Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter To Open Grady's New Mental Health Center

/PRNewswire/ -- Former U.S. and Georgia First Lady Rosalynn Carter is the special guest for today's opening of Grady Health System's new comprehensive outpatient mental health facility, the Auburn Avenue Recovery Center. Known worldwide for her work to improve the quality of life for those suffering from mental illness, Mrs. Carter joins health system officials in celebrating the expansion of mental health services available for adults, adolescents and children in Atlanta and the state.

Grady's Auburn Avenue Recovery Center will centralize outpatient mental health services into one convenient location. The new center expands upon the first-class mental health services already offered by Grady to provide more outpatient services in one location and help encourage clients to use the services offered. Located in the Odd Fellows Building 250 Auburn Avenue, the center features 19 individual and group treatment rooms and space for more than 50 clinical staff.

"Grady's mental health program is among the most comprehensive programs in the country," said Michael Claeys, Executive Director of Behavioral Health for Grady Health System. "We are excited to expand the services we offer for adults, adolescents and children living in Atlanta and Georgia. And we are honored that Rosalynn Carter joined us today as we cut the ribbon for our new home."

As the only 24-hour psychiatric emergency service in Georgia, Grady receives more than 15,000 patient visits a year and its psychiatric emergency service is one of the five busiest in the nation.

Grady's mental health services include:
-- Community outreach: Grady provides psychiatric services to homeless
shelters, supportive living facilities, geriatric living facilities
and other community-based programs serving patients who are unable or
unwilling to come to Grady on a regular basis to receive mental health
care.
-- Child/adolescent care: Grady provides the largest community mental
health program for disadvantaged children in Georgia and specializes
treating serious mental illness, psychological trauma, autism and
youth suicide in children ages 2 to 17. It also serves as a training
hub for more than two-thirds of the child psychiatrists in Georgia
-- Day program services: Grady provides day program services (FOCUS) for
uninsured adults with severe and persistent mental illness. This
program has earned recognition by the American Psychiatric Association
as a national award winning teaching facility.
-- Forensic Psychology: Grady provides the only forensic psychiatry
training program in Georgia and one of the first programs accredited
in the United States. Grady also provides pretrial evaluations for
Fulton County courts as well as treatment and support services in the
Atlanta City Detention Center to help reduce psychiatric emergency
visits.

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U.S. Department of Labor announces availability of up to $90 million in additional Recovery Act funding for on-the-job training

/PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of up to $90 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to create on-the-job training experiences. The money will be awarded to states that will work with state and local workforce investment boards, community-based organizations and employers in helping displaced workers acquire job skills and experiences that will improve their chances of securing permanent employment.

"The nation's economic recovery is taking hold, but there are still those who lack the basic skills and work experience needed to gain, maintain and advance within a job," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "States and their partners will use this funding to create on-the-job training experiences, which will improve the employment prospects of dislocated workers in areas that have been hard-hit by the recent economic downturn."

Today's funding is drawn from National Emergency Grant funds made available through the Recovery Act. States will apply for funding and then work with selected partners to create on-the-job training opportunities in the private and private nonprofit sectors. For full details, read Training and Employment Notice Number 38-09 available at http://www.doleta.gov/. The same site offers information on the range of Department of Labor employment and training activities.

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US Department of Labor announces $150 million in 'Pathways Out of Poverty' training grants for green jobs

Goodwill Industries is on the list to receive a grant for green job training.

/PRNewswire/ -- Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced $150 million in green jobs training grants, as authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). The "Pathways Out of Poverty" grants -- as the group of funding awards is known -- will support programs that help disadvantaged populations find ways out of poverty and into economic self-sufficiency through employment in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.

"These Pathways Out of Poverty grants will help workers in disadvantaged communities gain access to the good, safe and prosperous jobs of the 21st century green economy," said Secretary Solis. "Green jobs present tremendous opportunities for people who have the core skills and competencies needed in such well-paying and rapidly growing industries as energy efficiency and renewable energy."

Through the 38 grants awards announced today, targeted populations will receive recruitment and referral services; basic skills, work-readiness and occupational skills training; supportive services to help overcome barriers to employment; and other services at times and locations that are easily accessible. Through these programs, participants will receive certifications and on-the-job training that will lead to employment.

In order to serve the specific populations targeted by these grants effectively, the Department of Labor encouraged applicants to focus project efforts in communities located within one or more contiguous Public Micro Data Areas (PUMAs) where poverty rates were 15 percent or higher. PUMAs are geographic areas designated by the U.S. Census Bureau. All applicants were required to have experience serving economically disadvantaged populations. Programs funded today will serve unemployed individuals, high school dropouts, and other disadvantaged individuals within areas of high poverty.

There are two types of award recipients for these grants: 1) national nonprofit entities with networks of local affiliates, coalition members or other established partners; and 2) local entities including nonprofit organizations, such as community and faith-based organizations, the public workforce investment system, the education and training community, labor organizations, and employer and industry-related organizations.

Today's grants are part of a larger Recovery Act initiative -- totaling $500 million -- to fund workforce development projects that promote economic growth by preparing workers for careers in the energy efficiency industries. For a full listing of the grants and project descriptions, visit http://www.doleta.gov/. To view a video by Secretary Solis, visit http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/pathways. The U.S. Department of Labor expects to release funding for one remaining green grant award category over the next several weeks.

