Children in Georgia will have a more equitable start thanks to a $125,000 gift to Sheltering Arms from the Georgia Natural Gas Foundation to help provide high-quality, equitable early childhood education and family support services. This is in line with the GNG Foundation's mission to support children and education, enhancing access and equity for youth in the communities it serves.

"The Georgia Natural Gas Foundation recognizes the incredible impact that Sheltering Arms has had on our community – particularly on the students and families from our partner school, Centennial Academy, and the surrounding neighborhood," said Maurice Baker, manager of community relations at GNG. "Georgia children and families are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated organization like Sheltering Arms working tirelessly to provide essential after-school support and wrap-around services to those who need it most. Their commitment to empowering individuals and families is truly inspiring."

"We are grateful for this incredible gift," said Blythe Keeler Robinson, president and CEO of Sheltering Arms Early Education and Family Centers. "For over 135 years, Sheltering Arms has brought families together to offer learning opportunities. This gift will help us continue our mission for the families in Atlanta."

The mission of Sheltering Arms is to close opportunity gaps stemming from systemic racism by transforming the lives of children and their families. Sheltering Arms provides high–quality early education, childcare and comprehensive family support services to up to 3,500 children and their families annually at 13 metropolitan Atlanta locations in Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton and Gwinnettcounties. On average, children attending Sheltering Arms score in the 90th percentile for language and literacy, exceeding developmental milestones for kindergarten readiness.