Empowering Communities: A Path to Health, Wellness & Equity

JOIN US FOR 57TH GCAA ANNUAL T/TA CONFERENCE

July 15 - 18, 2025 | Hyatt Regency Savannah / Savannah, GA

 GAEH is excited to partner with the Georgia Community Action for this can't miss event! Join us for a unique track of GAEH workshops, fellowship and festivities with our strategic partners, and more!

Celebrating the Past, Building the Future


Experience the unparalleled charm and captivating beauty of Savannah, Georgia as we welcome you to the extraordinary 57th GCAA Annual Training and Technical Assistance Conference! Prepare to be enchanted by the enchanting ambiance of this historic city, while we come together to commemorate our glorious past and forge a path towards a promising future. Join us in this remarkable gathering as we celebrate our achievements, exchange invaluable knowledge, and lay the foundation for a prosperous tomorrow. The Georgia Community Action Association (GCAA) is proud to celebrate with our national network the birth of Community Action. Celebrating 60 YEARS (1964)!


Exhibitor Registration

Reserve Your Booth

Call For Presenters

Share Your Expertise

Conference Agenda

57th GCAA Annual TTA Conference - 2025

  • Tue, Jul 15, 2025

    Precon Day


    1:15 PM – 2:30 PM 

    Equipping Change-Makers Beyond The Streets: Case Management For Lasting Change


    Speaker: Brittany Anderson

    Support Services Coordinator | Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness (GAEH)


    This interactive training equips case managers with essential skills to support individuals experiencing homelessness in Georgia.

    Participants will learn about the different definitions of homelessness in GA, effective client engagement techniques, and how to

    navigate local resources. The session covers assessing immediate needs, serving high-barrier clients, creative problem solving, and

    best practices for client follow-up to ensure long-term stability.


    2:45 PM – 4:00 PM

    Equipping Change-Makers Beyond The Streets: Case Management For Lasting Change


    Speaker: Brittany Anderson

    Support Services Coordinator | Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness (GAEH)


    This interactive training equips case managers with essential skills to support individuals experiencing homelessness in Georgia.

    Participants will learn about the different definitions of homelessness in GA, effective client engagement techniques, and how to

    navigate local resources. The session covers assessing immediate needs, serving high-barrier clients, creative problem solving, and

    best practices for client follow-up to ensure long-term stability



    Weatherization

    Headstart

  • Wed, Jul 16, 2025

    Registration Open

    8:30 AM – 4:30 PM


    Silent Auction Open

    8:30 AM – 5:00 PM


    Opening Session

    9:00 AM – 11:00 AM


    The Power of Partnership and Leveraging for Community Engagement and Impact


    11:15 AM – 12:30 PM

    Community Engagement & Impact Proposal


    Speaker: Isaiah Zimmerman

    Community Support Director | Clayton County Community Services Authority


    This workshop explores shifting from areferral-based model to true partnerships that maximize funding, expand services, and create sustainable impact. Learn how strategic collaborations in workforce development, housing, and basic needs assistance enhance community outcomes. Discover successful partnerships, key metrics, and best practices to align resources, increase efficiency, and drive long-term change.


    Credit As An Asset

    11:15 AM – 12:30 PM


    Speaker: Diann Payne

    Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) | Mississippi Association of Community Action Agencies


    Credit As An Asset workshop helps shape participants’ understanding of the credit bureaus, credit reporting, and the  mportance and impact of the credit score on the cost of credit. The workshop will explain credit counseling opportunities for community action agencies and how it aligns with the mission of community action—helping clients achieve financial stability and success. The primary focus is

    Growing a Credit Building Community—one client at a time!


    Advancing ROMA in Georgia: Overcoming Barriers and Seizing Opportunities

    11:15 AM – 12:30 PM


    Speaker: Shawn Howell

    NCRMT/NCRI | SA Howell, LLC


    This session brings Georgia’s ROMA professionals together to discuss challenges and opportunities in implementing the Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) system. Participants will identify barriers to communication and execution, share

    experiences, and explore strategies to strengthen ROMA adoption statewide. Through collaborative dialogue, attendees will develop actionable solutions to improve performance, alignment, and impact within their agencies.



    Understanding McKinney-Vento and Rural Homelessness in Georgia

    11:15 AM – 12:30 PM


    Speaker: Whittney Mitchell

    Grants Program Consultant | Georgia Department of Education


    This workshop will familiarize attendees with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Law and its role in supporting students experiencing homelessness across Georgia. Attendees will explore the unique challenges faced by students in rural communities and examine the impact of homelessness on education. Through discussion and collaboration, participants will gain strategies to enhance support systems within their districts and communities .


