Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice

Spellbound 2025 Scrabble Tournament
2025-06-11 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Bold Monk Brewing Co., 1737 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW suite d-1, Atlanta, GA, 30318
Spellbound — the Scrabble Tournament hosted by Georgia Appleseed’s Young Professionals Council (YPC) — is back!
Check-in and the bar open at 5:30pm, games begin at 6:30pm
Register Now!
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Leah Mungo – lmungo@gaappleseed.org.

Uncover the Gaps: Free Virtual IEP Consultations for Parents (Clinic 1)
2025-06-12 09:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
Does your child have an IEP? Do you fully understand what’s in it—and whether it meets your child’s needs?
We’re here to help you uncover the gaps.
Georgia Appleseed’s “Uncover the Gaps” Online Clinic is a free resource for parents navigating the special education system. We’re offering 30-minute, one-on-one virtual consultations with a trained special education advocate to help you better understand your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
💬 What to Expect:
During your session, a trained advocate will:

Review your child’s current IEP
Discuss your concerns
Provide tailored guidance and next steps

📝 How to Participate:
To register, you’ll need to:

Choose your preferred date: June 12, 16, or 18
Submit your child’s current IEP and a brief description of your concerns
Register using this link: https://forms.office.com/r/EJWn0iUEET

📄 Learn More:

Download the IEP Clinic Flyer
Have questions? Email us at: fair@gaappleseed.org

Space is limited—sign up today to get the support you need to advocate for your child!
NOTE: For children in foster care, please contact DFCS at https://epac.dhs.ga.gov/#/referral-program

Uncover the Gaps: Free Virtual IEP Consultations for Parents (Clinic 2)
2025-06-16 09:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
Does your child have an IEP? Do you fully understand what’s in it—and whether it meets your child’s needs?We’re here to help you uncover the gaps.
Georgia Appleseed’s “Uncover the Gaps” Online Clinic is a free resource for parents navigating the special education system. We’re offering 30-minute, one-on-one virtual consultations with a trained special education advocate to help you better understand your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
💬 What to Expect:
During your session, a trained advocate will:

Review your child’s current IEP

Discuss your concerns

Provide tailored guidance and next steps

📝 How to Participate:
To register, you’ll need to:

Choose your preferred date: June 12, 16, or 18

Submit your child’s current IEP and a brief description of your concerns

Register using this link: https://forms.office.com/r/EJWn0iUEET

📄 Learn More:

Download the IEP Clinic Flyer

Have questions? Email us at: fair@gaappleseed.org

Space is limited—sign up today to get the support you need to advocate for your child!
NOTE: For children in foster care, please contact DFCS at https://epac.dhs.ga.gov/#/referral-program

Uncover the Gaps: Free Virtual IEP Consultations for Parents (Clinic 3)
2025-06-18 09:00 - 17:00 | Virtual

GECC Summer 2025 Convening
2025-07-30 12:00 - 14:00 | Mill Hill Community Arts Center, 213 Clinton St., Macon, GA, 31217, United States
Supporting School Climate & Child Well-Being in Middle Georgia
July 30, 2025 in Macon

Join educators, community leaders, and behavioral health providers in Macon for a special event led by the Georgia Education Climate Coalition (GECC). We’ll share ideas, explore new data, and build partnerships to support school climate and child well-being across Middle Georgia.
The program will include:

A panel discussion with local and state experts sharing data and solutions
Morgan Stinson, Director of Behavioral Health Services & Integration, Community Health Care Systems
Juli Alligood, Executive Director, Middle Georgia RESA
Eve Byrd, The Carter Center Mental Health Program
Layla Fitzgerald, Director of Community Programs, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities
Updates on positive behavioral interventions and mental health supports
Networking opportunities to connect and collaborate
Pre-meeting reception & youth art exhibit: See Me: Pieces of Life from Youth In Care

Where:
Mill Hill Community Arts Center
213 Clinton St.
Macon, GA 31217

When:
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
12:00-12:30PM – Refreshments, Networking, and Exhibit
12:30-2:00 PM – Program/Meeting

RSVP by July 23

The event is free, but registration is required.
We encourage in person attendance.

Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice | 1600 Parkwood Circle Suite 200 | Atlanta, GA 30339 US

GHHC Summer 2025 Convening
2025-07-31 13:00 - 15:30 | Mill Hill Community Arts Center, 213 Clinton St., Macon, GA, 31217, United States
July 31 in Macon, Georgia

Mark your calendar, and plan to join friends and fellow housing advocates July 31 in Macon for the Georgia Healthy Housing Coalition (GHHC) Summer Convening.
Georgia Appleseed and Enterprise Community Partners will facilitate the meeting to include:

A Macon-Bibb County Housing Resource panel with :
Mike Austin, Executive Director, Macon Housing Authority
Ivy Hall, Executive Director, Macon Area Habitat for Humanity
Shawn Stafford, President, Stafford Builders & Consultants
Moderator: Natalie Bouyett, Executive Director, Macon-Bibb County Affordable Housing Fund
Spotlight on Enterprise’s policy report on state and local housing trust funds by Beth Stephens, Director, State and Local Policy Southeast, Enterprise Community Partners
Networking opportunities
Pre-meeting reception and art exhibit: See Me: Pieces of Life from Youth In Care – Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice

When:
Thursday, July 31, 2025
GHHC Meeting: 2PM – 3:30PM
Refreshments & Exhibit: 1 – 1:45PM

Where:
Mill Hill Community Arts Center
213 Clinton St.
Macon, GA 31217

RSVP by July 23

The event is free, but registration is required.
We encourage in person attendance.

Education & Celebration
2025-10-22 15:30 - 19:30 | Southern Company, 30 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA, 30308, United States
Join us for an evening of education and celebration!
As part of our 20th anniversary celebration, we present Professor Tanya Washington who will moderate a compelling panel, From Home to Classroom: Protecting Children’s Rights” exploring the intersection of school climate and safety, juvenile justice, family support, and housing policy—all through the lens of children’s constitutional rights.
Wednesday Oct 22:

Panel Discussion 3:30-5:30
Happy Hour 5:30-7:30

Location: Southern Company – 30 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
RSVP to by October 17th

Georgia Healthy Housing Day at the Capitol
2026-01-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Georgia State Capitol, Capitol Sq SW, Atlanta, GA, 30334
January 21, 2026
The Georgia Healthy Housing Coalition invite advocates, partners, and community members to the Healthy Housing Day at the Capitol. RSVP here!
Healthy Housing Day at the Capitol is an education and outreach day bringing together members of the Georgia Healthy Housing Coalition, lawmakers, and community partners to highlight the importance of safe, affordable, and healthy housing across Georgia. As the 2026 General Assembly begins, the event will focus on sharing real stories, data, and people-centered solutions, while lifting up the Georgia Healthy Housing Coalition as a trusted statewide resource on housing and its impacts on Georgia families. A press conference starting at 11:00 AM will highlight coalition priorities for the 2026 legislative session.
For questions or more information, please contact us at ghhc@gaappleseed.org

Special Education Free Training
2026-03-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Georgia
Free Special Education Training: Demystifying the IEP and 504 Process
Navigating special education can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. Join Georgia Appleseed’s FAIR Team for a free, in-depth training designed to help families better understand the IEP and 504 process.
This session includes a 1-hour presentation followed by a 30-minute Q&A.
Whether you’re new to special education or preparing for an upcoming school meeting, this training can give you practical information and tools to advocate confidently for your child.
Date: March 18Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PMLocation: Clayton County Police Department7911 North McDonough St.Jonesboro, GA 30236
Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Space may be limited — register today to secure your spot. Register here.Questions? Contact FAIR@gaappleseed.org

School Discipline Training
2026-03-24 14:00 - 15:30 | Georgia
A Tribunal Process Refresher (CLE Available)
Georgia Appleseed and Troutman Pepper Locke invite attorneys and advocates to join a practical training on Georgia’s school discipline tribunal process.
This CLE session will provide an overview of the school discipline process and key legal protections for students with disabilities. Participants will gain a refresher on manifestation determination reviews (MDRs), learn the legal standards governing disciplinary hearings, and leave with practical advocacy tools they can use immediately when working with families.
This training is ideal for attorneys who want to strengthen their understanding of school discipline cases and build confidence advocating for students in tribunal proceedings.
What You’ll Learn

Understand the school discipline process and Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs)
Learn the key legal standards and protections for students with disabilities
Gain practical advocacy tools you can use with families
Earn CLE credit while building confidence handling school discipline cases

Event Details
Date: March 24, 2026Time: 2:00 – 3:30 PM
This session will be hosted in partnership with Troutman Pepper Locke.
Register
Scan the QR code on the event graphic or register through the link below.
[Register for the Training]
For questions about this event, please contact:FAIR@gaappleseed.org

