FY2025 Annual Report: 20 Years of Justice at Our Core
Highlights from 2025
Georgia Appleseed’s FY25 Annual Report is now available, marking a major milestone: 20 years of advancing justice for Georgia’s children and families.
This year’s report looks back at two decades of impact—and at the same time shows how recent wins in school justice, housing justice, and mental health are setting the stage for what comes next. From landmark legislation to direct legal advocacy that keeps kids in school and families safely housed, the report makes clear that sustained, evidence-based advocacy works.
Key Takeaways from This Year’s Report
Twenty years of school justice reform are paying off
Since 2010, our work has kept more than 400,000 children in classrooms—resulting in at least 48,000 additional high school graduates. In FY25, we helped secure passage of the Comprehensive School Safety and Student Well-being Act (HB 268), which shifts Georgia away from zero-tolerance discipline and toward evidence-based approaches that keep students learning and safe.
Direct advocacy continues to change outcomes for individual children
Through our FAIR Project and pro bono partnerships, families facing long-term suspension or expulsion received the support they needed to navigate complex school discipline systems. In case after case, legal advocacy meant children returned to class instead of losing months—or years—of education.
Housing justice is now statewide policy
With the passage of the Safe at Home Act (HB 404), Georgia now has its first statewide minimum standards for rental housing. This historic reform means hundreds of thousands of families have the legal right to safe, habitable homes. Our Homelessness Intervention Project also continued to prevent evictions and stabilize families most at risk.
Mental health support in schools is expanding
FY25 marked major progress in integrating behavioral health supports into schools. Through policy wins, technical assistance, and statewide tools, Georgia Appleseed is helping ensure that students’ mental health needs are identified earlier and addressed in ways that improve attendance, achievement, and long-term stability.
The Numbers Behind 20 Years of Impact
400,000+ children kept in classrooms
48,000+ additional high school graduates
115,000 fewer children entering the juvenile justice system
$4+ billion saved in public costs
$24+ billion added to Georgia’s economy
All achieved with $12.6 million invested by supporters over 20 years
That is a return on investment few organizations can claim.
Looking Ahead: The Next 20 Years
Our new strategic plan sets bold, achievable goals: an advocate for every child who needs one, fewer suspensions statewide, evictions cut in half, and legal support for schoolchildren in every Georgia county. The foundation is strong—and the path forward is clear.
Read the Report & Get Involved
This work is possible because of our donors, pro bono partners, volunteers, and advocates. We invite you to read the full FY25 Annual Report and see what justice at the core looks like in action.
Read the full FY25 Annual Report