When Davenport first started at Fayette Youth Protection Homes, the organization served approximately 25 kids in Fayette County. Under her leadership, Bloom has experienced remarkable growth and now supports thousands of children each year across 136 counties in Georgia. As a lifelong advocate for children in foster care, Davenport looks back with gratitude at Bloom’s evolution.

What was Fayette Youth Protection Homes like when you first started in 2004?

When I started my position as Executive Director back in 2004, the Fayette Youth Protection Homes operated two residential group homes for foster children. The Jim Friday Home was located on the northern side of Fayette County and the Asden Johnson Home was located on the southern end in Brooks. At that time, our organization provided shelter and services to approximately 25 to 30 foster children each year with priority to serve Fayette County children. Back then, placement of foster children into group homes was considered best practice, and our community wholeheartedly embraced our mission to create a better future for these children. I was very fortunate to have inherited a well-run organization with a solid infrastructure as well as a groundswell of support from people and board members who passionately believed in our cause.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as President and CEO of Bloom?

Not long after I began working for Fayette Youth Protection Homes, the Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS), began phasing out the placement of children into group home care in favor of placement into private foster care homes. Because of declining referrals to group homes, over time, the Friday Home and the Johnson Home stayed half-full. Our community has always been extremely supportive and attached to the two homes. It was a difficult and somewhat scary decision to shut down the homes in favor of launching our foster care program and later the Bloom Closet, and there were some people in our community who were not happy with that decision. In the end, though, it was the best decision we could have made, and we are now able to extend our reach and services beyond what we ever dreamed possible. Had we not been willing to take a risk and reinvent ourselves, even to the point of renaming the organization and creating a new business model for operations, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Why did you choose the name “Bloom?”

We chose the name “Bloom” because it connotes a sense of joy and hopefulness that points to the core of our mission: to restore safety and dignity to foster children and facilitate their healing. Despite their circumstances, foster children can achieve their God given potential, and can “bloom.” From the beginning, I have said that because “Bloom” is such an unconventional name for a nonprofit, that we are going to have to do big things to live up to the name!

How did the idea for the Bloom Closet come about and how much it has grown since it initially began?

The Bloom Closet had the humblest of beginnings. The original intent was to use our unfinished office basement as a place to store and organize donated items for the children at our two homes as well as share these blessings with other foster children in our county. We opened the closet in December 2009, and that first year we served around 100 children. From the very beginning, the program just snowballed. Our big break came in 2013 when SMC3, a transportation logistics company, bought an 8,000 square-foot building and gave us the keys to the building, beginning a rent-free 25-year lease. Having that extra space gave us the means to dream big, and once we moved into the building, we churned out a 30percent annual growth rate as far as numbers of children served. Additionally, with the extra space we were able to create this fun, boutique-like environment that made the children feel special and let them know they were safe and among people who care. This past year, we served 6,500 foster children from 136 Georgia counties through the Bloom Closet and the Bloom Closet Express, and we opened an additional location in Rome, GA.

What is one of your proudest accomplishments while here at Bloom?

The times when it becomes very clear that the trajectory of a child’s life has been changed for the better are when I get my biggest sense of accomplishment. I think back on individual stories over the years…when a child or a sibling group finds their forever family, when a teen goes on to college or a middle schooler finally learns to read; when a child feels alone in the world and we are able to provide him or her comfort in the form of a pair of shoes that fit, new pajamas, or presents under the Christmas tree. It is hard to pick one of those stories because they are all equally important, but these stories are the most meaningful and proudest moments of my career here at Bloom.

Where do you see Bloom in the next five to ten years?

We are in the process of executing a 10-year strategy to reach every child in foster care in the state of Georgia through the Bloom Closet. This exciting new program, called Bloom Direct, will eventually allow foster children and families statewide the opportunity to order clothing and daily living essentials through our website and have the items shipped directly to their location. We just started a pilot program for Bloom Direct in DFCS Region 9 which is an area of our state which lacks access to resources. It is an exciting time for Bloom, and I can’t wait to see this plan unfold!

During their visit to The Bloom Closet, one of the girls spotted a pair of trendy Hoka tennis shoes and asked if she was allowed to choose that pair of shoes.

“I told her that if they fit, those shoes are yours,” said Bloom Closet Rome Program Coordinator Devon Smyth.