Special Education Free Clinic
2026-03-25 09:00 - 16:00 | Georgia
Special Education Free Clinic – Clayton County Families
Parents and guardians seeking assistance with their child’s IEP or 504 Plan are invited to attend a free, 30-minute individual consultation with a special education advocate from Georgia Appleseed’s FAIR Team.
This clinic is designed to support Clayton County families by offering personalized guidance and practical recommendations. During each consultation, families will:

Review their child’s current IEP or 504 Plan
Discuss specific concerns, priorities, and goals
Receive clear action steps to prepare for upcoming school meetings

Date: March 25Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (30-minute appointments)Location: Clayton County Police Department7911 North McDonough St.Jonesboro, GA 30236
Participants are asked to bring a copy of their child’s current IEP or 504 Plan. Appointments are limited to one per family. Light refreshments will be provided.
Advance registration is required, as space is limited. Register here.
For additional information, please contact: FAIR@gaappleseed.org

Roaring for Justice 2026
2026-04-24 18:00 - 20:00 | The Foundry, 916 Joseph E Lowery Blvd NW Ste 11, Atlanta, GA, 30318
Where: The Foundry
916 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
When:
5:30pm – VIP Reception for event sponsors (by invitation)
6:30pm – Event opens for all guests
Tickets: There are no paper tickets, but all attendees must purchase tickets to confirm their spot be able to check in. Confirmed guests and attendees who received a ticket as part of a sponsorship package will be able to check in under their own name.
Registration: If you already have purchased a ticket, or you are attending as part of a sponsorship, please register ahead of time to make it easier and faster to check in upon arrival.
Attire: Cocktail
Directions and Parking: Click here for directions. Parking at the Foundry is free. We encourage carpooling and ride sharing where possible.
Questions? Contact Liz McDaniel at lmcdaniel@gaappleseed.org or by phone 678-336-7238.

ABCs with Chief Magistrate Judge Keisha Wright-Hill
2026-04-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Clayton County Magistrate Court, 9151 Tara Blvd, Jonesboro, GA, 30236
April 28 – 6:00 PM -8:00 PM
ABCs with Chief Magistrate Judge Keisha Wright-Hill
Clayton County Courthouse – 9151 Tara Boulevard, Jonesboro, GA 30236

Clearing the Air: Vaping & Teen Mental Health
2026-05-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Georgia
Join the Georgia PTA community on May 12 for an important and engaging virtual conversation focused on the growing concerns around youth vaping and its connection to mental health.
This session will bring together families, educators, and community leaders to:
• Learn the facts about vaping and its impact on youth health
• Understand how vaping connects to stress, anxiety, and peer pressure
• Hear insights from health and community professionals
• Engage in open discussion and share ideas to support our youth
Date: May 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
Click the link below to RSVP:
https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/68e8ce15-16e8-4fd9-ba6a-6167ae991de5@b6bc67b0-1dab-4acf-870c-6d9d63267025?fbclid=IwY2xjawRVxwtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExOGpxZWRSeVlJRkJOb1dTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHm5GpvUNM6mS9D3VabQzuQVJ5sZS0hZ3OMbqpkjare6ylCxqI4w47wuB9t4w_aem_RZMd6fG_WJ2hhro9zm3wTg

GECC & GHHC Joint Coalition Convening
2026-05-14 12:00 - 14:30 | Henry County Chamber of Commerce, 1709 Highway 20 West, McDonough, GA, 30253, United States
Stable Homes, Strong Schools: A Cross-Sector Conversation on Child Outcomes
When: May 14, 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Lunch and networking
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Meeting and panel

Where: Henry County Chamber of Commerce
1709 Highway 20 West
McDonough, GA 30253

Registration: Please click here or scan the QR code below to RSVP.

Questions? Contact Fatima Santillan at fsantillan@gaappleseed.org.
Download and share the flyer here!
Hosted by the Georgia Education Climate Coalition (GECC) and the Georgia Healthy Housing Coalition (GHHC).

