Welcome to Georgia Missions!
When Peachtree Road United Methodist Church (PRUMC) sent its first humanitarian aid team to Georgia in 1999, we had no idea what to expect. But the team that year made a commitment to the Georgians that our efforts would continue. Indeed they have! Over the last 12 years we have sent 100+ individuals to Georgia!
What began as basic renovation work at one institution in the Imereti Region has now blossomed into a 12-month sustainable program encompassing six children’s institutions. We have two full-time Georgian staff who oversee on a daily basis all of our efforts. We also have an accountant who maintains explicit records of every donation and its expenditure ~ all books are available for review.
The Imereti (western) region of Georgia is one of the most impoverished ~ unemployment hovers around 80+%. In 1999, the conditions of the institutions were deplorable and the children’s health and hygiene were beyond comprehension. Over the last ten years we have seen a vast improvement as our Sponsor-a-Child program has enhanced the physical and emotional welfare of 300+ children.
The Next Ten Year Plan
As the basic needs of the children are now being met thanks to our sponsors, we are now focusing our efforts on scholarships and vocational training programs to prepare these children/youth for life after the institutions. The programs provide skills, education, and most importantly, hope for a bright future.
Our efforts have not happened in a vacuum for we have been fortunate to partner with such agencies as the Peace Corps, U.S. Department of State, Counterpart, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Georgia to Georgia (GA2GE), and our State of Georgia National Guard.
We offer Hope of a better life and encourage these youth to be productive Georgian citizens.