as needed when case managers need coverage
- Participate in the sourcing, recruiting, and hiring of case managers
- On-boards and trains new case manager’s and other Goshen staff as it relates to the field team operations
- Manages on-call rotation for case managers after hours line
- Provides 24/7 support on call to case manager’s and the on-call foster family after hours line
- Actively engaged in a local church
- Communicates prayer requests to Goshen team for families and clients
- Encourages spiritual growth in co-workers and contributes toward a Christ-centered culture
- Abides by church partner agreements
- Completes all continuing education requirements and all required trainings
- Demonstrates inner drive, discipline, self-motivation,
- Demonstrates innovation and creativity to accomplish the mission
- Completes other duties as assigned
- Utilizes forward thinking and displays the ability to plan and think strategically
EQUIPMENT USED: Personal vehicle & cell phone, copy machine, fax, computer
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience: Master’s Degree in Human Services Field (i.e., Social Work, Psychology, Behavioral Science, Counseling, Ministry/Theology, or other related degree). Clinical Experience: Strong clinical knowledge, particularly in the areas of childhood trauma, family-systems, substance abuse. Strong coaching/counseling and crisis intervention skills. Experience with GA Score and Shines preferred, but not required. Georgia RBWO Foundations Certified or waiver eligible is beneficial, but not required.
Skill Requirements: Strong interpersonal skills, maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences in clients, staff, foster parents and families served. Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to work within a treatment team. Ability to handle job related matters in a professional, diplomatic and confidential manner. Knowledge of community resources and services. Ability to organize and execute responsibilities in an independent manner. Possesses the spiritual gift of discernment.
Physical Requirements: Hearing and speaking ability which allows for effective oral communication of information. Ability to physically transport self and clients to various locations. Physical and emotional stamina to effectively handle job related issues and stress. Flexibility to offer 24/7 support to families and accomplish tasks as needed after normal business hours.
Discover Derby Style
Ever dream of Derby hats and fashion? Goshen Valley’s sixth Annual Fashion show, Discover Derby Style, is right around the corner! It will be a fun afternoon of delicious food, fashion, and fellowship. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Goshen Valleys Boys Ranch Director Stacy Cooper for a personal view of the Ranch and the youth we serve. The event will be held on May 7th at 11:30am at the acclaimed Country Club of Roswell. All proceeds benefit the Goshen Valley Foundation. Goshen Valley Foundation is the state of Georgia’s leading nonprofit Foster Care provider, serving young women, men, and children in the state foster care system. Headquartered in Canton, GA, Goshen Valley Foundation is comprised of three operating programs, with over 75 young people currently in our care.
Alice and Stan Smith first learned about Goshen Valley through their membership at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Atlanta, Georgia where they were early supporters of the Goshen mission. In 2009 upon Alice’s passing, her daughters Stephenie Cook, Leslee Frost and Allison Smith established the Alice Smith Memorial Fund in her memory. In 2012, Stephenie Cook, Alice and Stan’s eldest daughter, passed away and the Fashion Show is now in loving memory of two wonderful women, Alice and Stephenie, who both had a passion for changing the lives of the youth Goshen Valley Serves.
Smith and Frost were quoted recently stating, “Goshen Valley has been a part of our family for many years and we take great pride in hosting the Fashion Show as a small way we can give back to the kids in care at Goshen Valley. We hope that you can join us at this year’s event and experience a small piece of how Goshen Valley helps the kids in foster care in Georgia.”Roblox Hack No Survey No Download
Community support is one of the key drivers in providing our youth with a successful place to call home and the necessary resources to have a hopeful future. We strive to go above and beyond the bare minimum to ensure these young people are provided with the best care possible. Consider joining us or sending someone for a fashionable day to support the foster youth in our community.