    Lunch (on your own)

    12:45 PM – 1:45 PM


    AI Command Centers: Turning Digital Assistant into 24/7 Staff Multipliers

    2:00 PM – 3:15 PM 

    Location: Scarborough 4


    Speaker: Walter Fordham

    CEO/Founder | SmartQuest Technology


    Improving Organizational Performance: Strategies for Success

    2:00 PM – 3:15 PM


    Speaker: Jennifer Simon

    Partner | C&A Consulting

    Stress Less with Meditation & Acoustic Sound


    This workshop is designed to help organizational leaders and teams identify areas for growth and implement strategies for sustainable performance improvement. Through a combination of practical frameworks, case studies, and interactive discussion, participants will

    learn to assess their current organizational effectiveness, develop key performance indicators, and create actionable plans that align with their mission and goals. The session emphasizes data-driven decision-making and adaptive leadership to drive measurable success.


    Speaker: Selina Dominguez

    Founder & President | Thrive Enterprises

    2:00 PM – 3:15 PM


    Attend an experiential workshop to learn tools and techniques and experience the benefits of meditation and acoustic sounds to lessen stress's physical, mental, and emotional impacts. During the session, you will learn the basics of meditation and its benefits. You will

    also experience gentle, soothing sound waves from acoustic instruments surrounding the room that help relax the body, calm the mind, clear the subconscious, and activate the body's natural healing systems


    From Intake to Impact: Elevating Case Management Services

    2:00 PM – 3:15 PM


    Speaker: Dr. Chris-Lee Lizaire-Ganthier

    Founder | Pelagie Resource Center


    This interactive workshop explores the fundamentals of effective case management, including client intake, assessment, service planning, documentation, and advocacy. Participants will gain practical tools and strategies to improve outcomes, strengthen community partnerships, and navigate complex support systems with confidence and compassion. Ideal for new and experienced professionals

    serving vulnerable populations


    Unlocking Your Potential: Understanding Temperament for Workplace Success

    2:00 PM – 3:15 PM


    Speaker: Angela Howell

    COO | SA Howell, LLC


    Why do you connect easily with some coworkers but struggle with others? This interactive workshop explores  temperament types and how they shape communication and teamwork. Through self-assessment and discussion, participants will gain insight into their own

    temperament and learn strategies to improve collaboration, reduce conflict, and enhance workplace interactions. Whether you're a leader or team member, this session provides practical tools to navigate diverse work styles effectively.


    Why Federal Reform of the Homelessness Assistance Program is Necessary and How Cicero’s State-Based

    Innovations Can Help

    2:00 PM – 3:15 PM


    Speaker: Paul Webster

    Visiting Fellow | Cicero Institute


    This presentation will discuss the federal Continuum of Care Homelessness Assistance Program and identify its failure in reducing homelessness at the national, state, and local levels.


    Funding Options for Employee Benefits Programs

    3:30 PM – 4:45 PM

    Location: Scarborough 4


    Speaker: Ben Black

    Employee Benefits Consultant | Assured Partners


    Future-Focused Client Services: Cultivating a 360-Degree Approach for Impact and Growth

    3:30 PM – 4:45 PM


    Speaker: Jennifer Simon

    Partner | C&A Consulting


    Our clients and their needs are constantly evolving, and our services must adapt accordingly. This presentation will guide you through the steps to do 360-degree assessments on your clients and community, identify your unique program strengths, and refine your approach to client and community services. Learn strategies to effectively leverage your team and organization's strengths to amplify your impact on clients and communities


    Cultivating Wellness & Well-being

    3:30 PM – 4:45 PM


    Speaker: Selina Dominguez

    Founder & President | Thrive Enterprises


    Create an environment that supports and encourages health, wellness, and well-being. A place that fosters individuals to feel more valued, happier, healthier, more motivated, productive, and engaged as they inspire others to do the same. Sadly, 43% of adults in GA report symptoms of burnout, anxiety, and depression. Attend an interactive workshop, learn tools and techniques that can be applied today, and begin creating wellness and well-being that transcend the workplace to the community


    Building Capacity for Advocacy

    3:30 PM – 4:45 PM


    Speaker: Tonya Winters

    Georgia State Director | National Parents Union


    A workshop designed to elevate our community advocacy, from grassroots organizing to legislative action. Empowering attendees with the tools, skills, and resources needed to navigate systems affecting parents and families in their communities. It spans multiple levels, from local grassroots efforts to state and federal legislative work, with a focus on collaborative engagement and advocacy


    AI for Impact: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Empower Nonprofits

    3:30 PM – 4:45 PM


    Speaker: Patricia Wilson-Smith

    CEO | Online Media Interactive, LLC


    AI is transforming nonprofits, especially those serving communities of color, by boosting efficiency, reach, and impact. Yet, many struggle with understanding AI’s role, available tools, and ethical adoption. This session offers a clear AI introduction, practical use cases, and strategic insights. Attendees will learn how to leverage AI for fundraising, engagement, and operations while ensuring data privacy and ethical use, leaving with actionable steps to align AI with their mission


