At The Vashti Center, fundraising is more than a financial necessity—it’s an extension of our mission to bring hope, healing, and transformation to children, teens, families, and communities across Georgia. For more than 122 years, the generosity of donors, churches, businesses, and community partners has allowed us to provide trauma-informed behavioral health services, residential foster care, afterschool programs, and training for youth-serving professionals.
Every dollar given directly supports our programs—whether it’s providing a safe home for a teen in crisis, counseling for a child working through trauma, spiritual guidance, or community-based prevention and outreach. Your support fuels tangible change and helps us continue the work that began with Annie Heath’s vision in 1903.
In this FAQ, you’ll find answers to common questions about how your gifts are used, the different ways you can give, and how we ensure transparency, stewardship, and accountability in every aspect of our fundraising efforts.
How Can I Support Vashti by Giving My Way?
We believe there’s no single “right” way to give—only the way that feels most meaningful to you. Whether it’s through gifts of needed items, your time, or financial contributions, every act of generosity directly impacts the children, teens, and families we serve.
1. Tangible Donations
Our youth deserve to feel at home, cared for, and prepared for everyday life. You can help by donating:
- Clothing: Gently used child or teen apparel, shoes, and accessories.
- Bedroom Items: Plastic hangers, sturdy furniture (writing desks, chairs, dressers, twin beds), and unbreakable decorations or artwork.
- Linens: Fresh twin-size sheets, comforters, and blankets; bathroom towels; robes; and house slippers (“slides”).
- Kitchenware: Plastic or bamboo microwavable-safe dishes, cups, and utensils.
- Personal Care & Hygiene Items: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, deodorant, and more.
- Creative & Recreational Supplies: Art materials, games, and sports equipment to foster creativity and connection.
2. Volunteer Your Time
Time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give.
- Administrative Support: Assist with office projects, events, or fundraising efforts.
- Mentoring Youth: Build positive relationships with our children through guidance, encouragement, and shared experiences.
3. Financial Support
Monetary gifts provide the flexibility to meet urgent needs and sustain critical programs year-round.
Give once, set up a monthly gift, or explore sponsorship opportunities.
Your donation supports trauma-informed care, educational resources, life skills training, and more.
Every contribution—whether it’s a backpack, a few hours of your time, or a financial gift—helps us create a safe, healing environment where young lives can flourish.
Which Funds Can I Support at Vashti?
Your generosity fuels hope, healing, and transformation for the children, families, and communities we serve. Through our Givebutter platform, you can choose the fund that aligns with your heart.
Residential Program Funds
- Supporting our Room, Board & Watchful Oversight (RBWO) Residential Foster Care Program—providing safe housing, trauma-informed care, and life-enriching opportunities for youth.
- Heart & Soul Fund – Honoring Bridgette Blackshear’s legacy by meeting personal and immediate needs of youth in care (e.g., eyeglasses, counseling, clothing, field trips, personal care).
- Recreation Fund – Gives youth access to sports, outdoor adventures, and community activities that promote healthy development.
- Expressive Arts Fund – Expands opportunities for creative healing through art, music, dance, and performance.
- Spiritual Program Fund – Supports Bible studies, church participation, pastoral counseling, and faith-based mentoring through our Chaplain.
- Back-to-School Wish List – Ensures youth start the school year with clothing, supplies, haircuts, and hygiene essentials.
- Christmas Fund – Brings joy during the holidays through personalized gifts, celebrations, and seasonal activities.
- Summer Fund – Provides enriching summer experiences like camps, educational trips, and hands-on activities to keep youth engaged and inspired during the break.
Community & Outreach Funds
Helping us expand impact beyond our residential campus into the wider Georgia community.
- Afterschool Clubhouse Fund – Provides a safe, structured environment with academic support, enrichment activities, and mentoring after school hours.
- Community Counseling Fund – Makes therapy accessible for children, families, and individuals in need, regardless of ability to pay.
- Trauma-Informed Training & Outreach Fund – Delivers educational workshops, professional training, and resources to schools, agencies, and community organizations to build resilience and prevent trauma.
Organizational Support Funds
Keeping Vashti strong, sustainable, and ready to serve for generations to come.
- General Operations Fund – Powers the daily work of Vashti by covering essentials like food, utilities, transportation, and program resources.
- Technology Fund – Upgrades and maintains the tools, equipment, and systems that keep our programs running efficiently.
- Nurture Our Team Fund – Invests in professional development, resources, and wellness initiatives for our staff.
- Capital Campaign Fund – Supports major facility improvements, campus expansions, and infrastructure upgrades to meet future needs.
Do you have a Wish List?
Yes, there are three ways to give and we graciously ask for your support.
What is the Heart and Soul Fund?
Ms. Bridgette Blackshear came to Vashti in 2001 to be our Food Services Director, and in many ways truly became the Heart and Soul of this agency. She had a precious gift and always made everyone feel welcome. Her kitchen became a place of encouragement, unconditional love, laughter, generosity, teaching, faith, and delicious collard greens. It was not unusual to find out that a youth who had aged out of the program had appeared on the kitchen doorstep discouraged and hungry. Bridgette would make sure they had food in their belly and a healthy dose of love, faith, re-energizing them on their journey towards healing.
After Bridgette passed away in 2014, a special fund was created in her honor. The “Heart & Soul Fund” serves to meet the medical needs of our youth that are ineligible for reimbursement by the state. For example, replacement glasses when broken, braces, hair styling and maintenance, healthcare not covered by insurance, fees to participate in school activities, and field trips. As a fitting tribute to Ms. Blackshear’s legacy, many of our own staff contribute monthly to this fund in honor of her generous and guiding spirit.
Every gift makes a difference. Choose your fund and give today.