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Economy Improving, but Expect Slow Progress

The economic recession that has gripped the nation appears to be ending, but that doesn’t mean that conditions will improve dramatically anytime soon, University of West Georgia economist William “Joey” Smith said Tuesday.

“The good news is the bad news is close to being over,” Smith said. “We’re already seeing a turnaround at the local and probably at the state levels. By all measures at the national level we are starting to experience recovery.”

Smith, who spoke at UWG’s annual Economic Forecast Breakfast, said there remain several areas of concern, such as unemployment, home foreclosures and high vacancy rates in residential and commercial real estate.

In many counties of west Georgia, unemployment insurance claims are continuing to rise, but at a slower rate, Smith said. That’s a good sign, because unemployment insurance claims are a leading economic indicator, a predictor of future trends.

“The employment situation is starting to stabilize, but it might be a while before there is a significant drop in the unemployment rate, which is a lagging indicator, providing a look at how conditions have been,” Smith said.

Donald Ratajczak, Regents Professor Emeritus of economics at Georgia State University, also spoke at the breakfast, telling the audience that a lean job market will linger for a while.
“Georgia had the fifth-worst number of job losses in the nation. That’s not something you bounce back from overnight,” he said.

Ratajczak also said that air transportation appeared to be one of the few industries showing some employment growth recently in Georgia, thanks to the presence of Delta Air Lines and other carriers at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta.

Ratajczak said the economic downturn has been brutal for businesses and consumers, but that cutbacks made by companies have helped many of them weather the storm.

“This has been the most remarkable recovery in terms of productivity. In past recessions, businesses have waited too long to cut workers. This time, they started doing it earlier, which actually helped raise productivity,” he said.

Smith talked about how the job losses have had a ripple effect on other sectors of the economy, especially real estate.

In the housing market, foreclosures have soared throughout west Georgia, Smith said, and have yet to show signs of stabilizing.

Early in the recession, foreclosures largely affected holders of subprime home loans and those who were on the margins of being able to afford homeownership, Smith said.

But as the recession has progressed, foreclosures have taken a huge toll on solidly middle class families that held traditional 15- or 30-year mortgages. Many of those households had two incomes but now have one or none, Smith said. Many of them also have had to depend on savings to pay the mortgage, and those savings are dwindling, putting them on the verge of foreclosure.

Vacancy rates, in residential and commercial real estate, also continue to be a problem.
Perhaps not surprisingly, building permits in west Georgia have plunged drastically and don’t show signs of rebounding. From 2007 to 2008, building permits for single family homes fell 56 percent in Carroll County, for example, and are projected to fall this year by 82 percent.
“The only reason we are starting to see some stabilization in housing permits really is that you can’t go below zero,” Smith said.

Despite the gloom that lingers, Smith said positive signs have clearly emerged.

“The recovery so far has been driven by optimism in the stock market and a bounce in consumer confidence,” he said.

In employment, Smith said health care and education remain the strongest sectors and that jobs in local governments will likely increase as the federal and state governments shift more responsibilities to localities.

Ratajczak said that at the national level, banks have not done a good job of making loans, which would help spur the economy. That has forced the federal government to extend more credit.
He also said that unlike the past two recessions, consumers won’t lead the recovery from this crisis, but rather businesses and government activity would.

Ratajczak said he believed the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP, that bailed out a number of troubled banks, was absolutely necessary.

“You already lost about 6 or 7 million jobs in this recession. Without that, there would have been a multiplier effect that could have caused 14 or 15 million job losses.”

He also said that while a stimulus package was also necessary to shore up job losses, the one passed by the federal government was loaded with pet projects and earmarks that shouldn’t have been included.

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SBA Opens Three Additional Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration announces today that it is establishing three additional Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs); one in Cobb, Douglas and Gwinnett counties. The establishment of the Centers demonstrates SBA’s commitment to ensure that every qualified individual and business receives the help they need to recover from this disaster.

“Assisting individuals and business owners recover from a disaster is our primary mission,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East. “We are encouraging anyone affected by this disaster to visit a center while we still have staff here and to obtain individual assistance with completing their loan applications from our representatives.”

Many residents and businesses that have registered with FEMA for assistance have received an SBA disaster loan application. Completing the loan application and returning it is a crucial step toward disaster recovery. Homeowners and renters unable to obtain a disaster loan from the SBA may be referred to FEMA for additional grant consideration. To be eligible for these grants, applicants must submit their SBA loan application even if they do not want a loan. No one is required to accept a loan.

