Business professionals in Henry County are working together to help young people in crisis to prepare for the future.

  The Leadership Henry Class of 2019 is in the midst of a Community Legacy Project, to create an independent living space for residents at A Friend’s House in McDonough.

  Kay Embrey, assistant branch manager of Heritage Bank in McDonough, is among those taking part in the project. She said the endeavor is “very much a need” locally.

  Embrey said young people at A Friend’s House, or other programs associated with the Department of Family and Children Services, typically “age out” at 18 years old.

  “So what they’re running into is, these kids that may not have a family support system, they age out, and then they’re kind of [told] ‘here, good luck to you, we’re here if you need us,’” said Embrey. “We’re trying to build out a transition suite, if you will, to allow them a year of kind of hand-holding, getting them used to it, finding them a job, helping them with bank accounts – just getting them set up for adulthood. So, it’s a great project, it’s a great endeavor.”

  A Friend’s House is a shelter for children, primarily ages 12-18. Leadership Henry has established a $30,000 fundraising goal for the project, which aims to transform an area of the shelter into a two-room independent living space.

  Scheduled renovations to the interior of the space include: replacing cabinets: installing a new sink and dishwasher; installing plank flooring; removing doors; and adding a wall. The project also calls for a new exterior door and window, as well as furnishing and decorating the space.

  Sandra Gravely, human resources manager at A Friend’s House, is the chairperson for the Leadership Henry project. She said this year’s group of participants is the “best class ever,” and that the endeavor will help young people to have more skills and better opportunities going forward.

  “With the assistance of both our past and present community partners, donors, volunteers and DFCS, A Friend’s House has always been able to offer opportunities for positive growth and development to our residents,” said Gravely. “With this new suite space, we will be able to continue the experiences.”   Sponsorship opportunities for the Legacy Project are available, ranging from $100 to $1,000. For more information, call the Henry County Chamber of Commerce at 770-957-5786.