The teenage girl, who will be entering 8th grade, sat down on the floor and tried them on. They fit her perfectly, and she was so excited she asked if she could keep them on and wear them home. She then turned to our staff and made the statement, “Now the girls at school won’t make fun of me because I have the same brand of shoes as they do.” It moved the Bloom team to know that this was probably her first pair of shoes that she felt confident in.

After finding shoes, clothes, and other items for camp, the family noticed two pink suitcases in the general store area. When the grandmother was told she could have either one, she teared up. She shared that they had been able to raise the money for the girls to go to camp and thanks to Bloom Closet, get the clothes and toiletries needed, but she had no idea what bag the girls would use to pack all of their items. She was thrilled to have a new suitcase for the girls and touched by the generosity of the Bloom Closet.

“I was so happy we were able to serve this family and it made me realize that we will be walking alongside many families with all sorts of needs and stories here in Rome,” said Smyth.

This family made a lasting impression on Bloom staff, highlighting the joy of helping foster children in need and supporting meaningful experiences—like a trip to camp.

“The opening of our Rome facility marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide localized support for foster children,” said Becky Davenport, CEO of Bloom. “Our goal is to keep children in their communities where they can thrive and heal surrounded by familiar environments.”

Bloom’s expansion into Rome represents an important step in addressing the growing needs of foster children in northwest Georgia. With nearly 800 children requiring services in the region and almost half placed elsewhere in the state, Bloom’s presence will provide much-needed local support. By offering foster children a supportive environment close to home, Bloom aims to reduce the trauma of displacement.

The integration into Rome is strengthened by Bloom’s collaboration with local partner Restoration Rome, a community-driven initiative led by Co-Founders Jeff and Mary Margaret Mauer. Their dedication to family restoration services has paved the way for Bloom to seamlessly integrate and expand its impact in Rome.

“As Bloom embarks on this new chapter, we invite the Rome community to support our mission of nurturing every child’s potential,” said Bloom Board Chairman Vince Williams. “Whether through fostering, volunteering, donating, or advocacy, every individual can help create a brighter future for vulnerable children and families.”

“We are thrilled to have celebrated Bloom Ball’s 20th anniversary at the Georgia Aquarium with such a tremendous turnout,” said Bloom CEO Becky Davenport. “Sponsors and attendees of the Bloom Ball not only enjoyed a fun night out but, most importantly, helped make a tremendous impact in the lives of foster children.”

Bloom would like to thank all our guests, volunteers, and sponsors for making this event possible. Without their contributions, the overall success of the event would not have been possible. Funds raised through the Bloom Ball propel Bloom’s mission to provide safe, nurturing foster homes, clothing, toys, school supplies, and other necessities for thousands of foster children across Georgia. Stay tuned for more information on Bloom’s other fundraising event that will take place this fall.

“This spacious facility will support our efforts to expand and enable Bloom to help more foster children across the state of Georgia,” said Director of Operations Gina Licwinko. “We are committed to utilizing this new space to its full potential and are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our organization and the children we serve.”

If you are interested in volunteering at the new warehouse, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Brittany Anderson at b.anderson@bloomouryouth.org.

That’s why we want to assure our donors that they are making a meaningful contribution to a nationally accredited and fiscally responsible organization. We strive to ensure that your meaningful contributions are used in the most effective and efficient way possible. Donors can support Bloom’s work with trust and confidence, as we have received several recognitions that highlight our exceptional work.

Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating
Bloom received the highest possible rating from Charity Navigator, which illustrates our commitment to accountability and highlights how we pursue our mission in a fiscally responsible way. This designation means that we exceed industry standards and outperform most charities. Only one-quarter of evaluated charities receive this distinction.

Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency
Bloom has been honored with the prestigious Platinum Seal of Transparency Rating from Candid, the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. This rating places Bloom in the top 0.1% of charities nationally in terms of transparency, a distinction that only a select few organizations can claim. This accomplishment underscores our unwavering commitment to sharing open and honest information about our goals and impact with the public.

Council on Accreditation
Bloom is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), a prestigious organization that sets standards for quality in behavioral healthcare. This designation is not easily obtained, requiring an 18-month, rigorous process. We are proud to have received this accreditation in early 2021 and are currently in the process of renewing it for 2025.

Bloom is honored to have received these recognitions, which demonstrate our commitment to excellence. We are eager to take these extra steps to ensure that your funds are put to the best use possible. Your support has allowed Bloom to serve more than 6,800 children and provide 23,000 days of care.

Please donate to Bloom and make a difference in the life of a foster child.

