ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

January 9^th, 2024

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – On December 6th, 2023, at Conyers City Hall, Rockdale County Juvenile Court Judge Maureen E. Wood was awarded the distinguished “Bud” Cody Community Impact Award. This prestigious accolade celebrates exceptional dedication to community betterment, recognizing individuals whose unwavering commitment, innovation, and drive have fostered enduring positive change within their communities.

The award, named in honor of James A. “Bud” Cody, renowned for his 46-year tenure as Executive Director of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, Director of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, and Secretary of the Sheriffs’ Retirement Fund, annually honors those whose efforts resonate with profound impact and lasting influence.

Judge Maureen E. Wood joins a distinguished list of recipients, including notable figures such as First Lady of Georgia Marty Kemp, Community Advocate Mona Franklin, Superior Court Judge Nancy Bills, and City Manager Tony Lucas.

The 2023 commendation also extended to Pastors Ray and Barbara Muse of Bread of Life Development Ministries, underscoring their unwavering dedication and tireless contributions to community advancement.

Judge Wood has received local and statewide recognition for her efforts both inside and outside the courtroom. She was the 2023 recipient of the Georgia Conference on Children and Families Innovative Leadership Award and received Rockdale/Newton Citizen 2023 Best of the Best Awards for best Community Leader and Politician.

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ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. –  The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners proudly announces the approval of the Equal Business Opportunity Program (EBO) during its voting session on December 12th. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering inclusivity and fairness in procurement processes within the county.

Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr., expressed the county’s commitment, stating, “I want to emphasize to our citizens and the community that we not only stand as an equal opportunity employer but also as an Equal Business Opportunity advocate. It is crucial that we foster an environment where everyone, both in our workforce and local businesses, has an equal chance to thrive and contribute to the prosperity of our community.”

Commissioner Washington Post 1 commented on the county’s progress, stating, “The strides we’ve made as a county have been truly remarkable. With the recent approval of the Equal Business Opportunity (EBO), the trajectory of our county’s future is poised for even greater success.”

Commissioner Williams, Post 2, highlighted the importance of outreach, saying, “It is crucial to connect with businesses that are currently underutilized, ensuring they are well-informed about upcoming initiatives and the avenues available for their active involvement in major projects and beyond.”

The EBO Program establishes comprehensive guidelines, policies, and procedures aimed at maximizing contracting opportunities with Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). This includes small enterprises, minority-owned businesses, women-owned enterprises, veteran-owned establishments, and those owned by individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

Under this program, Rockdale County will spearhead the development and implementation of targeted strategies, outreach programs, and inclusive initiatives. The objective is to actively engage HUBs in the county’s contracting processes, thereby enhancing local business prospects and promoting overall economic development.

In support of the EBO Program, Rockdale County will conduct outreach activities such as participation in trade fairs, hosting specialized business workshops, organizing pre-bid conferences, and disseminating information about this newfound opportunity. The Board of Commissioners strongly believes that promoting, encouraging, and utilizing HUBs will bring significant economic and community benefits to Rockdale County.

The approval of the EBO Program symbolizes a progressive stride towards a more inclusive and thriving Rockdale County.

For further information, visit Rockdalecountyga.gov/

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ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

November 8^th, 2023

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – In accordance with the nationwide recognition of National Adoption Month, with November 18th designated National Adoption Day, Rockdale County Government proudly joins this observance, increasing awareness and promoting action to provide permanent, nurturing homes for children in need.

Rockdale County Juvenile Court Judge Maureen Wood has undertaken proactive measures to enhance the lives of children in foster care and fortify our community. To realize this vision, Judge Maureen Wood has established collaborative partnerships with the Law Office of Felita Cornog and the Georgia Department of Human Services (Rockdale County Division of Family & Children Services) to host a commemorative event in honor of National Adoption Day.

These organizations cordially invite the community to participate in this event on Friday, November 17th, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Restoration Storehouse, 1400 Parker Rd SE, Conyers, GA 30094.

The event, an informal and open-door gathering, provides an opportunity to understand the urgent need for foster and adoptive homes in Rockdale County and explore the available resources. Attendees will be educated on diverse avenues to contribute to the cause, even if they cannot serve as foster or adoptive parents.

Judge Maureen Wood emphasizes, ” People are surprised to hear that when children are placed into foster care, they are often also removed from their schools, churches, and neighborhoods and placed in different communities throughout the state. We have an abundance of caring and concerned citizens but a shortage of foster and adoptive homes in Rockdale County. I want to change that.”

The event will feature representatives from private child placement agencies and adoption agencies, delivering invaluable information and addressing queries related to private adoptions. The following agencies will be in attendance:

• Rockdale County Juvenile Court (Judge Maureen Wood)
• Law Office of Felita Cornog (Felita Cornog, Adoption Attorney)
• Georgia Department of Human Services (Division of Family & Children Services)
• Community Connections (Private Child Placement Agency)
• Rockdale CASA
• Rockdale County Clerk of State and Superior Courts (Janice Morris)
• Foster and Adoptive Parents with lived experience

For additional information about this event or inquiries regarding fostering and adoption in Rockdale County, please contact Juvenile Court at (770) 278-7777.

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