Reception Center Coming to North Georgia Angel House

A Cherokee County nonprofit serving girls and young women in foster care is getting a new reception center, and is asking for help in funding the project.

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted July 2 to approve a request from the Saint Agnes Foundation of North Georgia Angel House Inc. to rezone about 0.51 acres of property from agriculture to office and institutional to build a reception center at 2256 Sam Nelson Road near Canton.

The property is next to North Georgia Angel House, at 2258 and 2260 Sam Nelson Road.

A requirement for a deceleration lane has been eliminated as part of this approval, and a variance to the minimum district development standards to reduce a required 65-foot front building setback to 31 feet was also approved.

A 1,459-square-foot home that sits on the property will be demolished and rebuilt as the reception center, with a look similar to homes on the North Georgia Angel House campus, according to the nonprofit’s application. Additional parking will be added.

“The North Georgia Angel House is embarking on an important project — the construction of a Reception Center,” Susan Worsley, executive director and CEO of The North Georgia Angel House, told the Tribune via email. “This new addition will not only streamline traffic and visitors, but more importantly, it will provide a safe and private space for our children to have therapy, family visits, and connect with other stakeholders.”

The interior of the building will have private offices for family visits, and the kitchen will be used as a break room, county documents show. The living room will be used as a reception area, the bathroom will be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, and the back porch will be used for accepting donations.

“We need your support to make this project a reality,” Worsley said. “Currently, it is not funded, which means that the cost of the Reception Center will come from our budget and local sponsors. We believe that with the help of our compassionate community, we can create a space that truly impacts the lives of our children.”

Worsley added that those interested in donating to the organization can visit angelhousega.com or visit the campus.

“Every contribution, big or small, will make a significant difference,” she said. “We are immensely grateful to HomeAid Atlanta, Taylor Morrison Eric Waycaster, Mr. (Thomas) Trawick of Zoning and Planning, and the leadership of the Board of Commissioners for their support in helping us meet this crucial need. Together, we can provide our children with the care and resources they deserve. Let us join hands and create a brighter future for them. Your generosity and compassion will make a lasting impact on their lives, and we are deeply grateful for your support.”

North Georgia Angel House provides shelter, school, transportation, life skills, financial literacy and several other services to girls and young women in the foster care system.

“Angel House continues to do good work up there, and this worked out great for them to be able to buy this piece of property right in the middle of their area,” Commissioner Steve West said at the July 2 meeting.

The organization is currently working on replacing the campus’ garage that will become a “she-shed” for yoga and fitness, Worsley said.