The Centers locations and hours of operation are:

Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to Open Monday, October 26

Cobb County		Douglas County		Gwinnett County
The Threadmill		Old Douglas County Court House		Mountain Park
5000 Austell/Powder Springs Rd, Suite 120		6754 Broad Street		5055 Five Forks Trickum Road
Austell GA 30106		Douglasville GA 30134		Lilburn GA 30047
Opens: Monday, Oct. 26		Opens: Monday, Oct. 26		Opens: Monday, Oct. 26
Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.		Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.		Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Existing Centers:
Carroll County		Cherokee County		DeKalb County
Carroll County Annex		Cherokee County Parks & Rec. Gym		Browns Mill Recreation Center
423 College Street		7545 Main Street, Building 200		5101 Browns Mill Road
Carrollton GA 30117		Woodstock GA 30188		Lithonia GA 30058
Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.		Open: Mon-Fri; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.		Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closing: Fri., Oct. 23 at close of business
Fulton County		Paulding County		Rockdale County
Fulton County Gov’t Center		Paulding Co. Admin. Bldg.		Rockdale County Gov’t Annex
141 Pryor Street SW		240 Constitution Blvd. 1st Fl		1400 Parker Road
Atlanta GA 30303		Dallas GA 30132		Conyers GA 30094
Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.		Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.		Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
				Closing: Fri., Oct. 23 at close of business

Locations of the Business Recovery Centers:

SBA Business Recovery Centers

Cobb County		DeKalb County
Powder Springs Library		Wesley Chapel-Wm C. Brown Library
4181 Atlanta Street – Bldg. 1		2861 Wesley Chapel Road
Powder Springs GA 30127		Decatur GA 33034
Open: Mon-Fri; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.		Open: Mon-Thur; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
		Fri; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Douglas County		Fulton County
Douglas County Chamber of Commerce		Government Service Center
6658 Church Street		7741 Roswell Road
Douglasville GA 30134		Atlanta GA 30350
Open: Mon.-Fri; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.		Open: Mon-Fri; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property,” Skaggs added.

Businesses of any size and non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, inventory, machinery and equipment. The SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For small businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 2.750 percent for homeowners and renters, and 4.000 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Anyone unable to visit one of the Centers may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (or 1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired) Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications may be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Applications may be returned to one of the Disaster Recovery Centers or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76155.

Georgia residents affected by this disaster may fill out a loan application online by visiting SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 23, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

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Cobb County: Another SBA Business Recovery Center To Open

COBB COUNTY
Powder Springs Library
4181 Atlanta Street
Powder Springs, GA 30127
Opens: Monday, October 12, 9 a.m.
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration announces today that a Business Recovery Center in Cobb County is opening Monday, October 12 at 9 a.m. to help businesses impacted by the severe storms and flooding in Georgia that began on September 18, 2009. The Cobb County Center will be located in the Powder Springs Library at 4181 Atlanta Street, Powder Springs, GA 30127. The hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until further notice.

The disaster declaration covers the counties of: Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker in the state of Georgia which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.

Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Banks, Barrow, Butts, Clayton, Dade, Dawson, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Meriwether, Morgan, Pickens, Polk, Spalding, Troup, Walton and Whitfield in Georgia; Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb and Randolph in Alabama; Oconee in South Carolina; and Hamilton County in Tennessee.

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million for physical losses. For small businesses, and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 4 percent for businesses, with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

SBA’s representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Centers to issue loan applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their applications.

Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, (including the holiday, Monday October 12) or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be returned to the Centers or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Businesses may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 23, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

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SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Douglasville

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration announced yesterday that it will open a Business Recovery Center to help businesses impacted by the severe storms and flooding in Georgia that began on September 18, 2009. The Center opens at the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce on Monday, October 5, at 9 a.m.

The disaster declaration covers Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker in the state of Georgia which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.

Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Banks, Barrow, Butts, Clayton, Dade, Dawson, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Meriwether, Morgan, Pickens, Polk, Spalding, Troup, Walton and Whitfield in the state of Georgia; the counties of Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb and Randolph in the state of Alabama; the county of Oconee in the state of South Carolina; and the county of Hamilton in the state of Tennessee.

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million for physical losses. For small businesses, and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 4 percent for businesses, with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

SBA’s representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Center to issue loan applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their applications. The Business Recovery Center will be located in the following community and will open as indicated below:

Douglas County Chamber of Commerce
6658 Church Street
Douglasville, GA 30134

Opens: Monday, October 5 at 9 a.m.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, until further notice

Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT, or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be returned the Center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Businesses may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 23, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

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HHS Awards $46 Million in Recovery Act Funds to Create Jobs and Spur Economic Improvement

Georgia grants awarded go to DeKalb County, Spalding County Collaborative Authority for Families & Youth, and Athens based Area Committee To Improve Opportunities Now, Inc.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today awarded $46 million to 84 grantees under a new program, the Strengthening Communities Fund (SCF), created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The purpose of the grants is to improve the ability of nonprofit organizations to promote the economic recovery of people with low incomes.

"We are pleased to support nonprofit organizations that train people to land and keep jobs, earn higher wages, and reach economic independence," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "This is what the Recovery Act was meant to do-provide the help people need to help themselves."

The Strengthening Communities Fund is comprised of two programs, both of which will boost the ability of community and faith-based organizations to handle the broad economic recovery issues in their communities, including job training and retention and access to state and Federal benefits. All grants are one-time, two-year awards. The State, Local, and Tribal Government Capacity Building Program provides funds for government entities, which then in turn work with community-based organizations. The Nonprofit Capacity Building Program funds intermediary agencies, which also work with community organizations to enhance their economic recovery activities.

"The Strengthening Communities Fund is an important part of the overall recovery effort," said Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, Carmen Nazario. "The activities funded under this program will fortify organizations in distressed communities so that they can improve their services to people who need jobs and opportunities to secure healthier, more prosperous futures."

Under the State, Local, and Tribal Government Capacity Building Program, 29 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and American Samoa are receiving awards between $167,000 and $250,000. Awardees include seven state governments, the District of Columbia, three U.S. territories, nine city governments, eight county governments, four tribal governments, and 18 nonprofit organizations that have been designated by governments as eligible to apply.