That was the case for Sarah, who had a long history of abuse and tremendous trauma before entering the care of a Bloom Foster Family. At first, Sarah had severe anger issues, could not form meaningful relationships, and was very unstable. As an educator, her foster mom, Lisa, had a strong understanding of child development and the devastating impact that trauma and abuse can cause. She knew that she could help Sarah, but it was going to take time and persistence.

Being employed in this “helping profession” equipped Lisa with the resiliency necessary to weather the ups and downs of foster parenting. Lisa also sought to frequently educate herself on all things related to trauma and caring for children by actively participating in regularly scheduled trauma-informed training through Bloom University. As her parental capacity continued to grow, her passion for helping Sarah inspired her to seek additional therapeutic interventions to help address the trauma this young child was dealing with. After some extensive research, Lisa decided to travel to Florida to attend a three-day seminar called Narrative Exposure Training (NET), designed to treat survivors of multiple and complex trauma.

Using her trauma-informed training and techniques she learned during the seminar, Lisa has seen a significant improvement in Sarah’s behavior, and her previous traumas have begun to heal. Sarah is now learning to manage her anger, is starting to form meaningful relationships with her foster family, and has found stability in a safe and loving home.

Lisa, who always goes above and beyond for the children she cares for, was recognized in March as Bloom’s Foster Parent of the Month. It’s because of foster parents like Lisa that Bloom is able to make a powerful impact on the lives of foster children.

If you or someone you know is looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in a child’s life, consider fostering a child. Learn more.

Renowned WSB-TV Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz will also play a special part in the Bloom Ball program. His dedication to helping others through Brad’s Coat Drive aligns perfectly with Bloom’s mission to provide clothing and essentials to foster children.

Bloom Ball wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our event sponsors. Companies like SMC3, Georgia Power, Piedmont, Amerigroup, and Chick-fil-A have already shown their commitment to Georgia’s foster children by sponsoring the event. If your business is interested in becoming a sponsor, you still have time. For more information on sponsorships, contact Development Director Stephanie King at 770.460.6652 x 312 or s.king@bloomouryouth.org.

By attending the Bloom Ball, you can enjoy a fun night out for a good cause. All proceeds from the event will go towards providing clothing and essentials to foster children. Help us make a difference in the lives of Georgia’s foster children, purchase your Bloom Ball tickets today!

Georgia Power not only provides financial aid through grants and sponsorships, but their employees volunteer their time at Bloom. In addition, Bloom is fortunate to have a representative from Georgia Power, Eric Arnold, join the board this year.

“Having Eric on the board has been instrumental in strengthening our partnership with Georgia Power,” said Bloom CEO Becky Davenport. “We are grateful to Georgia Power for supporting Bloom in so many ways. They are an excellent example of the kind of collaboration we hope to have with all our corporate partners.”

Georgia Power’s commitment goes beyond financial and board support. They recently volunteered to help at Bloom’s new warehouse located at 150 Huddleston Road. Additionally, they have hosted collection drives to provide clothing and essentials for the Bloom Closet.

“Engagement at the board level embodies the profound commitment to service and stewardship that we hold dear at Georgia Power,” said Board Member Eric Arnold. “This partnership reflects our core values of integrity, trust, and respect for the dignity of every individual. I’m delighted to work for a company that leverages every opportunity to lead by example and to show that when we bring our values to life, we can make a profound difference in the world, one child at a time.”

If you’re interested in getting your business involved with Bloom, please contact Development Director Stephanie King at 770.460.6652 x 312 or s.king@bloomouryouth.org.

Bloom University provides caregivers and professionals with the knowledge and skills required to effectively address the complex needs of foster youth and other youth in the general population who have experienced trauma or are struggling with mental health issues. By integrating evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, caregivers can create a supportive environment that is conducive to the healing and growth of these children. Additionally, enhanced training fosters a deeper understanding of the underlying psychological challenges faced by youth, enabling caregivers to respond with empathy and resilience.

“Through workshops, seminars, and practical training sessions, we are empowering families to implement best practices and interventions tailored to the individual needs of each child in their care,” said Katie New, EdD, LMSW, RN, Bloom University clinical director.

“By fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, Bloom University seeks to elevate the standard of care provided to Georgia’s foster children, ultimately enhancing their well-being and prospects for a brighter future.”

As the demand for trauma-informed care continues to grow, investing in the professional development of foster parents and foster care staff becomes increasingly critical. By prioritizing training and education, Bloom is taking proactive steps to address the evolving needs of vulnerable youth to ensure they receive the support and care they deserve.