    Unlocking Growth: Mindset, Motivation, and Leadership at Every Level

    3:30 PM – 4:45 PM


    Speaker: Angela Howell

    COO | SA Howell, LLC


    Success isn’t just about skills—it’s about mindset and motivation. This session explores growth mindset and intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation to foster accountability and continuous improvement for enhanced leadership at any level. Through hands-on activities,

    participants will learn to take initiative, overcome challenges, and become influential problem-solvers. Walk away with practical strategies to elevate your impact, inspire others, and drive team success


    Creating Opportunities in the Midst of Chaos

    3:30 PM – 4:45 PM


    Speaker: Colleen Higgins

    Pharmacist / Speaker / Author | Scripta Insights


    This session supports leaders in understanding how to maintain focus, vision, and momentum in the midst of change, conflict, and uncertainty. Using tools of adaptive leadership and authentic engagement, participants will explore how to lead effectively—even in

    environments of disruption—and leave with practical strategies for empowering their teams, protecting their energy, and fueling transformation




  • Thur, Jul 17, 2025

    Registration Open

    8:30 AM – 4:30 PM


    Silent Auction Open

    8:30 AM – 5:00 PM


    Opening Session

    9:00 AM – 11:00 AM


    The Power of Partnership and Leveraging for Community Engagement and Impact


    11:15 AM – 12:30 PM

    Community Engagement & Impact Proposal


    This workshop explores shifting from areferral-based model to true partnerships that maximize funding, expand services, and create sustainable impact. Learn how strategic collaborations in workforce development, housing, and basic needs assistance enhance community outcomes. Discover successful partnerships, key metrics, and best practices to align resources, increase efficiency, and drive long-term change.


    Speaker: Isaiah Zimmerman

    Community Support Director | Clayton 


    County Community Services Authority

    Credit As An Asset

    11:15 AM – 12:30 PM


    Credit As An Asset workshop helps shape participants’ understanding of the credit bureaus, credit reporting, and the importance and impact of the credit score on the cost of credit. The workshop will explain credit counseling opportunities for community action agencies and how it aligns with the mission of community action—helping clients achieve financial stability and success. The primary focus is

    Growing a Credit Building Community—one client at a time!


    Speaker: Diann Payne

    Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) | Mississippi Association of Community Action Agencies


    Advancing ROMA in Georgia: Overcoming Barriers and Seizing Opportunities

    11:15 AM – 12:30 PM


    This session brings Georgia’s ROMA professionals together to discuss challenges and opportunities in implementing the Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) system. Participants will identify barriers to communication and execution, share

    experiences, and explore strategies to strengthen ROMA adoption statewide. Through collaborative dialogue, attendees will develop actionable solutions to improve performance, alignment, and impact within their agencies.


    Speaker: Shawn Howell

    NCRMT/NCRI | SA Howell, LLC


    Understanding McKinney-Vento and Rural Homelessness in Georgia

    11:15 AM – 12:30 PM


    This workshop will familiarize attendees with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Law and its role in supporting students experiencing homelessness across Georgia. Attendees will explore the unique challenges faced by students in rural communities and examine the impact of homelessness on education. Through discussion and collaboration, participants will gain strategies to enhance support systems within their districts and communities .


    Speaker: Whittney Mitchell

    Grants Program Consultant | Georgia Department of Education


    Lunch (on your own)

    12:45 PM – 1:45 PM


    AI Command Centers: Turning Digital Assistant into 24/7 Staff Multipliers

    2:00 PM – 3:15 PM

    Location: Scarborough 4


    Speaker: Walter Fordham

    CEO/Founder | SmartQuest Technology


    Improving Organizational Performance: Strategies for Success

    2:00 PM – 3:15 PM


    This workshop is designed to help organizational leaders and teams identify areas for growth and implement strategies for sustainable performance improvement. Through a combination of practical frameworks, case studies, and interactive discussion, participants will

    learn to assess their current organizational effectiveness, develop key performance indicators, and create actionable plans that align with their mission and goals. The session emphasizes data-driven decision-making and adaptive leadership to drive measurable success.