One of the grantees receiving funds under this part of the program is the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families in Madison. Wisconsin has been hit hard by the recession, and this project is directly focused on Recovery Act goals. The grantee will give training and technical assistance, education, and easily accessible information on Recovery Act opportunities to up to 500 organizations that serve the state's most vulnerable populations

Under the Nonprofit Capacity Building Program, 35 applicants will receive grants between $765,000 and $1,000,000. Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph in Missouri is one noteworthy project in this category with a long history of providing training and technical assistance to nonprofits. Their use of this grant will increase the operational capacity of about 40 local organizations through comprehensive education, mentoring, and funding. Further, the project requires that each nonprofit sponsor one young person who will learn how to manage and grow these organizations, thus creating the next generation of nonprofit leadership.

Another project in this category is in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Knoxville Leadership Foundation will work with partners from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program as well as organizations focused on general economic recovery. Through a combination of direct funding and intensive technical assistance, the project will help 50 grassroots organizations improve their service to families in need of support.

"Faith and community-based organizations have been the backbone of strong neighborhoods for generations," said Joshua DuBois, executive director, Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. "The Strengthening Communities Fund is an acknowledgement of their key role in reaching the goals of the Recovery Act by helping people weather tough economic times."

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Any Eventual Recovery at the National Level Hinges on Quick and Proper Financial Rescue Plan, Says Georgia State Forecaster

Despite the passage of the economic stimulus bill, the recession will continue to deepen until there is a detailed plan to fix the nation's banking system, says Dr. Rajeev Dhawan, director of the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State University, in his Forecast of the Nation, released yesterday.

According to Dhawan, the plan recently unveiled by the Treasury has some good elements but execution and specifics, especially as it relates to transparency, will be the key to protecting the economy from any further turmoil.

"The stimulus plan is not the cure for treating our economic woes as we probably won't see any positive impact until mid-2010 and 2011," says Dhawan. "In order for any stimulus to work, we first need to clear the banking system of toxic debt which is the only thing that will encourage credit to flow and corporate America to start investing again."

According to Dhawan, corporate leaders have stepped back and are taking a deep look at all aspects of their operations. "This reset is far from a simple matter of flipping a switch on the circuit breaker," he explains. "Rather, it is a mindset that takes time and improvements in credit availability to change."

So when will that change take place and how much longer will the recession last?

"By the GDP growth metric, the recession will technically end in mid-2010 when the numbers finally turn positive and the job loss rate is practically zero," says Dhawan. "In total, the current recession will be the longest one in postwar history, lasting about 30 months, almost as long as the period of double-dip recession in the early 1980s."

Highlights from the Economic Forecasting Center's National Report:

Real GDP will decline at a 3.0% rate in 2009, and will decline again, albeit at a milder rate of 0.2% in 2010. In 2011, real GDP will grow by a subpar 1.8%. Growth will not be anywhere close to the 3.0% trend line until after 2012.

Consumption will decline by 2.2% in 2009 but recover only mildly to a positive 0.2% growth in 2010. Thus, consumption in this recession will decline for six consecutive quarters.

In the first half of 2009, the economy will continue to shed almost half a million jobs per month. This job loss rate will moderate to 250,000 per month in the second half of 2009. In 2010, the economy will finally show signs of recovery with monthly gains of 15,000 jobs. This rate will improve substantially to 75,000 jobs per month in 2011. The peak unemployment rate in this recession will be at 10.3%, with total job losses of more than 4.5 million jobs since December 2007.

Georgia and Atlanta – Corporate Pullback Deepens Georgia's Recession

A sharp rise in unemployment and foreclosures, an increase in bank failures and a plunge in the housing market has bled Georgia's economy dry, says Dhawan. But things will get worse before they get better as the reset in the corporate sector will deepen Georgia's recession and delay any significant job recovery until 2011.

"During the ongoing mayhem in the credit markets, the corporate sector threw in the towel," says Dhawan in his Forecast for Georgia and Atlanta, also released today. "Now, corporations are in what I call a self-preservation mode which involves drastic, cost-cutting maneuvers including increased layoffs and an unwillingness to invest."

According to Dhawan, this corporate reset has far-reaching negative implications for the local economy including a continued rise in unemployment and a sharp deterioration of one of Georgia's economic engines – the hospitality sector.

Adding to the area's troubles are the number of banks in Georgia that are failing.

"One of the state's biggest problems is that bank balance sheets in Georgia are becoming more fragile. Six banks already have failed in the state in the past 12 months, and numerous others have cease-and-desist orders issued against them by the FDIC," says Dhawan. "This is why Georgians should pay close attention to the Treasury's plan for solving the banking issue."

In addition, the state continues to see an increase in foreclosures and a decline in tax revenue.

"The finances of state and local governments are taking a big hit with the double whammy of falling retail sales and property tax collections which has led to layoff announcements from various municipal entities and school boards," said Dhawan. "Unfortunately, the portion of the recently approved stimulus bill directed towards bolstering state finances will temper but not eliminate this decline." He added, "The trouble is even more severe at the city and county government levels as property tax revenues will decline sharply in the coming years. The stimulus proposal offers nothing to alleviate the declining revenue situation which is already leading to cutbacks."

