50 S G M A G A Z I N E | FA L L 2 0 1 8 Ashley Lindsey A protector and advocate for children, Ashley Lindsay, executive director and forensic interviewer at the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Lowndes County, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for each and every child that comes to the center. In partnerships with agencies in Lowndes, Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, and Lanier counties, Lindsey works to minimize the trauma the trauma of children that are victims of abuse. She was instrumental in assisting the CAC staff and board members achieve its goal to build a new facility, which opened last year. In 2017, the CAC served 737 children and provided more than 1,200 mental health services to children and families in need. T e r r i J e n k i n s Cadence Ki d w e l l Terri Jenkins As executive director of American Red Cross of South Georgia, Terri Jenkins is responsible for volunteer recruitment and development, fundraising for humanitarian services, blood donor sponsor recruitment, community relations, and developing strategies to raise awareness about disaster preparedness in 20 South Georgia counties. Jenkins also works with the South Georgia Chapter of Red Cross to focus on recognizing community heroes. The Hometown Heroes annual award dinner helps to create an awareness of the importance of the American Red Cross and educate the community on disaster preparedness. Through the years, Hometown Heroes has showcased the extraordinary acts of individuals who have gone above and beyond the normal scope of their day-to-day job by helping others, sometimes in extremely tense situations. Cadence Kidwell Cadence Kidwell had a vision when she opened a yarn shop in downtown Thomasville. The worn out neglected building, which is now part of the community’s revitalized Creative District, is home to Fuzzy Goat, an eclectic yarn shop that has turned knitting into a popular activity for people of all ages. As a way to give back to her community, Kidwell shares her entrepreneurial spirit and knowledge with elementary school children through Fuzzy Fiber Days, which provides the children with an introduction to the rewards of being a small business owner. She also started a yarn amnesty program in 2017, where customers donate their full or partial skeins of yarn. Kidwell then takes the yarn to the Emanuel Women’s Facility in Swainsboro, where the women knit items that are donated to the Department of Family and Children Services, nursing homes, and children’s hospitals. Audrey King As regional director for Georgia Power Company, Audrey King considers her commitment to community service as an essential part of her professional and personal responsibilities. Through her work with Georgia Power, King is focused on helping the community prosper, now and in the future. Her contributions impact areas including education, economic development, non-profits, and volunteer efforts through the Citizens of Georgia Power organization. King is co-chair for One Valdosta-Lowndes, a multi-faceted and implementable strategy to guide community and economic development through the next 15 years. Partners in the strategy development include Georgia Power, Valdosta State University, City of Valdosta, Lowndes County, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, and South Georgia Medical Center. King also serves as an honorary commander at Moody Air Force Base, is a member of the Valdosta State University Foundation Board, the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Board of Directors, and the South Georgia Medical Center Foundation Board and Corporate Giving Committee chair. Audrey Kin g Ashley L i n d s e y