ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

November 7, 2023

More than 90% of the Dogs and Cats That Entered the Shelter Last Year Were Saved

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County Animal Services (RCAS) reached ‘No-Kill’ status in 2022, according to Best Friends Animal Society’s annual data report (https://bestfriends.org/no-kill-2025/animal-shelter-statistics). This means the shelter saved more than 90% of the dogs and cats that entered the shelter last year. The Board of Commissioners (BOC) recognized Animal Services at the November 7 BOC Meeting for this accomplishment.

“I am beyond excited and proud of my team for this accomplishment, Animal Services Division Manager CiJi Baker states. Thanks to my dedicated team, wonderful leadership, animal-loving advocates, rescue groups, citizens, and a supportive BOC. I cannot wait to see what else we can accomplish. The hard work is not over. We need the continued support to further improve and work toward maintaining this status.”

Highlights of programming and steps taken for the shelter to achieve its no-kill status:

• Creation and approval of the strategic plan for Animal Services in the Spring of 2021.
• Education about our animal ordinances.
• Public education on responsible pet ownership.
• Expansion of the animal shelter.
• Increase in Social Media presence, including a new website.
• New adoption practices of pre-spay/neuter/microchipping of dogs and cats before leaving the shelter.
• Increase in staff training.

To learn more about Rockdale County Animal Services, visit www.RockdaleCountyAnimalServices.org.

• Our Vision- A future where our citizens and government work together so that every creature is compassionately cared for and has a safe place to call home.
• Our Mission- Rockdale County Animal Services division educates, enforces, and assists Rockdale County citizens and visitors with animal needs in a tactful, dignified, discreet, caring, and protective manner. As part of the mission of RCAS, the division will strive to become a “no-kill” agency.
• Our Values- Health of Animals, Quality of Life, Cooperative Accountability, Care / Cleanliness / Professionalism, Efficient use of tax dollars.

About Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the euthanasia of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by 2025. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to around 378,000. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs across the country, as well as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Working collaboratively with a network of more than 4,200 animal welfare and shelter partners and community members nationwide, Best Friends is working to Save Them All®. For more information, visit bestfriends.org.

*A 90 percent save rate is the nationally recognized benchmark to be considered “no-kill,” factoring that approximately 10 percent of pets who enter shelters have medical or behavioral circumstances that warrant humane euthanasia.

###

ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

October 31, 2023

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. –  In a prestigious ceremony held at the Augusta Marriott & Conference Center on Thursday, October 12, 2023, Judge Maureen Wood of the Rockdale County Juvenile Court was honored with the Innovative Leadership Award at the 2023 Georgia Conference on Children and Families (GCCF).

The award recognizes Judge Wood’s exceptional leadership in the field and her unwavering dedication to enhancing programs for court-involved youth and families since taking the bench in 2016. Judge Wood’s contributions were celebrated by her peers, who described her as “a leader amongst leaders.” Key accomplishments highlighted at the awards ceremony include:

• Expanding the Rockdale County Juvenile Court program offerings by implementing two additional Accountability Courts: The Family Treatment Court and Mental Health Resource Court.
• Revamping the Court’s CHINS protocol to improve its effectiveness.
• Initiating the Project GLOW girls’ group, a program designed to address the increasing number of girls in the juvenile justice system. This program focuses on self-esteem, community engagement, goal setting, and self-care through a strength-based curriculum.
• Establishing the Youth IMPACT Center Day program, which provides daily supervision and educational instruction to suspended and expelled youth.

The GCCF is Georgia’s largest annual interdisciplinary event, bringing together professionals from various disciplines and organizations dedicated to serving the state’s children and families. The conference offers specialized tracks, training sessions, and keynote presentations aimed at improving outcomes for the community’s most vulnerable individuals. Participants in the conference include representatives from child advocacy, juvenile justice, social services, behavioral health, education, legal counsel, and the faith-based community.

The theme of this year’s conference, “We are the Village,” underscores the importance of collective effort in addressing the needs of children and families in Georgia. In her acceptance speech, Judge Wood expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m humbled and honored to accept this award. I can’t take all the credit. None of this would be possible without staff and stakeholders willing to share my vision and jump in without resistance. I’m grateful to be surrounded by a village of professionals with hearts for our court-involved youth and families.”

Judge Maureen Wood’s leadership and dedication to improving the lives of court-involved youth and families in Rockdale County have not only been recognized but celebrated at this year’s GCCF, affirming her position as an exemplary figure in the field.

For more information, please contact Rockdale County Juvenile Court Clerk of Court Darlene.mitchell@rockdalecountyga.gov or at (770) 278-7777.

###

ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

October 30, 2023

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – On November 7th, at 8:30 a.m., the C.E. Steele Community Center will host a momentous event as the Rockdale County Parks & Recreation Department introduces an innovative, turnkey, community-based pedal bike-share program, appropriately named “2Wheel Fitness,” in Rockdale County.

The central idea of the 2Wheel Fitness bike-share program is to offer a unique mobility solution to both residents and non-residents. This program is designed to promote wellness, exercise, and fun while also introducing the joys of biking to previously underserved demographics in the county. The program’s pedal bike stations will be strategically located at the following community centers, all easily accessible through a user-friendly mobile app:

• Johnson Park (1781 Ebenezer Road SW)
• Wheeler Park (1400 Parker Road SE)
• C.E. Steele Community Center (1040 Oakland Avenue SE)

Through the user-friendly mobile app, Movatic, customers will enjoy a seamless experience. They can create an account, unlock a bike with a simple QR code scan upon payment confirmation, and return the bike after a pleasant and secure ride within the scenic landscapes of Rockdale County.

For additional information, please contact Johnson Park at 770-278-7295.

###

ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

October 25^th, 2023

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. hosted the Rockin’ Women of Rockdale County event to honor and recognize local women for their remarkable achievements. Nominees and their families came together for an afternoon of celebration.

The Rockin’ Woman Award recognizes exceptional commitment to work and community. The following women received the coveted award:

These remarkable women have made invaluable contributions to their community and have set a shining example for others.

These remarkable women have made invaluable contributions to their community and have set a shining example for others.

The 2023 Rockin’ Women of Rockdale Awards saw record nominations, showcasing the growing recognition of women’s achievements in Rockdale County. The event celebrated local women’s hard work, dedication, and contributions that positively impacted their community.

If you know any Rockin’ women in Rockdale County who deserve recognition, consider nominating them for the upcoming 2025 Rockin’ Women in Rockdale Awards.

###