Net-net, Dhawan says that the prognosis for Georgia's growth in the coming 12 to 18 months is bleak.

"The recovery will begin in 2011 as stimulus programs and credit repairs undertaken by the government kick in. But the recovery will be somewhat tepid as credit market operations continue to remain well below their highs."

Highlights from the Economic Forecasting Center's Local Report:

Georgia's employment growth will be negative for the next two years. After losing 89,600 in calendar year 2008, Georgia will lose another 143,100 jobs (54,000 premium job losses) in 2009. In calendar year 2010, the state will lose another 24,400 jobs (17,100 premium jobs losses). The recovery will be modest in 2011 when 44,200 jobs will be created (7,100 premium job gains).

Georgia's unemployment rate will significantly increase to 9.0% in 2009 from 6.8% in 2008. In 2010, it will increase further to 10.3% and then slightly rise to 10.5% in 2011.

Atlanta's employment growth will remain negative for a total loss of 92,200 jobs in calendar year 2009 (37,600 premium job losses). In the first half of 2010, 10,200 job losses are expected with a mild recovery happening during the second half of 2010 when 400 jobs will be created. In all, 2010 will post 9,800 job losses [8,600 premium job losses].The recovery will strengthen somewhat in 2011 when 34,000 jobs are created (with 6,000 premium job gains.)

Atlanta's total housing permits will plummet again in 2009 by 37.4% after a 57.6% decline in 2008. Permit activity will experience a boost in 2010, posting a 7.1% increase. It will again increase by 17.7% in 2011.

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U.S. Mayors Say Local Infrastructure Projects Are Ready-To-Go: Would Create Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs and Spur National Economy

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The nation's mayors led by U.S. Conference of Mayors President Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, today renewed their call for a MainStreet Recovery plan during the first 100 days of the new Administration.

In a press conference on Capitol Hill with House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee Chair Charlie Rangel, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair James Oberstar and several other mayors, The Conference released its second report that inventories local 'ready-to-go' infrastructure projects - projects that could be started and completed in cities in just two calendar years -- if emergency federal funding were made available. Information on these projects has been submitted to the U.S. Conference of Mayors from hundreds of cities in all regions of the country and includes projects in ten different sectors including Community Development Block Grants, transit, highway infrastructure, green jobs, school modernization, public safety and public housing (see details at www.usmayors.org).

Mayors stressed that investing in MainStreet metropolitan economies, which comprise 90% of our gross domestic product and drive the national economy, is the most direct path to creating the jobs and stimulating the business that can begin to reverse the current economic downturn.

In this second installment, 427 cities reported a total of 11,391 infrastructure projects costing a total of $73 billion that would create 847,641 jobs.

"We stand ready to help President Elect Obama and the Congress create sustainable jobs that fix our crumbling infrastructure and promote energy independence," said U.S. Conference of Mayors President Miami Mayor Manny Diaz.

"But to work, we must make sure that the funding is spent quickly, and not stuck in federal or state bureaucracies," he continued.

"In today's world, metropolitan economies, which comprise 90% of our gross domestic product, drive the national economy. Washington has bailed out Wall Street to the tune of $700 billion and hopes its investment will eventually be returned to the taxpayer. But our survey shows that cities are 'ready-to-go' with infrastructure projects that will immediately employ people, support small businesses, and stimulate mainstreet economies. These are real jobs that will bring a guaranteed return on a federal investment in local economies," Diaz concluded.

This report of city infrastructure projects validates the Conference's recommendations to Congress for direct emergency recovery funds that cities can invest immediately in job creation, small business activity and lasting infrastructure improvements for Main Street America.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, "A year ago, when the nation's Mayors started talking about infrastructure it was not being discussed around kitchen tables in New York City or anywhere else in our country. Today, it's seen as a real way to grow the economy because this kind of stimulus is not a one-shot deal. In fact, monies invested through programs like infrastructure generate $1.50 or more per dollar spent. That's a welcome figure for anyone concerned about balancing a budget, making a payroll, funding needed services or any combination of the three. And Charlie Rangel understands that and is working to help Mayors and the cities they lead get started now. Every city here has projects that are ready to move -- projects that have been vetted locally, funded locally and will employ locally. Stimulating the economy in this way will not only leave a valuable asset behind, but will spur real growth."

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charlie Rangel (NY), who joined the mayors and supports their effort has said, "When Congress develops a stimulus plan, it is very important we do not forget the very hard times our cities are having meeting the needs of their residents. That is why I am meeting the Mayors of several of our major cities to make sure urban needs are addressed."

"As the unemployment numbers show, the job situation is dire and getting significantly worse. As each month passes, we are reminded of the rapid deterioration of the long-term job outlook for Americans. Our metropolitan economies desperately need help at the Main Street level, and the mayors' MainStreet Recovery plan is the answer," said Tom Cochran, Conference CEO and Executive Director.

The first mayors' report on local 'ready-to-go' projects, released on Nov. 14, showed that 154 identified a total of 4,645 infrastructure projects costing a total of $25 billion that would create 261,652 jobs in metro areas. The Conference plans to continue to gather information from cities around the country on their 'ready-to-go' jobs projects.

