Grace Church Outreach Ministry: Spotlight on Funding Recipients
In 2025, the Grace Church Outreach Ministry is providing financial assistance and volunteer services to organizations across Hall County in support of initiatives that promote community well-being. Through financial contributions and hands-on support, we are helping nonprofit organizations make meaningful progress in key areas such as:
- Supporting individuals experiencing poverty and housing insecurity
- Expanding access to essential services for underserved populations
- Advancing community health and wellness
- Increasing the availability of educational opportunities
One of these organizations is Hall County Schools, which recently hosted the second annual APEX Summer Camp. This weeklong wellness camp supports middle school students currently receiving school-based or outpatient mental health care. Grace Church contributed funding to help make this vital experience possible.
The APEX Summer Camp offered a safe and nurturing environment where students could build friendships, express themselves freely, and learn healthy coping strategies. The program focused on emotional resilience, physical activity, and creative expression. Each camper received a personalized backpack filled with tools to promote ongoing self-care and mindfulness.
Each day of camp featured activities designed to support mental health, physical well-being, and emotional expression:
- Peer-building exercises and group sessions focused on self-awareness and emotional regulation
- Activities that allowed students to explore and communicate their feelings, fostering empathy and self-reflection
- Fitness and music sessions that provided powerful outlets for stress relief
- Swimming at a water park, giving students the opportunity to play and connect in a structured, supportive setting
- A visit to an adventure park that capped off the week with trampoline activities and obstacle courses, helping students link physical movement with confidence and emotional resilience
Student mental health is one of the most pressing challenges facing our community and our nation. At Grace, we are committed to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our students, educators, and parents. We look forward to more opportunities to support student wellness.
Facts on Adolescent Mental Health and the Struggle for Schools to Help
In 2023, 20% of adolescents (ages 12-17) reported having a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition, a 35% increase since 2016.
Anxiety was the most common condition reported followed by depression, and behavior/conduct problems.
Students with a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition have higher rates of absenteeism, experience more peer harassment, and have difficulty making and keeping friends.
The recommended ratio of counselors to students is 1:250. In Georgia, the average ratio is 1:432 but may be greater in rural and low-income areas.
Sources:
National Survey of Children’s Health 2023 data
National Association of Secondary School Principles
Science for Georgia 2020 data