Giving Initiatives & Alternatives Provide Inspirational Programs for Youth

By Sara Ray, Douglas County Chamber

President & CEO, Angelo Muhammad and the Board of Directors celebrated their new membership with the Douglas County Chamber with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 14.

Giving Initiatives and Alternatives (G.I.A.) is an organization dedicated to providing educational and inspirational community programs to youth and young adults. G.I.A. is located at 7274 Bankhead Highway in Douglasville. 

G.I.A., Inc. was formed in 2008 with the mission to provide children and adults with the skills they need to make responsible and positive lifestyle choices. In doing so, G.I.A. educates children about the consequences 
of the decisions they make, particularly in regards to unhealthy behaviors. A host of self-driven educational programs were designed to address everything from the learning needs of children during out of school time 
(after school programs and summer enrichment camp programs) to programs that provide guidance and cover from the pressures of growing up in this world.
 
One of G.I.A.’s signature educational programs is the Boys After-school Mentoring Programs which is designed to address the learning needs of children during out of school time. The educational programs focus on enrichment activities, mentoring recreation (sports and outdoor activities), life skills, entrepreneurship, cultural excursions (i.e. plays, concerts, museums and travel abroad) and media production activities (audio, 
photography, writing, and video productions). The goal is to have the mentoring programs funded by grants and donations, thus the program will be free or at a nominal cost to the participants. Any fee collected will be 
utilized to cover the cost of program operations, field trips, supplies, and food. 

G.I.A. is holding the Douglas County Jump Rope Challenge on November 23rd Highway. Participants will help raise funds for programming by competing in the jump rope challenge as a team or individual. Additional information on registration and sponsorships can be found on their website. 
Douglas County Chamber President & CEO, Kali Boatright, congratulated Angelo on behalf of the Chamber. “The Douglas County Chamber appreciates your membership and looks forward to seeing your organization continue to grow,” commented Boatright.

“The Chamber applauds your mission to inspire the youth in our community and is willing to help you succeed in any way we can.”

For more information on Giving Initiatives and Alternatives, visit www.givinginitiatives.org or contact Angelo at 678-715-7559 at their office on Bankhead.