Other mayors joining the press conference were Trenton, NJ Mayor Doug Palmer, Akron, OH Mayor Don Plusquellic, Stamford, CT Mayor Dan Malloy, Dallas, TX Mayor Thomas Leppert, Providence, RI Mayor David Cicilline, Honolulu, HI Mayor Mufi Hanneman and Bowling Green, KY Mayor Elaine Walker.

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More Than $1 Billion Recovered by Justice Department in Fraud and False Claims in Fiscal Year 2008

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States secured $1.34 billion in settlements and judgments in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2008, pursuing allegations of fraud against the federal government, the Justice Department announced today. This brings total recoveries since 1986, when Congress substantially strengthened the civil False Claims Act, to more than $21 billion.

"Now, more than ever, it is crucial that taxpayer dollars aren't lost to fraud," said Gregory G. Katsas, Assistant Attorney General for the Department's Civil Division. "The billion dollars collected this year is only part of the story. By rooting out fraud and vigorously pursuing it, the Department, with the help of concerned citizens who report fraud in hotline calls and in qui tam complaints, undoubtedly saves the country many times that amount in aborted schemes and misconduct."

Assistant Attorney General Katsas also paid tribute to Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa and Representative Howard L. Berman of California who sponsored the 1986 amendments to the False Claims Act, the government's primary weapon to fight government fraud. "Without this important legislation strengthening the Act and, in particular, the qui tam provisions which encourage private citizens to uncover government fraud, such recoveries would not have been possible."

Almost 78 percent of this year's recoveries are associated with suits initiated by private citizens (known as "relators") under the False Claims Act's qui tam provisions. These provisions authorize relators to file suit on behalf of the United States against those who have falsely or fraudulently claimed federal funds. Such cases run the gamut of federally funded programs from Medicare and Medicaid to defense procurement contracts, disaster assistance loans and agricultural subsidies. Persons who knowingly make false claims for federal funds are liable for three times the government's loss plus a civil penalty of $5,500 to $11,000 for each claim.

Relators recover 15 to 25 percent of the proceeds of a successful suit if the United States intervenes in the qui tam action, and up to 30 percent if the government declines and the relator pursues the action alone. In fiscal year 2008, relators were awarded $198 million. (This figure does not include relator shares awarded after Sept. 30, 2008.)

As in the last several years, health care accounted for the lion's share of fraud settlements and judgments-$1.12 billion. This number includes both qui tam claims and those initiated by the United States. The Department of Health and Human Services reaped the biggest recoveries, largely attributable to its Medicare program and the federal/state Medicaid program which funds health care for the needy. Recoveries were also made by the Office of Personnel Management which administers the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, the Department of Defense for its TRICARE insurance program, the Department of Veterans Affairs and others.

The largest health care recoveries came from pharmaceutical companies and related entities. Settlements with Cephalon Inc., Merck & Co. and CVS Caremark Corp. accounted for more than $640 million. In addition to federal recoveries, these pharmaceutical fraud cases returned $430 million to state Medicaid programs.

The Civil Division's investigation of the pharmaceutical industry is part of a Department-wide effort. Typical allegations include "off-label" marketing, which is the illegal promotion of drugs or devices that are billed to Medicare and other federal health care programs, for uses that were neither found safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration nor supported by the medical literature; paying kickbacks to physicians, wholesalers and pharmacies to induce drug or device purchases; establishing inflated drug prices knowing that federal health care programs use these prices to reimburse providers, then marketing the "spread" between the federal reimbursement and the provider's lower cost to induce drug purchases; and knowingly failing to report the company's true "best price" for a drug to reduce rebates owed to the Medicaid program.

The Department also collected $133 million in defense procurement fraud. Defense contract recoveries included a $53 million settlement with Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corporation, and PCC Airfoils LLC, a subsidiary of Precision Castparts Corporation. The settlement resolved allegations that Pratt & Whitney and PCC Airfoils knowingly submitted false claims to the Air Force for defective turbine blades sold to the government to retrofit the F100-PW-220 engines in F-16 and F-15 aircraft. This case was pursued as part of a National Procurement Fraud initiative, launched in October 2006, to promote the early detection, identification, prevention and prosecution of procurement fraud.

FACT SHEET: SIGNIFICANT RECOVERIES IN FISCAL YEAR 2008

Among the Department's most significant settlements and judgments in fiscal year 2008 were:

* $361.5 million from Merck & Company to resolve allegations that the pharmaceutical manufacturer knowingly failed to pay proper rebates to Medicaid and other government health care programs, and paid kickbacks to health care providers to induce them to prescribe the company's products. The settlement resulted from two lawsuits brought under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act.

In the first, which accounted for $221.9 million of the $361.5 settlement, a former Merck employee alleged that the company violated the Medicaid Rebate Statute by providing deep discounts to hospitals that used its drugs Zocor and Vioxx in place of competitors' brands, without reporting those discounts and other cost information to reflect its "best price," as required by the statute to ensure that Medicaid obtains the benefit of the same price concessions other purchasers enjoy. This suit also alleged that Merck paid kickbacks to physicians, disguised as fees for training, consultation, and market research, to induce them to prescribe its drugs, also contrary to law. The United States paid the relator $46.6 million as his share of the settlement under the False Claims Act's qui tam provisions. In addition to the federal recovery, Merck paid $162 million to state Medicaid programs.