30th Annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum
2026-05-19 09:00 - 17:00 | The Carter Center Cecil B. Day Chapel, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway Northeast, Atlanta, Georgia, 30307, Georgia
The Carter Center’s Rosalynn Carter Mental Health and Caregiver Program will convene the 30th Annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum, a milestone gathering dedicated to advancing mental health policy, systems, and practice across the state of Georgia.
Through conversations with policy leaders, mental health experts, state agency officials, and community voices, participants will explore critical topics shaping Georgia’s mental health landscape and identify opportunities to advance a more equitable, accessible, and effective behavioral health system for all Georgians.
When: May 19, 2026 9:00am – 5:00pm (Georgia Appleseed Panel begins at 1:15 PM)
Where: The Carter Center Cecil B. Day Chapel
453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30307

YPC Spellbound Scrabble Tournament
2026-06-03 17:00 - 21:00 | Bold Monk Brewing Co., 1737 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW suite d-1, Atlanta, GA, 30318
Join Us for Scrabble for Justice 2026
Think you’ve got the ultimate vocabulary skills?
Join Georgia Appleseed’s Young Professionals Council (YPC) on Wednesday, June 3 for the annual YPC Spellbound Scrabble Tournament. Enjoy an evening of friendly competition, great food, and fun while supporting Georgia Appleseed’s work to advance justice for Georgia’s children and families.
Whether you’re a Scrabble pro, a casual word-game fan, or just coming for a good time, we’d love to see you there.
Ticket Options
$25 Entry TicketIncludes event entry and food. This ticket does not include placement on a tournament team.
$50 Single Player TicketIncludes event entry, food, and placement on a tournament team.
$100 Team TicketIncludes event entry, food, and one tournament team of two players.
Register today to join the fun:https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/Lp7lHtjqCggUBkgitG-nQw

YPC Pickleball Social
2026-07-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Carl Sanders YMCA at Buckhead, 1160 Moores Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, Georgia, 30327
Join Us for the YPC Pickleball Social
Ready to serve up some fun for a good cause?
Join Georgia Appleseed’s Young Professionals Council (YPC) on Wednesday, July 22 for a Pickleball Social at the Carl Sanders YMCA at Buckhead. Enjoy an evening of friendly competition, community, and fun while supporting Georgia Appleseed’s work to advance justice for Georgia’s children and families.
Whether you’re an experienced player, new to pickleball, or just coming to cheer on your friends, we’d love to see you there.
Ticket Options
Ticket Options:
• $25 Entry Ticket — includes event entry, networking and food (does not include pickleball play)
• $50 Individual Player Ticket — includes event entry, food, and pickleball play for one player
• $100 Two-Players Ticket — includes event entry, food, and pickleball play for two players
Register today:https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/Lv8ETRhwc9PLEu0mq0Z1bA

Georgia Healthy Housing Coalition (GHHC) Summer Convening
2026-07-29 14:00 - 15:30 | Fair Street Neighborhood Center, 715 Fair Street, Gainesville, Georgia, 30501
Join the Georgia Healthy Housing Coalition (GHHC) on Wednesday, July 29, in Gainesville for a conversation on housing stability, corporate ownership, local control, and family well-being.
This GHHC meeting will bring together housing advocates, policymakers and community partners to discuss:

How institutional ownership is shaping Gainesville and Hall County’s housing market
The impact of housing instability on working families and local communities
Opportunities for local and statewide solutions that support safe, stable, and affordable housing, including education on Georgia’s newly passed eviction sealing law

This convening will also provide space for relationship-building, information-sharing, and discussion about how GHHC members and local partners can work together to strengthen housing stability for families in Gainesville, Hall County, and communities across Georgia.
Register Here
Download and share the flyer

Georgia Education Climate Coalition (GECC) Back to School Convening
2026-07-30 12:00 - 14:00 | Fair Street Neighborhood Center, 715 Fair Street, Gainesville, Georgia, 30501
As schools prepare for a new academic year, the Georgia Education Climate Coalition (GECC) invites you to join us on Thursday, July 30 in the Hall County School District for a conversation about building positive school climates and supporting student well-being.
This year’s back-to-school convening will feature:

A presentation from Suzanne Jarrard, Hall County Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, on the district’s journey toward becoming “The Most Caring Place on Earth” and lessons learned from implementing school climate and mental health awareness efforts across a large school district
A presentation from Dr. Garry McGiboney connecting Hall County’s work to the mental health awareness training being implemented in schools across the state this summer
Opportunities for networking and discussion with education, behavioral health, and community partners

Whether you work in education, behavioral health, youth-serving organizations, government, or community advocacy, this convening offers an opportunity to learn from one of Georgia’s leading examples of school climate improvement and student support.
Georgia Appleseed attorneys are also offering a special education clinic for parents and caregivers prior to the meeting. Please reach out to Jack Grote at jgrote@gaappleseed.org if you are interested.
Register here
Download and share the flyer
