ATLANTA, GA— One of the tragedies resulting from an individual consumed with substance abuse is the loss of parental rights and, worse, the loss of children’s trust. However, when children see they have a bike left by Santa Claus, it not only brings a smile to their faces. It also helps erode their fear of disappointment with their parent.
This year, the Covington-Conyers Cycling Club (C4) coordinated with Judge Nancy Bills, Rockdale Superior Court, and Accountability Drug Court to provide 36 bikes to court participants ensuring their children could wake up with a smile Christmas morning. In addition, Marchman Consulting donated six bicycles for children in the court system experiencing very sad hardships.
Judge Bills stated that C4’s contributions provided many with a moment they will cherish while helping the court participants with additional benefits. She further offered that she is not surprised by C4’s generosity due to their previous efforts to provide adult bikes and maintenance, including transportation for employment opportunities. Judge Bills concluded, “All I have to do is ask, and someone like Tim is there to fix or make sure the bike is safe.”
C4’s President, Eddie Shirey observed that any time a child is given a bike, “you going to get more than a smile.” A child with a bike can experience freedom while participating in a healthy activity. He also wanted to offer a “big thank you” to all the club members who volunteered to pick up and deliver bikes, provide general maintenance, and clean the bikes for the children. He concluded, “this does not happen without the members’ willingness.”
Lastly, Marchman offered that any activity helping separate kids from time-consuming technology and playing outside is a good day. It is worth the effort. If you want to discover more about cycling and C4, visit https://www.c4cycling.com or search for them on Facebook. For more information on the positive effects of accountability treatment court, visit https://www.nadcp.org, in which the Rockdale programs are active participants.
Marchman Consulting helps communities make an impact with data analysis, grant development, implementation, and evaluation for sustainability efforts for a variety of programs. An example is the alcohol risk management (ARM) measures, such as Marchman’s award-winning RASS training program. Validation of his success, Marchman was the recipient of the Office of Victims of Crime 2022 Victims’ Rights Award presented by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on the Washington Mall. More information is available at www.marchmanconsulting.com or 678-203-8784.
