Who We Are
Bloom is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in foster care. We believe that every child deserves to be seen and treated as an individual, not just a case file. We connect children with loving foster families and provide them with essential resources such as free clothing, toiletries, and school supplies. With the help of individuals, companies, and community partners each year, we are able to make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of foster children across the state of Georgia. Our goal is to create a world where every child has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
“With you beside us we can potentially reach
every child in Georgia over the next ten years.”
Becky Davenport, President & CEO
Our Mission
Empowering Georgia’s families and communities to transform the lives of children impacted by foster care.
Our Promise
Bloom’s vision for the next 10 years is to reach EVERY foster child in the state of Georgia.
Our Reach
Bloom opened its first group home in August of 1989 and began serving 12 children in Fayette County. Since then, we have significantly expanded and are now able to serve thousands of children across 136 counties in Georgia. This growth demonstrates our ongoing commitment to reach EVERY foster child in the state.
Our History
Bloom has been helping children since 1986.
1986
Bloom (formerly known as Fayette Youth Protection Homes) was founded by local resident and airline pilot Jim Friday. After serving on the jury of a domestic violence case, Jim became concerned when he discovered there was no safe place to shelter child abuse victims in the area besides a youth detention facility. Jim spearheaded a grassroots movement in Fayette County to offer abused children a safe place to live. Jim and a small group of citizens incorporated as the Fayette Youth Protection Home and began plans to raise funds to build a safe place to live for child abuse victims.
1989
The organization’s first group home, the Jim Friday Home, opened its doors in August of 1989. With accommodations for up to 12 children, the home would offer refuge to hundreds of children in need.
1998
Bloom broke ground on a second residential group home in Brooks, GA. With the opening of the Asden Johnson Home in August of 1998, program capacity doubled. The Johnson Home was similar in design to the Friday Home and provided shelter for children ages 6 through 17.
2007
Bloom created the Bloom Foster Parent Program to recruit, train, and oversee foster families. Bloom became licensed to recruit, train and support a network of family foster care homes to serve children of all ages.
2009
Bloom Executive Director, Becky Davenport, started up a free clothing resource center called The Bloom Closet in the office basement.
2013
SMC3 donated an 8,000 square foot building located at 150 Marquis Dr., Fayetteville, GA to Bloom which became the headquarters for The Bloom Closet.
2015
Bloom became licensed to serve medically fragile and therapeutic foster children, as well as pregnant (or parenting) teen girls living in foster care.
2017
Bloom launched a new program, called “Bloom University,” which trains and equips foster families to care for traumatized children.
2019
Bloom’s Foster Parenting program provided homes for more than 100 abused and neglected children, and over 4,500 foster children traveled to The Bloom Closet from 90 Georgia counties to receive free clothing and supplies. After running a successful capital campaign, Bloom opened a Volunteer & Donation Center around the corner from The Bloom Closet.
2021
Bloom purchased and launched Bloom Closet Express, a 20’ fashion delivery truck, in order to reach foster children living in underserved areas of the state.
Our Transparency
At Bloom, we understand that financial transparency is crucial to maintaining the trust of our community of supporters. Our donors can be assured that their contributions are being used in the most effective and efficient manner and can support our work with trust and confidence. Bloom’s commitment to excellence and careful financial stewardship has been recognized by the following organizations:
Candid—Bloom achieved the Platinum Seal of Transparency Rating, the highest possible rating. To view Bloom’s profile on Candid, click here.
Bloom is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation and proudly maintains an A+ rating from the Department of Human Services for excellence in program delivery.
Bloom received a 4-star rating (96% overall score). To view Bloom’s profile on Charity Navigator, click here.