June Local Spotlight | Adventure Bags
We are thrilled to feature Adventure Bags and their amazing CEO, Misty Manus. Misty shares her inspiring story of compassion and dedication, having served in various leadership roles before becoming the first full-time Executive Director of Adventure Bags, Inc. in 2022. Founded in 2011, Adventure Bags provides essential items and comfort to children during their first 24-48 hours of displacement, partnering with numerous agencies to support vulnerable children in Georgia.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am Misty Manus, a Barrow County native, and my husband Chris and I have fostered children for a decade, adopting three. I have served as President of the Barrow County Foster/Adoptive Parent Association and a CASA Volunteer. I’ve participated in leadership programs like the 2023-2024 Leadership Barrow Class and the Orchard Institute Leadership Class, showcasing my commitment to personal and community growth. Since Adventure Bags, Inc.'s inception in 2011, I’ve been involved, starting as Fundraiser Coordinator, progressing to a Board Member, and eventually becoming Volunteer Executive Director in 2019. In 2022, I became the organization's first full-time Executive Director, leading efforts to aid children in traumatic situations. Additionally, I contribute to the Winder Noon Lions Club, embodying a life of service and compassion.
Q: Tell us about Adventure Bags
Adventure Bags is an organization dedicated to providing comfort and support to children facing traumatic events in their lives. Founded in 2011, Adventure Bags aims to offer a sense of security and belonging to children in crisis situations. These situations could include displacement due to factors like fires, legal issues, accidents, or homelessness.
The organization works in partnership with various agencies and organizations, including the Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS), domestic violence shelters, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, homeless shelters, and others serving vulnerable children in Georgia.
Adventure Bags provide essential items and comfort items to children during the initial 24-48 hours of displacement. These bags typically include items such as toiletries, stuffed animals, blankets, and other items to provide a sense of familiarity and comfort during a difficult time.
Through the organizations dedication and the support of volunteers and partners, Adventure Bags continues to make a positive impact on the lives of children in crisis throughout Georgia.
Q: What inspired the start of Adventure Bags?
Our founder, Debbie Gori, and her daughter, Tracey McMahon, founded the organization based on an experience Tracey had while working as a case manager for the Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Service.
In August of 2011, Tracey was asked to pick up a sibling group of 3 in Las Angelos. They had their possessions in garbage bags ready to meet her and two of her colleagues at the LAX airport. Unfortunately, the middle one fell ill, therefore, they had to spend the night in LA. Due to this, Tracey and her colleagues found themselves at the airport gift shop purchasing whatever was needed to care for these children overnight.
Tracey shares how she watched their attitude and demeanor change immediately when they got the backpacks, and she saw how the items purchased, a blanket, coloring book, hygiene supplies, stuff animals, and a small toy for each meant so much to them. These backpacks helped build a rapport and help the unknown a little easier for the children.
After returning home, Tracey knew that something had to be done. She and her mom, Debbie Gori, worked to start Adventure Bags, Inc. During this, Tracey realized that these backpacks served 2 purposes: 1. They provided overnight essentials and comfort items to children in crisis situations 2. They also empower caretakers and assist in building a rapport and a level of comfort to the child during this uneasy time.
Q: What resources and assistance do you provide to the community?
Adventure Bags provides essential resources and assistance to the community, particularly to children facing traumatic events and crises. Some of the resources and assistance offered by Adventure Bags include:
1. Adventure Bags: These are filled backpacks containing overnight essentials and comfort items tailored to meet the immediate needs of children during the first 24-48 hours of displacement. These bags typically include items such as toiletries, stuffed animals, blankets, and other comforting items.
2. Partnering with Agencies: Adventure Bags collaborates with various agencies and organizations that serve vulnerable children in the community. These partnerships ensure that Adventure Bags reach children in need through channels such as the Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS), domestic violence shelters, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, homeless shelters, and more.
3. Support for Children in Crisis: Adventure Bags aims to provide a sense of security and comfort to children facing traumatic events. By offering them something to call their own and reminding them that someone, somewhere cares about them, Adventure Bags seeks to alleviate the emotional burden experienced by children during challenging times.
4. Community Engagement: Adventure Bags actively engages with the community to raise awareness about the needs of children in crisis and to garner support for its mission. Through outreach efforts, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising initiatives, Adventure Bags mobilizes community members to contribute to the well-being of vulnerable children.
Overall, Adventure Bags plays a vital role in supporting children and families during times of crisis by providing essential resources, comfort, and a sense of stability when they need it most.
Q: What areas do you serve?
Adventure Bags serves children in need throughout Georgia, particularly in areas where children may face traumatic events or crises. The organization partners with various agencies and organizations across the state to ensure that Adventure Bags reach children in need wherever they may be. Some of the areas served by Adventure Bags include:
1. Urban Centers: Adventure Bags provides support to children in urban areas, including cities like Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and Macon, where there may be higher rates of homelessness, domestic violence, and other crises affecting children.
2. Rural Communities: Adventure Bags extends its services to children in rural communities throughout Georgia, where access to resources and support services may be limited.
3. Suburban Areas: Children in suburban areas also benefit from Adventure Bags' assistance, as they may still face challenges such as displacement due to fires, legal issues, or other emergencies.
4. Throughout the State: Adventure Bags aims to reach children in need across the entire state of Georgia, working with a network of partner agencies and organizations to ensure that no child goes without support during a traumatic event or crisis.
Overall, Adventure Bags' mission is to provide comfort and security to children facing difficult circumstances, regardless of their location within the state of Georgia.
Q: How can the community get involved?
There are several ways the community can get involved with Adventure Bags and support its mission of providing comfort and security to children in need:
1. Volunteer: Community members can volunteer their time and skills to help assemble Adventure Bags, organize fundraising events, or assist with outreach efforts. Volunteering provides an opportunity to directly impact the lives of children in crisis and contribute to the organization's efforts.
2. Donate: Donations of funds, toiletries, stuffed animals, blankets, and other essential items are always welcome. Financial contributions help Adventure Bags purchase supplies and expand its reach to more children in need. (See itemized list attached)
3. Organize Fundraising Events: Community members can organize fundraising events such as bake sales, charity walks, or online fundraisers to raise funds for Adventure Bags. Hosting an event provides an opportunity to engage the community and raise awareness about the organization's mission.
4. Spread Awareness: By sharing information about Adventure Bags with friends, family, and community members, individuals can help raise awareness about the needs of children in crisis and encourage others to get involved.
5. Partner with Adventure Bags: Businesses, schools, churches, and other organizations can partner with Adventure Bags to support its mission. Partnerships can include hosting donation drives, providing space for volunteer activities, or sponsoring events.
Community involvement plays a crucial role in supporting Adventure Bags' efforts to provide comfort and security to children facing traumatic events. By volunteering, donating, organizing events, spreading awareness, and partnering with the organization, community members can make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children in Georgia.
Q: Do you have any upcoming events?
Our next major fundraiser will be held in the Fall. Annually we host a benefit motorcycle ride to raise awareness and funds to assist with our mission. This event is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Winder Moose Lodge.
Q: What’s good in your life?
My family, faith, health, and the ability and passion to serve others.
Thank you for sharing your organization with us, Misty!
If you’re interested in learning more about Adventure Bags or interested in volunteering reach out via the Adventure Bags website.
If you're a local business owner or know a local business or service deserving recognition, please email us the details!
*Photos from Adventure Bags website