Now more than ever, the boys at Bald Ridge Lodge need your help!    

Most of us have been more fortunate than we realize, having spent our childhoods in loving stable families -- in caring communities -- in the greatest nation on earth.   But the world has changed. We live in the midst of economic crisis that has spread round the world, worsening every day, fueled by runaway unemployment, corporate failures and widespread foreclosures which threaten the very foundation of the family life that most of us have so long taken for granted.   And in the midst of all these difficulties, too many of Forsyth County's youth population live in their own brand of crisis from one day to the next -- a world with very little hope or love.

That's why  Bald Ridge Lodge  was built -- to provide a temporary safe haven for at-risk boys between the ages of 12 and 17 in our community. Since August 15th, 2008, Bald Ridge Lodge has made a marked difference in the lives of more than 30 boys, with more being added every day. In fact, in the last few weeks the resident population at the Lodge has more than doubled. During the school day, staff members also tutor and monitor boys who are part of the Out of School Suspension Program (OSS). And that growth will continue to accelerate as community awareness of the Lodge grows.

Because of the confidential nature of the Lodge's work, we can't give you testimonials, and it's a little early to document success stories. But all of us have seen changes for the better in boys and their families after they've spent some time at the Lodge. The biggest changes are in attitude, and in the way boys and their families interact.

While Bald Ridge Lodge is fully licensed by the State of Georgia, it is not a government agency. It depends on the heartfelt support of members of our community who recognize the critical need that the Lodge was designed to fill.  Please note that at present Bald Ridge Lodge takes no federal dollars.

At the beginning of this year, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners made a very generous $86,000 grant so that the Lodge can continue to offer much-needed services to the boys in our community. But that money can only go so far. Bald Ridge Lodge is required by law to meet stringent personnel qualifications and to have a full operating staff on the premises 24 hours a day as long as any boys are in residence. Running three full shifts each 24-hour period, along with other costs, means the basic operating expenses of the Lodge run slightly over $1,000 a day.   

Bald Ridge Lodge has now established contracts with state service agencies like the Department of Family and Children Services, which means that the Lodge will receive a per diem fee for each boy placed overnight. The Lodge is also actively seeking other income-generating programs from a variety of sources.

But the driving force which has sustained Bald Ridge Lodge is the generosity of the citizens of Forsyth County. Without your support, no matter how many programs we initiate or fees we are able to generate from other sources, Bald Ridge Lodge will not be able to continue to provide vital services to our boys in need, our families and our community.

On the other hand, we know that our partners and friends will continue to support Bald Ridge Lodge as you all have in the past. We are confident that Bald Ridge Lodge will succeed -- but only with your help.

Won't you please take a moment to make a contribution to Bald Ridge Lodge? The timing of your response is critical to our success. No amount is too small or too large. And since Bald Ridge Lodge carries its own 501 (c) 3 status as a non-profit organization, any contribution you make should be tax deductible (please consult your CPA, attorney or the IRS for verification of deductible status).   You can mail contributions to Bald Ridge Lodge, 562 Lakeland Plaza #302, Cumming, GA 30040. Any member of the board of directors will also be happy to pass your contribution along (Our board of directors is listed on this website). If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Lodge at 770-887-1220.

On behalf of the staff and all the members of the board of directors, I want to say thank you in advance for your vitally important support to this very worthwhile cause. And I hope you will have a happy and safe summer with your family and friends!

Sincerely,

Dennis Gravitt

2009 Board Chairman

Bald Ridge Lodge