In the second lawsuit, which accounted for the remaining $139.6 million of the settlement, a physician alleged that Merck provided deep discounts to hospitals to induce them to administer its antacid, Pepcid, as a means to boost sales through continued use after the patient's discharge. The suit went on to allege, similar to the first suit, that Merck knowingly failed to report these discounts as required by the Medicaid Rebate Statute, which resulted in illegal and inflated claims to federal and state Medicaid programs. In addition to paying the United States $139.5 million in federal claims, Merck paid $114 million to settle state Medicaid claims. The relator received $24 million as his federal share of the settlement and an additional sum for the state recoveries. Merck also entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure compliance with federal health insurance programs in the future.

For the original press release, see:
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/February/08_civ_094.html
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/pae/News/Pr/2008/feb/steinkrelease.pdf


* $258 million from Cephalon Inc. to resolve claims that the company marketed three drugs for uses not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). By promoting the drugs for so-called "off label" uses, Cephalon caused providers to charge federal health insurance programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program for unapproved uses of the drugs not covered by the programs. The settlement resolved four lawsuits, three of which were brought by former Cephalon sales representatives under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Consistent with those provisions, the relators who filed the suits will share $46.7 million as their part of the settlement. In addition to the $258 million recovered for federal programs, the United States recovered $116 million for the Medicaid programs in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Cephalon also pleaded guilty to related criminal charges, paid $50 million in fines and forfeitures and entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Inspector General of HHS to ensure strict compliance in the future.

For the original press release, see:
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/September/08-civ-860.html


* $225 million from Amerigroup Corporation to settle both federal and state allegations that Amerigroup, together with its Illinois subsidiary, systematically avoided enrolling pregnant women and other high-cost patients in the company's managed care program in Illinois. The program was funded by Medicaid, which required open enrollment to all eligible beneficiaries. By excluding pregnant women and other high-cost patients, Amerigroup increased its profits in conflict with the law. The United States and Illinois jointly brought suit under the federal False Claims Act and the Illinois Whistleblower Reward and Protection Act. In October 2006, following a lengthy trial, the court entered judgment for $334 million. Amerigroup appealed and the parties entered negotiations leading to settlement. The relator received $56.25 million as his share of the federal and state recoveries. In conjunction with the settlement, Amerigroup entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Inspector General of HHS to ensure future compliance.

For the original press release, see:
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/August/08-civ-723.html



* $75 million to settle claims that Kyphon Inc., now Medtronic Spine LLC, violated the False Claims Act by knowingly causing the submission of false claims to Medicare for its kyphoplasty procedure-a minimally-invasive surgery used to treat compression fractures of the spine. The settlement resolved a lawsuit filed by two former Kyphon employees under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. The suit alleged that Kyphon engaged in a seven-year marketing scheme that resulted in certain hospitals billing Medicare for kyphoplasties performed on an inpatient basis rather than for less costly and clinically appropriate outpatient kyphoplasty treatment. This conduct resulted in the Medicare program paying more for inpatient kyphoplasty procedures. The relators received a total of $14.9 million as their share of the settlement. In conjunction with the settlement, Kypon entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Inspector General of HHS to ensure future compliance.

For the original press release, see:
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/May/08-civ-455.html


* $74 million from Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) to resolve two False Claims Act qui tam suits and two other matters. In the first action, a physician and former SIUH Director of Chemical Dependency Services, filed suit alleging that SIUH fraudulently billed Medicare and Medicaid for substance abuse and alcohol detoxification services provided to inpatients in unlicensed beds, in violation of state law, between 1994 and 2000. SIUH paid the United States $11.8 million in settlement of this qui tam action, with the relator receiving $2.3 million as his share of the government's recovery. In related allegations of inflated Medicaid billings asserted under New York State's false claims statute, SIUH paid New York $14.88 million, with the relator receiving $2.97 million as his share of the state's recovery.

In the second action, the widow of an SIUH cancer patient filed suit alleging that between 1996 and 2004, SIUH submitted false claims to Medicare and TRICARE using incorrect codes for cancer treatments not covered by the programs. SIUH paid the United States $25 million, including a relator share award of $3.75 million. In the third matter, the United States alleged that SIUH deliberately inflated the number of residents it employed to fraudulently increase Medicare reimbursement between 1996 and 2003. SIUH paid the United States $35.7 million in settlement of this matter. Lastly, SIUH paid the United States $1.47 million to settle allegations that it billed Medicare and Medicaid for treating psychiatric patients in unlicensed beds from 2003-2005. In conjunction with the settlement, SIUH also entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Inspector General of HHS to ensure future compliance.

For the original press release, see:
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/nye/pr/2008/2008sep15.html


* $60 million from Lester E. Cox Medical Centers, a health care system headquartered in Springfield, Mo., to settle claims that it violated the False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Statute between 1996 and 2005. The United States alleged that Cox entered into illegal financial relationships with referring physicians at a local physician group and engaged in improper billing practices with respect to Medicare. Under the Stark Statute, providers such as Cox are prohibited from billing Medicare for referrals from doctors with whom the providers have a financial relationship, unless that relationship falls within certain exceptions. The United States contended that Cox and the referring physicians ran afoul of the Stark Statute, as well as the Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits offering inducements to providers in return for patient referrals. The settlement also resolves claims that Cox included non-reimbursable costs on its Medicare cost reports and improperly billed for dialysis services. In conjunction with the settlement, Cox entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Inspector General of HHS to ensure future compliance.

