Linda Godin likes to talk about young people who run the risk of falling through the cracks as "at-opportunity," not at-risk.
Linda Godin, director of Future Achievers of Butts County, likes to talk about young people who run the risk of
falling through the cracks as "at-opportunity," not at-risk.
Frankie Willis, founder of Future Achievers, labels herself a former "at-opportunity" kid. When Frankie first
met Brandon Watts, he was a high school sophomore and a stock boy. While he loaded her car, Frankie asked what
he planned to do after graduation. When Brandon replied he was not sure about college, Frankie immediately gave
him her card.
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A few weeks later, she met with Brandon and his mom to get him involved in Future Achievers. "I offered Brandon
guidance and advice," Frankie recalls, "helping him set goals and realizing the steps to make it happen."
Brandon began working for Frankie at The Village at Indian Springs. "I learned that even if you live in a
small town, there are endless possibilities," Brandon explains.
This December, Brandon will receive his associate's degree in business from Griffin Tech. While in school,
he also works for the Georgia State Patrol as a communications operator and is training to be a trooper.
Frankie expresses her gratitude, "Thanks to the support provided by United Way, we have formalized a method
to reach our objectives. We want at-opportunity kids to learn that no matter the situation, you can overcome
and rise above the circumstances."
Future Achievers of Butts County enriches "at-opportunity" students with learning experiences that are
not often apparent and available
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