    Speaker: Jennifer Simon

    Partner | C&A Consulting


    Stress Less with Meditation & Acoustic Sound

    2:00 PM – 3:15 PM


    Attend an experiential workshop to learn tools and techniques and experience the benefits of meditation and acoustic sounds to lessen stress's physical, mental, and emotional impacts. During the session, you will learn the basics of meditation and its benefits. You will

    also experience gentle, soothing sound waves from acoustic instruments surrounding the room that help relax the body, calm the mind, clear the subconscious, and activate the body's natural healing systems


    Speaker: Selina Dominguez

    Founder & President | Thrive Enterprises


    From Intake to Impact: Elevating Case Management Services

    2:00 PM – 3:15 PM


    This interactive workshop explores the fundamentals of effective case management, including client intake, assessment, service planning, documentation, and advocacy. Participants will gain practical tools and strategies to improve outcomes, strengthen community partnerships, and navigate complex support systems with confidence and compassion. Ideal for new and experienced professionals

    serving vulnerable populations


    Speaker: Dr. Chris-Lee Lizaire-Ganthier

    Founder | Pelagie Resource Center


    Unlocking Your Potential: Understanding Temperament for Workplace Success

    2:00 PM – 3:15 PM


    Why do you connect easily with some coworkers but struggle with others? This interactive workshop explores temperament types and how they shape communication and teamwork. Through self-assessment and discussion, participants will gain insight into their own

    temperament and learn strategies to improve collaboration, reduce conflict, and enhance workplace interactions. Whether you're a leader or team member, this session provides practical tools to navigate diverse work styles effectively


    Speaker: Angela Howell

    COO | SA Howell, LLC


    Why Federal Reform of the Homelessness Assistance Program is Necessary and How Cicero’s State-Based

    Innovations Can Help

    2:00 PM – 3:15 PM


    This presentation will discuss the federal Continuum of Care Homelessness Assistance Program and identify its failure in reducing homelessness at the national, state, and local levels.


    Speaker: Paul Webster

    Visiting Fellow | Cicero Institute


    Funding Options for Employee Benefits Programs

    3:30 PM – 4:45 PM

    Location: Scarborough 4


    Speaker: Ben Black

    Employee Benefits Consultant | Assured Partners


    Future-Focused Client Services: Cultivating a 360-Degree Approach for Impact and Growth

    3:30 PM – 4:45 PM


    Our clients and their needs are constantly evolving, and our services must adapt accordingly. This presentation will guide you through the steps to do 360-degree assessments on your clients and community, identify your unique program strengths, and refine your approach to client and community services. Learn strategies to effectively leverage your team and organization's strengths to amplify your impact on clients and communities


    Speaker: Jennifer Simon

    Partner | C&A Consulting


    Cultivating Wellness & Well-being

    3:30 PM – 4:45 PM


    Create an environment that supports and encourages health, wellness, and well-being. A place that fosters individuals to feel more valued, happier, healthier, more motivated, productive, and engaged as they inspire others to do the same. Sadly, 43% of adults in GA report symptoms of burnout, anxiety, and depression. Attend an interactive workshop, learn tools and techniques that can be applied today, and begin creating wellness and well-being that transcend the workplace to the community


    Speaker: Selina Dominguez

    Founder & President | Thrive Enterprises


    Building Capacity for Advocacy

    3:30 PM – 4:45 PM


    A workshop designed to elevate our community advocacy, from grassroots organizing to legislative action. Empowering attendees with the tools, skills, and resources needed to navigate systems affecting parents and families in their communities. It spans multiple levels, from local grassroots efforts to state and federal legislative work, with a focus on collaborative engagement and advocacy


    Speaker: Tonya Winters

    Georgia State Director | National Parents Union


    AI for Impact: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Empower Nonprofits

    3:30 PM – 4:45 PM


    AI is transforming nonprofits, especially those serving communities of color, by boosting efficiency, reach, and impact. Yet, many struggle with understanding AI’s role, available tools, and ethical adoption. This session offers a clear AI introduction, practical use cases, and strategic insights. Attendees will learn how to leverage AI for fundraising, engagement, and operations while ensuring data privacy and ethical use, leaving with actionable steps to align AI with their mission


    Speaker: Patricia Wilson-Smith

    CEO | Online Media Interactive, LLC


    Unlocking Growth: Mindset, Motivation, and Leadership at Every Level

    3:30 PM – 4:45 PM


    Success isn’t just about skills—it’s about mindset and motivation. This session explores growth mindset and intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation to foster accountability and continuous improvement for enhanced leadership at any level. Through hands-on activities,

    participants will learn to take initiative, overcome challenges, and become influential problem-solvers. Walk away with practical strategies to elevate your impact, inspire others, and drive team success


    Speaker: Angela Howell

    COO | SA Howell, LLC


    Creating Opportunities in the Midst of Chaos

    3:30 PM – 4:45 PM


    This session supports leaders in understanding how to maintain focus, vision, and momentum in the midst of change, conflict, and uncertainty. Using tools of adaptive leadership and authentic engagement, participants will explore how to lead effectively—even in environments of disruption—and leave with practical strategies for empowering their teams, protecting their energy, and fueling transformation


    Speaker: Colleen Higgins

    Pharmacist / Speaker / Author | Scripta Insights

  • Fri, Jul 18, 2025

    Breakfast

    7:30 AM – 8:45 AM


    Closing Session

    9:00 AM – 11:00 AM


    Prizes & Recognition: Adjourn and Close

    11:00 AM – 11:30 AM