written by Marvella Nesbitt
Family Support Circle Inc. is a nonprofit organization established in Pennsylvania by founder Dr. Edna Poulard. The organization aims to provide comprehensive support for adults, the elderly, and children within families, offering services such as home health care, youth education, food assistance, pantries, and behavioral health. Poulard confesses, "God had his plans for me, and I ended up in Henry County, GA." In 2007, Poulard moved to Georgia. She recognized a need for after-school support when her son attended middle school, and only sports programs were available. So, she decided to make roots in Henry County. "I rallied everybody from the superintendent to the principals to expand the program from Pennsylvania." She told her board she was extending the program to the South with their support. Since its inception, the program has positively impacted countless families, providing crucial support and resources.
However, after moving to Georgia, Poulard noticed some differences in the educational system. There were some great teachers and principals, but the system needed more help and support from those committed to meeting kids' academic needs. This realization underscored the urgency and importance of Poulard and her team's work.
Despite the organization's success, Dr. Poulard and her team faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. The program, originally reliant on in-person support, had to adjust to the new circumstances quickly. They sought to serve and offer continuous support, providing options like virtual learning and individualized tutoring. However, the transition was challenging. "Children have short attention spans," admits Dr. Poulard. Her team showed remarkable resilience, going above and beyond to ensure the well-being of the children they served. "We were running to play catch up," Poulard explains. Consequently, many still noticed that the lack of in-person learning had adversely impacted the education and the mental health of children in the community. She partnered with mental health agencies to reach those kids who had difficulty addressing the stress of isolation and lack of social interaction.
As a result, in the summer of '21, Family Circle Support decided to hold the entire program outdoors to counter the aftermath of the pandemic. Sixty-seven kids participated in educational games and activities, benefiting from the outdoors and having fun. This initiative not only provided a safe learning environment but also instilled a sense of hope for the future, showing that positive change is possible even in the face of adversity.
Dr. Poulard affectionately recalls memories of her mom as her inspiration to serve. While growing up in Haiti, Poulard witnessed her mother's noble acts of generosity. She would cook, sew, and provide domestic services for families in her community. "I became a servant leader because of my mom. She was a special woman who was not educated. Her dream was for her children to have a relationship with God and an education. She instilled my love for service," recalls Poulard.
Dr. Poulard was able to return to her homeland when her nonprofit flourished and experienced a full-circle moment. She testifies, "God commissioned me to go back and help the children of Haiti." When she was little, she learned to read, write, and speak English within six months with the help of her church. Poulard also established an educational network to support needy children in partnership with a church. She explains, "I started the educational system with 49 kids, and only five had attended school. Eight of the children did not even know their date of birth." Currently, there are eight classes, grades 1-6. Donations from abroad help provide financial and meal assistance, ensuring the success of Family Circle Support's mission.
Family Support Circle Inc. aims to expand its reach down the coast and serve as many families as possible in the future. The goal is to serve up to 1,000 more children, increase their home care division, and continue supporting families and children already in the fold. This vision for the future, which includes expanding services and reaching more families, is a testament to the organization's commitment to impacting communities and an inspiration to all.
Dr. Elna Poulard Appears On The Yolanda Neely Show
Get Your Copy of Game Changers 2024 Summer Edition featuring Dr. Elna Poulard of Family Support Circle
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