For the original press release, see:
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/July/08-civ-638.html
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/mow/news2008/cox.settlement.htm


* $53 million from Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corporation, and PCC Airfoils LLC, a subsidiary of Precision Castparts Corporation, to resolve allegations that the companies knowingly submitted false claims for defective turbine blades purchased by the Air Force to retrofit the F100-PW-220 engines found in F-16 and F-15 aircraft. The settlement includes corrective action to replace defective blades and inspection of potentially serviceable blades to ensure their integrity. The case was pursued as part of a National Procurement Fraud Initiative launched in October 2006, to promote the early detection, identification, prevention and prosecution of procurement fraud.

For the original press release, see:
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/August/08-civ-675.html



* $26 million from St. Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta to resolve allegations that the hospital falsely claimed Medicare reimbursement for inpatient admissions that were, in fact, less costly outpatient visits. A registered nurse, formerly employed by the hospital, initiated suit under the False Claims Act's qui tam provisions. The complaint alleged that the hospital improperly billed for short inpatient admissions, usually of one day or less, when the service should have been billed as an outpatient "observation" or emergency room visit. Medicare reimburses hospitals a higher rate for inpatient admissions than it does for observation care or emergency room visits. The nurse who triggered the investigation received $4.94 million as her share of the recovery. St. Joseph's entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Inspector General of HHS in conjunction with the settlement, to ensure future compliance.

For the original press release, see:
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/gan/press/2007/12-21-07.pdf


$23.2 million from Bechtel Infrastructure Corp. and PB Americas Inc. to settle allegations of false claims for federal highway funds in connection with the firms' failure to provide adequate management and quality assurance services during the construction of the Central Artery Tunnel, known as the Big Dig, in Boston. The recovery, part of a $458 million settlement of state and federal claims, resolved parts of a qui tam lawsuit, a related federal investigation and additional claims that Bechtel and PB Americas violated federal and state criminal and civil laws in connection with their services on the Big Dig. In addition to the federal recovery, the companies paid $40 million in state claims and $335 million into a state warranty fund for future repairs to the Big Dig. The private citizen who filed the suit received $54,000 and $96,000 as his share of the federal and state recoveries, respectively.

For the original press release, see:
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/January/08_crt_048.html
http://boston.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel08/govtclaimsettlement012308.htm



* $21.1 million from CVS Caremark Corp. to settle claims that from 2000-2006, the company illegally switched patients from the tablet version of the drug Ranitidine (generic Zantac) to a more expensive capsule version for the sole purpose of increasing Medicaid reimbursement. For example, CVS pharmacies in Illinois would charge Medicaid $79.80 for 60 Ranitidine capsules, rather than $17.10 for the tablets prescribed, increasing reimbursement by $62.70 on a single prescription. CVS Caremark is headquartered in Rhode Island and operates more than 6,000 pharmacies nationwide. The settlement resolves qui tam claims under federal and state false claims statutes. In addition to the federal recovery, CVS Caremark paid $15.6 million to 23 states and the District of Columbia. The qui tam plaintiff received $4.3 million as his share of the federal and state settlements. CVS Caremark also entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Inspector General of HHS to ensure future compliance.

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Beauty Pageant Brings Abuse Into the Light and Enables Women to Come Out of the Shadows and Win Their Life Back

PRNewswire/ -- The Mrs. Globe Pageant crowned a new Ms. North America, Cammie McBrayer of Marietta, Georgia, to help empower women across the nation to say no to abuse. Cammie feels honored that the people of the world voted for her as the "people's choice" to represent North America in the upcoming Mrs. Globe Pageant to become the international spokesperson for the W.I.N. Foundation.

The Mrs. Globe Pageant is an international pageant that is unique; it is a fundraiser for the W.I.N. (Women in Need) Foundation. W.I.N. is a non-profit outreach for abuse recovery and offers a 20-week abuse and self-esteem recovery program for women, men and children called the Right Living Program, which was founded by Dr. Tracy Kemble in 1995 (http://www.womeninneed.org/). As Ms. North America, Cammie will have the opportunity to have a Right Living Program weekend in her area during the upcoming year.

Ms. North America is also hosting "Kids helping Kids, Party with a Purpose" on November 21, 2008. There will be a DJ and a lot of dancing; over 100 12- and 13-year-olds are expected to attend, with a goal of $3,000 to benefit W.I.N.'s International Christmas for Kids Campaign. The kids will have the opportunity to see video from a past Christmas for Kids, so they get a firsthand view of the change that their fundraiser has made in kids' lives throughout the world.

Cammie's goal is to create an organization in the South to assist and empower women that have been through traumatic changes. This would be done through education, image consulting and through the Right Living Principals created by founder Dr. Tracy Kemble: the ultimate connection of mind, body and spirit.

As a national titleholder, Cammie will compete internationally in August 2009 for the coveted title of Mrs. Globe. Her dream is to take this campaign globally to help women reinvent themselves, so they have the power to overcome poverty and provide a strong, safe environment for their families. If you would like more information, please contact cammie@cammiemcbrayermsnorthamerica.com.

Keep track of Cammie's progress in her mission to help women and families overcome abuse; visit her website: http://cammiemcbrayermsnorthamerica.com/.

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